World Krill Day – Celebrating Tiny Giants of the Southern Ocean
Every year on 11 August, World Krill Day draws global attention to the small but mighty Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba)—a cornerstone of the Southern Ocean ecosystem. For decades, the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) has played a role in advancing krill research, from early expeditions that mapped their distribution and seasonal abundance, to long-term monitoring of how environmental change impacts their population dynamics. Historical studies conducted on board research vessels such as the SA Agulhas have built a foundation of knowledge on krill biology, diet, and role in supporting predators like penguins, seals, and whales. These efforts have helped inform sustainable fishing guidelines and contributed to international collaborations through the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR).
Today, SANAP’s scientists continue to track krill populations using modern acoustic survey techniques, satellite-linked oceanographic data, and advanced modelling to understand how sea ice shifts and warming waters may affect their future. Current projects explore krill’s role in the carbon cycle and their resilience to environmental stress, while future research aims to integrate genetic studies to assess population connectivity across the Southern Ocean. By combining historical data with cutting-edge science, SANAP is helping to safeguard this keystone species—and, in turn, the health of the entire Antarctic ecosystem.
On this World Krill Day, we celebrate not just the species itself, but the decades of South African research dedicated to understanding and protecting it.
Documents and references available on ALSA Repository
MPA Day, shines a spotlight on the importance of Marine Protected Areas in ocean conservation, sustainable development, and the well-being of communities across the globe. The date—1 August—honours the momentous 2019 declaration of 20 new or expanded MPAs in South Africa. Since then, MPA Day has grown into a United Nations Ocean Decade-endorsed international movement.
The Prince Edward Islands MPA: South Africa’s Sub-Antarctic Treasure: In the remote reaches of the Southern Ocean lies one of South Africa’s most unique and ecologically valuable MPAs—the Prince Edward Islands Marine Protected Area, comprising the volcanic Marion Island and the smaller Prince Edward Island. Together, they represent South Africa’s only sub-Antarctic territory, rich in biodiversity and scientific significance. Declared in 2013, this MPA protects 30% of South Africa’s Southern Ocean territory, encompassing 80% of its marine ecosystem diversity. These waters are a haven for marine life—from krill and Patagonian toothfish to charismatic top predators like seals, seabirds, and killer whales.
Every year on April 25th, we celebrate International Penguin Day—a global reminder of the unique role penguins plays in our planet’s ecosystems. These birds are not just symbols of the icy South—they are indicators of ocean health and climate change. From the sub-Antarctic islands to the Antarctic continent itself, penguins serve as sentinels of the sea, helping scientists track environmental shifts that affect us all.
South Africa plays a vital role in this mission through its National Antarctic Programme (SANAP), which supports long-term ecological research at key sites such as Gough Island, Marion Island, and Antarctica. These research stations are crucial hubs for studying penguin populations like the Northern Rockhopper on Gough Island and the Macaroni penguins on Marion Island. Scientists monitor breeding patterns, foraging behaviour, and survival rates—data that provide early warnings about oceanic changes. In Antarctica, SANAP researchers study Adélie and Emperor penguins, whose survival is intimately tied to the health of sea ice and krill populations.
By investing in these research efforts, South Africa not only contributes to global conservation science but also highlights the importance of protecting our shared polar heritage. This International Penguin Day let’s celebrate the science that keeps these beloved birds waddling into the future.
The Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at the University of Pretoria is offering one suitably qualified candidate an opportunity to spend a year on Marion Island to measure various aspects of the impact of the house mouse on the diversity and function of the terrestrial ecosystems of Marion Island. This work will entail collecting baseline data, mostly on invertebrates and plants. (Photo Credit: Michelle Greve)
Each August 1st, we recognize the invaluable contribution of marine protected areas to ocean health and biodiversity. These underwater sanctuaries are vital for safeguarding our planet’s precious marine life and ecosystems. Here at the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP), we understand the critical role Marin Protected Areas (MPA) play in preserving the pristine waters of the Southern Ocean.
SANAP’s Commitment to Conservation
Your Role in Ocean Conservation
Relevant Documents:
The Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) has announced that “Marine Protected Areas – Safeguarding our Oceans” is to be its theme for this year’s 
