by Ria Olivier | Sep 4, 2026 | Announcement, Marion Island, Overwintering Team
Another chapter in South Africa’s sub-Antarctic presence begins with the Marion 83 Overwintering Team, who will live and work together on Marion Island during 2026 and 2027. The team brings together a diverse range of skills and responsibilities, supporting the continued operation of the research station as well as important environmental monitoring and scientific research on the island. Their work ranges from meteorology, engineering and communications to medical support, conservation and long-term monitoring of Marion Island’s seabirds and seals.
Image caption: Marion 83 Overwintering Team. The team will spend till next year on Marion Island supporting South Africa’s scientific research, environmental monitoring and station operations in the sub-Antarctic. We wish the Marion 83 team a safe, productive and memorable time on Marion Island and look forward to sharing their work and experiences during their overwintering period.
Team members: Londani Rambau – DFFE Senior Environmental CO ; Asive Tyawana – SAPRI Sealer; Sibusisile Kheswa – DFFE Birder and Deputy Team Leader; Yinhla Shihlomule – SAPRI Sealer; Mihle Tshangana – SAWS Assistant Meteorological Technician; Marc Limbert – SAPRI Sealer; Asiphe Tsokotsiyana – SAWS Assistant Meteorological Technician; Mlungisi Mkhwanazi – SAWS Senior Meteorological Technician; Rhiannon Gill – SAPRI Birder; Shani Fourie – SAPRI Birder; Willy Rahophala – DFFE Base Engineer; John Skelete – DFFE Diesel Mechanic; Lola Singo – MFM Mouser; Mbalentle Twetwa – DFFE Communications Engineer; Sandile Nkebe – DFFE Medical Orderly and Team Leader; Mpumelelo Mabutyana = DFFE Field Assistant – Birder; Kamva Nose – DFFE Assistant Environmental CO; Santjie du Toit – MFM Mouser; Tara Naeser – SAPRI Field Assistant – Killer Whaler and Jonathan Campbell – SANSA Electronics Engineer(right not in team picture)
Welcome, Marion 83 – we wish you a successful time on Marion Island!
Blogpost will soon be on Antarctic Legacy of South Africa website featuring departure from CAPE Town harbour.
by Ria Olivier | Jul 9, 2026 | Marion Island, Research, SANAP, Science, Uncategorised
How Seabirds Reveal a Changing Climate. The skies above the Southern Ocean are home to some of the world’s most remarkable travellers. Wandering albatrosses soar effortlessly across thousands of kilometres, while penguins, petrels and skuas brave some of the harshest weather conditions on Earth. These seabirds are not only iconic symbols of Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic—they are also important indicators of the health of our oceans. One of the research projects supported by the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP), “Interactive Effects of Multiple Stressors and Environmental Change on Seabird Breeding Performance,” investigates how environmental changes are affecting seabird populations. Scientists study breeding success, chick growth, feeding behaviour and survival to better understand how birds respond to changing conditions in the Southern Ocean.
Seabirds depend on healthy marine ecosystems to find food. Changes in sea surface temperatures, ocean currents and sea ice influence where fish, squid and krill can be found. At the same time, seabirds face additional pressures from pollution, invasive species, fisheries interactions and increasingly unpredictable weather. These multiple stressors can combine to affect breeding colonies in ways that are often difficult to predict. Many of SANAP’s long-term studies take place on Marion Island, where researchers monitor nesting birds year after year. By returning to the same colonies over decades, scientists can detect gradual changes that would otherwise go unnoticed. Long-term monitoring provides valuable information about population trends and helps distinguish between natural fluctuations and the effects of climate change.
The findings from this research extend far beyond Antarctica. Because seabirds occupy the top of the marine food web, changes in their behaviour often reflect broader changes occurring throughout the Southern Ocean ecosystem. Their health can provide early warning signs of shifts in ocean productivity that may ultimately influence global climate systems and marine biodiversity. By understanding how seabirds respond to environmental change today, researchers can help guide conservation efforts for tomorrow. The knowledge gained through SANAP supports international agreements that protect vulnerable species and contributes to global efforts to conserve the Southern Ocean for future generations.
Did You Know? The wandering albatross has the largest wingspan of any living bird—reaching up to 3.5 metres. Using powerful ocean winds, it can travel thousands of kilometres without flapping its wings for extended periods.
Why This Matters –Healthy seabird populations indicate healthy oceans. By monitoring these remarkable birds, SANAP scientists gain valuable insights into the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems, helping policymakers and conservation organisations make informed decisions to protect biodiversity.
Call to Action –Every seabird has a story to tell about the health of our oceans. Follow the SANAP National Science Month series as we continue exploring the incredible science taking place across Antarctica, the sub-Antarctic islands and the Southern Ocean.
by Ria Olivier | Apr 24, 2026 | International Days, Marion Island, Ornithology, Research
As we mark World Penguin Day on 25 April 2026, the South African National Antarctic Programme continues to play a vital role in advancing our understanding of penguin species across the Southern Ocean. Through long-term research led by dedicated scientists and field assistants, especially on Marion Island and Gough Island, SANAP contributes critical insights into penguin ecology, behaviour, and responses to environmental change. These efforts are further enriched by the invaluable visual contributions archived by the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa—images that bring science to life and enhance the impact of SANAP’s outreach on platforms like blogs and Facebook.
Feature (& above) photos(enhanced) contributed by Jeanne Nel (Hurford) member of Marion 53 1996-1997
Macaroni Penguin: The Macaroni penguin is one of the most abundant penguin species studied within SANAP-supported regions, including Marion Island. Recognisable by its striking yellow-orange crest, this species forms vast breeding colonies that can number in the millions, offering researchers unique opportunities to study population dynamics and ecosystem interactions. Feeding primarily on krill and small marine organisms, macaroni penguins are also impressive divers, capable of reaching depths of up to 100 metres. SANAP researchers monitor their breeding success and foraging behaviour to better understand the health of subantarctic marine ecosystems.
Emperor Penguin: The Emperor penguin, the largest of all penguin species, is a true symbol of Antarctic resilience. Although primarily found on mainland Antarctica rather than Marion or Gough Island, SANAP-affiliated research contributes to broader Antarctic ecosystem studies that include this iconic species. Adapted to survive extreme temperatures as low as −60°C, emperor penguins exhibit remarkable breeding behaviour, with males incubating eggs on their feet during the harsh winter months. Their ability to dive to depths exceeding 500 metres continues to fascinate scientists studying physiological adaptation and survival in extreme environments.
King Penguin: The King penguin is a prominent feature of Marion Island’s wildlife and a key focus of SANAP research. With their distinctive orange neck patches and large body size, king penguins form dense breeding colonies that provide valuable data on population trends and climate variability. Notably, they have the longest breeding cycle of any penguin species, lasting over a year, which makes them particularly sensitive to environmental changes. Researchers on Marion Island closely track their foraging patterns and breeding success to assess shifts in ocean conditions and prey availability.
Rockhopper Penguin:The Rockhopper penguin, known for its energetic movements and spiky yellow crest, is a charismatic species found on Marion Island and other subantarctic locations. Its name comes from its habit of hopping across rocky terrain, often breeding on steep slopes that challenge both the birds and the researchers studying them. SANAP teams monitor their populations closely, as rockhopper penguins are considered vulnerable to environmental pressures. Their diet of krill, squid, and crustaceans links them directly to ocean health, making them important indicators in marine research.
Adélie Penguin: The Adélie penguin is a classic Antarctic species commonly found along the icy coastline. While not resident on Marion or Gough Island, it remains an important part of SANAP’s broader Antarctic research scope. Easily identified by the white ring around its eye, the Adélie penguin builds pebble nests on rocky ground and relies heavily on krill as a food source. Long-term monitoring of Adélie populations helps scientists understand the impacts of sea ice changes and climate variability on Antarctic ecosystems.
The accompanying infographic can also serve as a useful educational tool for learners, helping children engage with these remarkable species in their school projects.
by Ria Olivier | Apr 21, 2026 | Antarctica, Environment, Gough Island, International Days, Marion Island, Prince Edward Island, Research, Science, Southern Ocean, sub-Antarctic
Earth Day is commemorated annually on 22 April and is one of the largest global environmental movements. In 2026, the theme “Our Power, Our Planet” highlights the importance of civic action, community engagement, and collective responsibility in addressing environmental challenges. For the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP), Earth Day is not only a moment of reflection, but also a celebration of ongoing scientific research, conservation efforts, and the people who make this work possible.
Why Earth Day Matters! SANAP’s vision to understand, develop, and conserve the Antarctic, sub-Antarctic, and Southern Ocean environments aligns directly with the principles of Earth Day. These remote regions are critical to the health of our planet. They regulate global climate systems, support unique biodiversity, and provide essential insights into environmental change. Research is vital in a world where environmental risks continue to dominate global concerns and research conducted through SANAP contributes to:
- Understanding climate change and its global impacts
- Protecting fragile sub-Antarctic ecosystems
- Monitoring marine and terrestrial biodiversity
- Supporting sustainable environmental stewardship
SANAP scientists and researchers work in some of the most extreme environments on Earth, studying ocean systems, atmospheric processes, wildlife ecology, and environmental change. Their work contributes to international scientific knowledge and informs global responses to climate challenges. Equally important are the support personnel who ensures that research can be conducted safely and effectively. Earth Day is an opportunity to recognise the collective effort required to sustain Antarctic science.
Earth Day reminds us that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility. While SANAP operates in remote regions, the insights gained have global relevance. Healthy ecosystems—from the Antarctic to Southern Ocean currents—play a crucial role in climate regulation, biodiversity, and human wellbeing. The 2026 focus on civic mobilisation and community action reinforces the idea that meaningful change comes from both scientific understanding and public engagement. Within the SANAP community, Earth Day is a time to:
- Reflect on the importance of Antarctic and ocean research
- Celebrate the contributions of scientists and support teams
- Promote awareness of environmental conservation
- Inspire continued commitment to protecting our planet
By advancing knowledge and supporting conservation, SANAP contributes to a global effort to safeguard Earth’s future.
by Ria Olivier | Mar 23, 2026 | Antarctica, Commemorative Days, Gough Island, Marion Island, Meteorology
Each year on 23 March, World Meteorological Day marks the establishment of the World Meteorological Organization in 1950 and celebrates the vital role of meteorology in safeguarding lives and livelihoods. For South Africa, this global effort is strengthened by the work of dedicated meteorologists stationed in some of the most remote environments on Earth—SANAE IV, Marion Island and Gough Island. From these isolated bases, scientists continuously monitor atmospheric conditions, contributing critical data that feeds into both national forecasting systems and global climate models.
At SANAE IV in Antarctica, meteorologists record weather patterns that influence global circulation systems. Meanwhile, at Marion Island and Gough Island, teams track rapidly changing weather in the Southern Ocean and South Atlantic—regions known for their powerful storms and complex climate interactions. Their observations help improve the accuracy of forecasts, support maritime and aviation safety, and deepen our understanding of climate variability. This work ensures that South Africans remain informed and prepared, even when the weather systems affecting them originate thousands of kilometres away.
Beyond daily forecasts, the long-term datasets collected at these stations are essential for detecting climate trends and understanding future risks. By maintaining a continuous presence in these key locations, SANAP contributes to a global network of meteorological observation that underpins climate science and resilience planning. On World Meteorological Day 2026, we recognise the commitment of these teams who, far from home, play a crucial role in keeping South Africa—and the world—connected to the ever-changing atmosphere.
by Ria Olivier | Mar 3, 2026 | Antarctica, Gough Island, International Days, Invasion Biology, Mammology, Marion Island, Ornithology, Prince Edward Island, Research
Every year on 3 March, the world celebrates World Wildlife Day, recognising the extraordinary diversity of life and the need to conserve it. For South Africa, this commitment extends far beyond the mainland — to the remote sub-Antarctic and Antarctic regions where SANAP conducts research and conservation work and plays a vital role in understanding and protecting some of the world’s most unique ecosystems.
Macaroni Penguin on Marion Island getting ready for World Wildlife Day – Otto Whitehead
Guardians of the Sub-Antarctic: The Prince Edward Islands — comprising Marion Island and Prince Edward Island — are globally significant biodiversity hotspots, they host thriving populations of seabirds and marine mammals, including King, Macaroni, Gentoo, and Rockhopper penguins, several Albatross and Petrel species, Southern Elephant seals and Antarctic Fur seals and Killer whales. SANAP-supported researchers monitor wildlife populations to detect changes linked to climate variability, ocean conditions, and human impacts. Long-term datasets collected over decades allow scientists to track breeding success, foraging behaviour, migration patterns, and survival rates.
These islands are also a Special Nature Reserve — South Africa’s highest level of environmental protection — ensuring strict conservation management. Ongoing efforts include the monitoring ecosystem health, studying predator-prey relationships, investigate the effects of climate change on sub-Antarctic food webs and managing invasive species. The eradication of invasive species and strict biosecurity controls are among conservation projects that protect these fragile ecosystems from human-introduced threats.
Macaroni Penguin on Marion Island enjoying World Wildlife Day – Otto Whitehead
Through science, conservation management, and responsible environmental practices, SANAP continues to protect these extraordinary environments for future generations. On this World Wildlife Day, we reaffirm our commitment to understanding, conserving, and championing life at the edge of the Earth. We celebrate the resilience of life in extreme environments, the dedication of researchers working in extreme conditions and South Africa’s role in polar science and environmental stewardship.
- Video Credit: Otto Whitehead
- Feature background image credit: Ben van der Walt
Another chapter in South Africa’s sub-Antarctic presence begins with the Marion 83 Overwintering Team, who will live and work together on Marion Island during 2026 and 2027. The team brings together a diverse range of skills and responsibilities, supporting the continued operation of the research station as well as important environmental monitoring and scientific research on the island. Their work ranges from meteorology, engineering and communications to medical support, conservation and long-term monitoring of Marion Island’s seabirds and seals.
Team members: Londani Rambau – DFFE Senior Environmental CO ; Asive Tyawana – SAPRI Sealer; Sibusisile Kheswa – DFFE Birder and Deputy Team Leader; Yinhla Shihlomule – SAPRI Sealer; Mihle Tshangana – SAWS Assistant Meteorological Technician; Marc Limbert – SAPRI Sealer; Asiphe Tsokotsiyana – SAWS Assistant Meteorological Technician; Mlungisi Mkhwanazi – SAWS Senior Meteorological Technician; Rhiannon Gill – SAPRI Birder; Shani Fourie – SAPRI Birder; Willy Rahophala – DFFE Base Engineer; John Skelete – DFFE Diesel Mechanic; Lola Singo – MFM Mouser; Mbalentle Twetwa – DFFE Communications Engineer; Sandile Nkebe – DFFE Medical Orderly and Team Leader; Mpumelelo Mabutyana = DFFE Field Assistant – Birder; Kamva Nose – DFFE Assistant Environmental CO; Santjie du Toit – MFM Mouser; Tara Naeser – SAPRI Field Assistant – Killer Whaler and Jonathan Campbell – SANSA Electronics Engineer(right not in team picture)
How Seabirds Reveal a Changing Climate. The skies above the Southern Ocean are home to some of the world’s most remarkable travellers. Wandering albatrosses soar effortlessly across thousands of kilometres, while penguins, petrels and skuas brave some of the harshest weather conditions on Earth. These seabirds are not only iconic symbols of Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic—they are also important indicators of the health of our oceans. One of the research projects supported by the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP), “Interactive Effects of Multiple Stressors and Environmental Change on Seabird Breeding Performance,” investigates how environmental changes are affecting seabird populations. Scientists study breeding success, chick growth, feeding behaviour and survival to better understand how birds respond to changing conditions in the Southern Ocean.
Seabirds depend on healthy marine ecosystems to find food. Changes in sea surface temperatures, ocean currents and sea ice influence where fish, squid and krill can be found. At the same time, seabirds face additional pressures from pollution, invasive species, fisheries interactions and increasingly unpredictable weather. These multiple stressors can combine to affect breeding colonies in ways that are often difficult to predict. Many of SANAP’s long-term studies take place on Marion Island, where researchers monitor nesting birds year after year. By returning to the same colonies over decades, scientists can detect gradual changes that would otherwise go unnoticed. Long-term monitoring provides valuable information about population trends and helps distinguish between natural fluctuations and the effects of climate change.
Call to Action –Every seabird has a story to tell about the health of our oceans. Follow the SANAP National Science Month series as we continue exploring the incredible science taking place across Antarctica, the sub-Antarctic islands and the Southern Ocean.
Feature (& above) photos(enhanced) contributed by Jeanne Nel (Hurford) member of Marion 53 1996-1997 
Macaroni Penguin: The Macaroni penguin is one of the most abundant penguin species studied within SANAP-supported regions, including Marion Island. Recognisable by its striking yellow-orange crest, this species forms vast breeding colonies that can number in the millions, offering researchers unique opportunities to study population dynamics and ecosystem interactions. Feeding primarily on krill and small marine organisms, macaroni penguins are also impressive divers, capable of reaching depths of up to 100 metres. SANAP researchers monitor their breeding success and foraging behaviour to better understand the health of subantarctic marine ecosystems.
Emperor Penguin: The Emperor penguin, the largest of all penguin species, is a true symbol of Antarctic resilience. Although primarily found on mainland Antarctica rather than Marion or Gough Island, SANAP-affiliated research contributes to broader Antarctic ecosystem studies that include this iconic species. Adapted to survive extreme temperatures as low as −60°C, emperor penguins exhibit remarkable breeding behaviour, with males incubating eggs on their feet during the harsh winter months. Their ability to dive to depths exceeding 500 metres continues to fascinate scientists studying physiological adaptation and survival in extreme environments.
Rockhopper Penguin:The Rockhopper penguin, known for its energetic movements and spiky yellow crest, is a charismatic species found on Marion Island and other subantarctic locations. Its name comes from its habit of hopping across rocky terrain, often breeding on steep slopes that challenge both the birds and the researchers studying them. SANAP teams monitor their populations closely, as rockhopper penguins are considered vulnerable to environmental pressures. Their diet of krill, squid, and crustaceans links them directly to ocean health, making them important indicators in marine research.
Why Earth Day Matters! SANAP’s vision to understand, develop, and conserve the Antarctic, sub-Antarctic, and Southern Ocean environments aligns directly with the principles of Earth Day. These remote regions are critical to the health of our planet. They regulate global climate systems, support unique biodiversity, and provide essential insights into environmental change. Research is vital in a world where environmental risks continue to dominate global concerns and research conducted through SANAP contributes to:
SANAP scientists and researchers work in some of the most extreme environments on Earth, studying ocean systems, atmospheric processes, wildlife ecology, and environmental change. Their work contributes to international scientific knowledge and informs global responses to climate challenges. Equally important are the support personnel who ensures that research can be conducted safely and effectively. Earth Day is an opportunity to recognise the collective effort required to sustain Antarctic science.
Earth Day reminds us that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility. While SANAP operates in remote regions, the insights gained have global relevance. Healthy ecosystems—from the Antarctic to Southern Ocean currents—play a crucial role in climate regulation, biodiversity, and human wellbeing. The 2026 focus on civic mobilisation and community action reinforces the idea that meaningful change comes from both scientific understanding and public engagement. Within the SANAP community, Earth Day is a time to:
