by Ria Olivier | Aug 12, 2025 | Announcement, Ecology, Environment, Invasion Biology, Jobs, Marion Island, Mice Eradication, Microbiology, Research
Postdoctoral Fellowship: Understanding Mouse Impacts on Sub-Antarctic Marion Island at Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria. (image: Otto Whitehead)
An exciting postdoctoral fellowship is offered on our South African National Antarctic Programme project “Towards a comprehensive understanding of impacts of the invasive house mouse on the terrestrial biodiversity of Marion Island”. Sub-Antarctic Marion Island is one of the most isolated landmasses globally. The house mouse invaded the island in the early 1800s, and its impacts are manifold, and intensifying under climate change. This project aims to fill gaps in understanding mouse impacts on the island, with the purpose of informing the planned mouse eradication. This position will provide exciting opportunities to work on excellent long-term and/or spatially well-sampled datasets and inform island management.
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Additionally, opportunities to collaborate locally and internationally exist within this project. We are looking for a candidate with expertise in one or several of the following, or related fields: community ecology, isotope ecology, entomology, botany, trait ecology; or with an ability to learn the necessary skills. Their primary responsibility will be conducting and leading research into one or several of these themes. Opportunities for student supervision and teaching also exist.
Closing Date : 29 August 2025
by Ria Olivier | Aug 9, 2025 | Antarctica, Gough Island, Humanities, International Days, Legacy, Marion Island, SANAE, Southern Ocean, Women in Science
Celebrating the Women of SANAP this Women’s Month
Ukubhiyozela Amabhinqa SANAP kule Nyanga Yabafazi
Sibungaza Abesifazane SANAP Kule Nyanga Yabesifazane
Ho Keteka Basali SANAP Kgweding ya Basadi
Ons Vier die Vroue van SANAP in Vrouemaand
Each year on the 9th of August, South Africans of all backgrounds, races and cultural groups join together in celebrating National Women’s Day. This significant day, and the month of August as a whole, offers us the opportunity to honour the remarkable women who continue to shape the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP). From overwintering team members braving the extremes of Antarctica, Marion and Gough Islands, to the researchers expanding our understanding of climate, ocean, and biodiversity systems — their contributions are integral to SANAP’s mission.
We also pay tribute to the women behind the scenes: administrators, logistics coordinators, construction workers, and technical staff who ensure the success of every expedition and the operation of our remote bases. These women embody resilience, leadership, and innovation in one of the world’s most challenging environments.
As we celebrate Women’s Month, SANAP proudly acknowledges and thanks all women — past and present — whose dedication and excellence drive our programme forward.
by Ria Olivier | Aug 5, 2025 | Jobs, Marion Island, Ornithology, Overwintering Team, Uncategorised
Now Recruiting: Field Birder Assistants for Marion Island 2026–2027!
Do you dream of working with seabirds in one of the most remote and ecologically important locations on Earth? The South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) is calling for two passionate and resilient individuals to join a pioneering research expedition to Marion Island as Field Birder Assistants for the 2026–2027 overwintering team.
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Successful candidates will spend over a year (April 2026 – May 2027) stationed on Marion Island, a sub-Antarctic territory and vital breeding ground for seabirds and marine mammals. This unique opportunity offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to contribute to long-term conservation efforts and seabird monitoring in a truly wild and isolated environment.
CLOSING DATE 25 AUGUST 2025
As a Field Birder Assistant, your role will include:
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Conducting biological research, fieldwork, and monitoring activities in line with detailed work plans developed by the project managers.
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Making independent decisions in the field regarding work priorities and protocols, often in challenging and unpredictable conditions.
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Handling seabirds, including both adults and chicks, with empathy, care, and attention to minimizing stress or harm to the animals.
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Maintaining accurate records and databases, ensuring all data is well-organized and up to date.
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Reporting regularly to project managers and providing progress updates on fieldwork and research activities.
by Ria Olivier | Jul 31, 2025 | International Days, Marine Protected Area, Marion Island, Prince Edward Island, SANAP
Today, on Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day, we join a growing global community in celebrating the ocean’s incredible biodiversity and the sanctuaries that safeguard it. This year’s theme, “Ocean Protection Needs Human Connection”, is a powerful reminder that the health of our oceans is inseparably linked to the actions and commitment of people.
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.
Marion Island is more than just a rugged sub-Antarctic outpost—it is a living laboratory and sanctuary:
- Home to 40% of the world’s wandering albatrosses
- Teeming with millions of penguins, albatrosses, petrels, and seals
- Hosts unique benthic (seafloor) ecosystems found nowhere else in South Africa
- Provides essential feeding grounds for top predators
- A permanent weather station contributes vital data for monitoring climate change in the Southern Ocean
While the marine protections are robust, terrestrial threats persist. Invasive house mice, introduced in the 1800s, have devastated native invertebrates and seabird populations. The Mouse-Free Marion Project, aims to eradicate these invaders and restore the island’s fragile ecosystem. This year’s theme “Ocean Protection Needs Human Connection”—resonates deeply with the work being done at Marion Island. Scientists, conservationists, and policymakers must collaborate to protect this unique MPA. But the connection goes even deeper: through awareness, education, and support, every person has a role to play in safeguarding the ocean.
On MPA Day, we not only celebrate these protected places
we commit ourselves to ensuring they thrive for generations to come.
Feature photo credit Ben van der Walt – Antarctic Legacy of South Africa repository
by Ria Olivier | Jun 19, 2025 | Antarctica, Environment, Gough Island, International Days, Marion Island, Mice Eradication, Ornithology
19 June 2025 marks World Albatross Day, a global celebration of these magnificent seabirds whose wide wingspans and far-ranging flight paths have long captured the imagination of sailors, scientists, and nature lovers alike. For South Africa, and particularly for the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP), this day highlights not only the beauty and ecological importance of albatrosses—but also the urgent need to protect them.
At the heart of SANAP’s commitment to seabird conservation is ongoing research and monitoring on Marion Island, one of the two Prince Edward Islands in the Southern Ocean. Marion Island is home to several albatross species, including the iconic Wandering Albatross, known for having the largest wingspan of any bird in the world. These seabirds are critical indicators of ocean health, and their survival is closely linked to the stability of sub-Antarctic ecosystems.
SANAP scientists have been conducting long-term ecological studies on albatross population trends, breeding behaviour, and foraging ecology, using tracking devices and direct observation to better understand how climate change, ocean dynamics, and human activities are impacting these vulnerable birds.
A major step in protecting Marion Island’s seabirds is the Mouse-Free Marion Project—a large-scale conservation effort aimed at eradicating invasive house mice that prey on albatross chicks and other native birds. These mice, unintentionally introduced by humans, have developed aggressive predatory behaviours that threaten the survival of not only the Wandering Albatross but also Grey-headed, Sooty, and Light-mantled Albatrosses, as well as burrowing petrels and other island species. The Mouse-Free Marion project represents one of the most important island restoration initiatives globally, and a critical investment in the long-term survival of South Africa’s seabird populations. Success will mean a safer future for generations of albatrosses nesting on this remote and windswept island.
This World Albatross Day, we celebrate the tireless work of scientists, conservationists, and partners who are helping to give these majestic ocean wanderers a fighting chance. Let’s continue to raise awareness and support efforts to keep the skies above the Southern Ocean filled with soaring wings.
by Ria Olivier | Jun 5, 2025 | Antarctica, Environment, Gough Island, International Days, Marion Island, SANAP
Today, on World Environment Day, SANAP join the global community in recognizing the vital importance of our planet’s ecosystems — and reaffirm its commitment to understanding and protecting one of the most extreme, yet crucial, environments on Earth: The Southern Ocean and Antarctic regions. SANAP leads scientific research and environmental stewardship across Marion Island, Gough Island, and Antarctica. These frontiers may seem remote, but they play a critical role in regulating Earth’s climate, supporting unique biodiversity, and offering invaluable insight into global environmental change.
The Southern Ocean: A Climate Regulator: The Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica is a house of climate regulation, absorbing vast amounts of atmospheric carbon and heat. SANAP researchers are actively researching ocean currents, sea ice dynamics, and carbon cycling to better understand how these processes are evolving in a warming world. (Photo credit: A Zietsman)
Protecting Life on the Edge: From the wandering albatross on Marion Island to microscopic extremophiles in Antarctic soils, life persists against all odds in these regions. SANAP’s biodiversity monitoring projects are uncovering the intricate web of life that depends on these environments — and how threats such as invasive species, plastic pollution, and climate variability are impacting these ecosystems. (Photo Credit left: M Greve, middle & right: CJ Scheepers)
Long-Term Science, Global Impact: With decades of data collection and continuous human presence at SANAP’s research stations, SANAP long-term research projects offer insights into environmental change. Through collaborations with international partners, SANAP helps shape global understanding of polar processes and their far-reaching effects. This World Environment Day, SANAP celebrates the resilience of our southernmost ecosystems and the SANAP community is dedicated to its preservation. As stewards of the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic, SANAP remain committed to advancing knowledge, promoting conservation, and ensuring these unique environments endure for future generations. (Photo Credit: Greg Hofmeyr)
World Environment Day
World Environment Day is the biggest international day for the environment. Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and held annually since 1973, it has grown to be the largest global platform for environmental outreach. It is celebrated by millions of people across the world. The Republic of Korea will host World Environment Day 2025 with a focus on ending plastic pollution globally. Ridding the planet of plastic pollution is an important contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, including those on climate action, sustainable production and consumption, protection of seas and oceans and repairing ecosystems and retaining biodiversity. (Text: https://www.worldenvironmentday)
Each year on the 9th of August, South Africans of all backgrounds, races and cultural groups join together in celebrating 
We also pay tribute to the women behind the scenes: administrators, logistics coordinators, construction workers, and technical staff who ensure the success of every expedition and the operation of our remote bases. These women embody resilience, leadership, and innovation in one of the world’s most challenging environments.
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.
19 June 2025 marks 
SANAP scientists have been conducting long-term ecological studies on albatross population trends, breeding behaviour, and foraging ecology, using tracking devices and direct observation to better understand how climate change, ocean dynamics, and human activities are impacting these vulnerable birds.
A major step in protecting Marion Island’s seabirds is the 
The Southern Ocean: A Climate Regulator: The Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica is a house of climate regulation, absorbing vast amounts of atmospheric carbon and heat. SANAP researchers are actively researching ocean currents, sea ice dynamics, and carbon cycling to better understand how these processes are evolving in a warming world. (Photo credit: A Zietsman)
Protecting Life on the Edge: From the wandering albatross on Marion Island to microscopic extremophiles in Antarctic soils, life persists against all odds in these regions. SANAP’s biodiversity monitoring projects are uncovering the intricate web of life that depends on these environments — and how threats such as invasive species, plastic pollution, and climate variability are impacting these ecosystems. (Photo Credit left: M Greve, middle & right: CJ Scheepers)
Long-Term Science, Global Impact: With decades of data collection and continuous human presence at SANAP’s research stations, SANAP long-term research projects offer insights into environmental change. Through collaborations with international partners, SANAP helps shape global understanding of polar processes and their far-reaching effects. This World Environment Day, SANAP celebrates the resilience of our southernmost ecosystems and the SANAP community is dedicated to its preservation. As stewards of the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic, SANAP remain committed to advancing knowledge, promoting conservation, and ensuring these unique environments endure for future generations. (Photo Credit: Greg Hofmeyr)
