by Ria Olivier | Mar 22, 2026 | International Days, Oceanography, Research, SANAP, Science, Southern Ocean
Each year on World Water Day (22 March), the global community reflects on the importance of freshwater and the urgent need to protect it. In 2026, the theme “Water and Gender: Where water flows, equality grows” reminds us that access to clean water is not only an environmental priority, but also a social one. Around the world, water scarcity, pollution and climate change continue to threaten communities and ecosystems alike. Through initiatives led by UNESCO—including the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) and the World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP)—scientific research is being translated into real-world solutions that help countries better manage and safeguard this vital resource.
UCT ice-tethered buoy deployments and retrieval.
For the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP), the Southern Ocean plays a critical role in understanding Earth’s water systems. This vast and dynamic ocean regulates global climate, drives ocean circulation and influences rainfall patterns far beyond the polar regions—including across southern Africa. SANAP-supported research in this remote environment helps scientists track how changing temperatures, melting ice and shifting currents affect the global water cycle. By studying these processes, researchers gain insights into future water availability, the stability of marine ecosystems and the long-term impacts of climate change on freshwater resources.
Protecting water for future generations depends on knowledge, collaboration and sustained scientific effort. Research conducted in the Southern Ocean not only deepens our understanding of planetary systems, but also supports informed decision-making that benefits societies worldwide. As we mark World Water Day 2026, SANAP’s work highlights a powerful truth: even the most distant oceans are connected to the water we rely on every day. By investing in science and fostering inclusive approaches to water management, we can help ensure that where water flows, opportunity and equality can grow.
by Ria Olivier | Dec 3, 2025 | geochemistry, Oceanography, Research, SANAP, SANAP Student, Science, Southern Ocean
The South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) is proud to highlight the successful hosting of the 4th GEOTRACES Summer School, held in Cape Town, South Africa, from 17–21 November 2025. This prestigious international training event brought together 35 students and 19 GEOTRACES scientists from across the globe, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in advancing oceanographic and trace metal research. Supported by the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and the Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research (SCOR), the summer school served as an essential platform for equipping PhD candidates and early career researchers with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the biogeochemical cycles of trace metals in the world’s oceans. These cycles play a crucial role in regulating marine ecosystems, influencing climate processes, and shaping global biogeochemical dynamics.
Building Global Connections and Sharing Knowledge – A central goal of the GEOTRACES Summer School is to foster meaningful collaboration and knowledge exchange among emerging scientists. Participants were assigned to diverse working groups intended to strengthen networking, encourage interdisciplinary thinking, and build long-term scientific partnerships. These groups formed the basis of practical activities, poster sessions, and the week’s learning programme.
Prizewinners above with organising committee: l-r Thomas Ryan-Keogh, Hélène Planquette, Ruth Hawley, University Southampton (UK), CJ Denault, University of Minnesota (USA), Michael Julian Haryanto, University of Toyama (Japan), Ryan Cloete, Susanne Fietz. The organising committee—Hélène Planquette (CNRS), Susanne Fietz (Stellenbosch University), Thomas Ryan-Keogh (National Oceanography Centre), and Ryan Cloete (Stellenbosch University)—curated an intensive and enriching schedule combining expert lectures with hands-on training.
Insightful Lectures – Participants were privileged to learn from internationally recognised researchers who shared their expertise across a wide range of GEOTRACES-relevant themes, including sampling techniques, trace element isotopes, atmospheric processes, paleoceanography, modelling, and science communication. Lecture Programme Highlights:
- Greg Cutter (Old Dominion University): Planning and executing a GEOTRACES cruise
- Rob Middag (NIOZ; University of Groningen): Trace metal clean sampling and analysis – past and present approaches
- Hélène Planquette (CNRS): Intercalibration
- Jessica Fitzsimmons (Texas A&M University): Physicochemical speciation and its role in oceanic metal sinks
- Alessandro Tagliabue (University of Liverpool): Predicting climate-change impacts on trace element and isotope (TEI) cycles for IPCC assessments
- Adi Torfstein (Hebrew University of Jerusalem): Trace element particulate fluxes in the ocean
- William (Bill) Landing (Florida State University): Atmospheric deposition of trace elements and their biogeochemical impact
- Tim Conway (University of South Florida): Iron isotopes
- Taryn Noble (University of Tasmania): Paleoceanography
- Rhiannon Jones (British Antarctic Survey): Sediments as sources and sinks of trace elements
- Zhouling Zhang (GEOMAR): Non-traditional stable isotopes in biogeochemical research
- Lise Artigue (University of Perpignan): Multi-tracer approaches combined with hydrodynamics, modelling, and microbiology
- Thomas Ryan-Keogh (National Oceanography Centre): Conducting nutrient-addition (“bioassay”) experiments at sea
- Mak Saito (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution): Metals in biology and biochemistry
- Ria Olivier (Antarctic Legacy of South Africa): Science outreach, awareness, and the role of transdisciplinarity in communication
Hands-On Practical Training – To complement the lecture series, participants engaged in practical sessions that exposed them to key tools, datasets, and analytical techniques used in trace metal research. These sessions helped early career scientists understand how their work integrates into the broader international GEOTRACES community, building confidence for future participation in global research initiatives. Training included:
- Data crunching and processing
- Paleoceanographic exercises
- IPCC-style assessment activities
- Integrating complementary oceanographic datasets
- SeaFAST and MC-ICP-MS laboratory techniques
- GoFlo sampling methods
- Autonomous platform technologies
Sincere appreciation to the sponsors of the 4th GEOTRACES Summer School:
- French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS)
- French Embassy in South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi
- Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research (SCOR)
We also acknowledge and thank the following South African partners and supporters, their collective support played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of this global training event.
- Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI)
- National Research Foundation (NRF)
- Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)
- South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP)
- Stellenbosch University (SUN)
- Sea Technology Services (STS)
- Antarctic Legacy of South Africa (ALSA)
Strengthening the Future of Trace Metal and Antarctic Research – The 4th GEOTRACES Summer School has once again demonstrated the power of international collaboration in addressing complex marine and climate challenges. By building capacity among early career scientists and connecting them with leading experts, this event helps ensure that the next generation is well equipped to contribute to cutting-edge oceanographic research—both within South Africa and across the world. SANAP is proud to have been part of such an impactful scientific gathering and remains committed to supporting global research that enhances understanding of our oceans and the polar regions.
Fun during Science Communication session with adding fingerprints to an Antarctica Map
by Ria Olivier | Jun 20, 2025 | Humanities, Legacy, Oceanography, Research, SA Agulhas II, SANAP, SEAmester, Southern Ocean
South Africa’s pioneering floating university, SEAmester – Class Afloat, is preparing for its eighth voyage aboard the S.A. Agulhas II, setting sail from Cape Town on 17 June 2025 and returning on 27 June 2025. This unique and dynamic marine science programme continues to connect theoretical classroom learning with applied research, all within the working environment of a world-class research vessel.
The voyage is led by Principal Investigator Prof Isabelle Ansorge (left) from the University of Cape Town, whose leadership has been instrumental in shaping SEAmester into one of the most impactful marine science initiatives in South Africa. The logistical and academic coordination of the voyage is managed by Tahlia Henry, whose dedication ensures a seamless blend of teaching, research, and exploration at sea.
This year’s expedition will host an impressive cohort of 47 students, 28 lecturers, and 23 scientists, creating a vibrant and multidisciplinary learning environment. Participants will engage in intensive lectures, practical ship-based experiments, and collaborative research projects across physical oceanography, marine biology, climate science, and data analysis.
Onboard the S.A. Agulhas II, students gain unparalleled exposure to real-time scientific operations—from deploying oceanographic instruments to analysing marine samples—while interacting closely with leading researchers and industry professionals. SEAmester continues to foster the next generation of marine and climate scientists, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and networks to contribute to South Africa’s blue economy and global ocean science.
SEAmester VIII journey—where science meets the sea, and the classroom knows no bounds.
by Ria Olivier | Jun 8, 2025 | International Days, Oceanography, Uncategorised
One Ocean, One Climate, One Future – Together
On 8 June 2025, the SANAP community celebrates World Oceans Day under the powerful theme: One Ocean, One Climate, One Future – Together. At the heart of this theme lies a call to protect our blue planet through collective research, and deepened understanding of the critical role our oceans play in shaping the Earth’s climate and supporting life.
For the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP), this is more than a celebration—it’s a reaffirmation of our mission – Understand, Develop and Conserve. Our Southern Ocean research efforts are driven by the urgent need to understand the links between ocean health, climate change, and the wellbeing of future generations. South Africa, as a gateway to Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, plays a key scientific and logistical role in advancing global knowledge of polar and marine systems.
Sometimes called the lungs of the planet, the Southern Ocean absorbs vast amounts of carbon dioxide and heat, making it one of the most crucial regulators of Earth’s climate. It drives ocean circulation, supports unique ecosystems, and connects all major ocean basins. However, it is also one of the fastest-changing regions due to climate change—warming waters, shifting ice dynamics, and altered ecosystems pose challenges that demand urgent scientific attention.
SANAP’s Research Footprint
Through SANAP, South African researchers from various institutions are contributing world-class science to understand and protect the Southern Ocean:
- The University of Cape Town (UCT) leads long-term monitoring programs on carbon fluxes, ocean-atmosphere interactions, and ecosystem responses to warming. MARiS includes the Antarctic MIZ Observations: Interdisciplinary approaches to resolve seasonal sea-ice variability. The SEAmester floating classroom initiative also trains young scientists at sea, combining education with real-time research.
- Stellenbosch University contributes cutting-edge work in marine microbiology and ocean biogeochemistry, studying the role of microscopic life in global carbon cycling and nutrient dynamics.
- Nelson Mandela University focuses on marine top predators, such as seals and penguins, to track ecosystem health and food web shifts in response to
- South African Weather Service project includes the decoding the mercury cycle in the Southern Ocean: in situ observations and advanced modelling
- CSIR – Smart Places – SOCCO has two projects focusing on the Southern Ocean Carbon-Heat Nexus: mixed-layer processes & feedback for improved climate projections and emergent constraints on Southern Ocean phytoplankton physiology (ECOSOPHY)
by Fishgate@sanap | Apr 1, 2025 | Announcement, Meteorology, News, Oceanography, SANAP
ICSHMO 2025 – International Conference on Southern Hemisphere Meteorology and Oceanography (ICSHMO) 2025 – Participation from the SANAP research community. Below a few presentations by researchers as well as session chairs etc. Visit the ICSHMO website for the full and final program.
- Wayne de Jager – Increased Rotational Coupling Between Antarctic Sea Ice and the Atmosphere Over the Last 30 Years
- Sebastiaan Swart – The oceans imprint on air sea fluxes: Drivers of turbulent heat flux over the Agulhas Current
- Tarron Lamont – Monitoring Western Boundary Current System variability with satellite altimetry
- Riesna R. Audh – Rafting of Growing Antarctic Sea Ice Enhances In-Ice Biogeochemical Activity in Winter
- Robyn Verrinder – Antarctic MIZ observation platforms: Interdisciplinary approaches to resolve seasonal sea ice variability
- Tamaryn Morris – 1. Sustained ocean observations for the Agulhas Current: Realizing the Benefits of Ocean Knowledge through Co-Design. 2. Capturing a cyclonic eddy, and cross-shelf dynamics, in the Agulhas Bight during an early retroflection of the Agulhas Current.
- Magata Mangatane – Intercomparison of Antarctic sea-ice thickness estimates from satellite altimetry and assessment over the 2019 data-rich year.
- Sharon Nicholson – The seasonal cycle in Southern Hemisphere Africa
- Rutger Marquart – Coupled dynamics and thermodynamics modelling of heterogeneous sea ice and ocean waves
- Janine Schoombie – Mapping within-island-scale wind variation on Marion Island
- Christopher Reason – Multiyear La Niña events, the Mozambique Channel, and rainfall over eastern Africa
- Thulwaneng Mashifane – Trait–Based Adjustments: Key to Improving Bloom Seasonal Cycle in the Subantarctic Zone
- Sandy Thomalla – VeGAS-pCO2: Versatile glider, atmospheric and ship high precision pCO2 gas flux analyser
- Amber Sneddon – Atmospheric River climatology for the South Atlantic Basin based on modern image-processing-based tracking.
- Marcel Du Plessis – Storms regulate Southern Ocean summer warming
- Sandy Thomalla -Southern Ocean Observing System for sustained and coordinated observations in a changing world
- Thomas Ryan-Keogh – How can we effectively manage the impact of climate change on Antarctic ecosystems?
- Sandy Thomalla – Climate-driven change to phytoplankton blooms across the global ocean
- Nicolette Chang – Investigating Heat and Carbon Exchange in the Southern Ocean: Insights from a Mesoscale-Resolving
- Sarah Du Preez – Environmental influence on zooplankton variability around sub-Antarctic Prince Edward Islands
- Sarah-Anne Nicholson – The impact of storms on CO2 and heat exchange across the Southern Ocean
- Thato Mtshali – Wintertime distribution and mixed layer dissolved iron budget in the south Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean
- Miranda Sitofile – The seasonal iron supply in the Southern Ocean
- Chris Reason – Interannual and intraseasonal variability in the Southern Hemisphere
Session chairs, speakers and MC
- Plenary Session – MC: Warren Joubert
- Invited Speaker: Issufo Halo
- Session: Southern Hemisphere Boundary Currents. Chair: Tamaryn Morris
- Session: Polar. Chair: Wayne de Jager. Co-Chair: Magata Mangatane
- Session: Emerging Technologies in Ocean Observing. Chair: Dr Tamaryn Morris
- Session: Southern Ocean BGC. Chair: Thato Mtshali. Co-Chair: Sarah-Anne Nicholson
- Session: Southern Ocean – BGC. Chair: Sandy Thomalla. Co-Chair: Thato Mtshali
by Ria Olivier | Feb 27, 2024 | Oceanography, Research, SANAP, SANAP Student, South Atlantic, Southern Ocean, Uncategorised
The second session within the Marine and Antarctic Research Strategy research theme : Oceans and marine ecosystems under global change was chaired by Sandy Thomalla and Sarah Nicholson from Southern Ocean Carbon- Climate Observatory (SOCCO). The session title, “The Southern Ocean’s sensitivity to a changing climate: insights from a seasonal cycle approach” were presented through oral presentations and e-posters from SOCCO. (Left Sandy Thomalla, Right Sarah Nicholson, above SOCCO group photo)
Above (l-r): Tesha Toolsee, Tommy Ryan-Keogh, Thapelo Ramalepe, Thato Mtshali.
- Sarah Nicholson: The impact of storms on CO2 and heat exchange across the Southern Ocean.
- Tesha Toolsee: The complex role of storms in modulating intra-seasonal air-sea CO2 fluxes in the sub-Antarctic Southern Ocean.
- Sandy Thomalla: Trends in Southern Ocean Phytoplankton bloom phenology.
- Sifiso Mpapane: Understanding photo acclimation effects on Chl:C ratio in the Southern Ocean: modelling considerations and insights into seasonal assemblage composition. (E-poster)
- Tommy Ryan-Keogh: Multi-decadal trend of increasing iron stress in the Southern Ocean phytoplankton.
- Thapelo Ramalepe: Exploring the seasonal processes governing manganese supply in the Southern Ocean.
- Thato Mtshali: Winter-time distributions and dissolved iron mixed layer budget in the south Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean.
- Miranda Sitofile: Investigating seasonal variability of dissolved iron in the South Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean: Insights from the winter and spring SCALE 2019 cruises. (e-poster)
- Lillina Ruiters: Variability of phytoplankton photo physiology in the Southern Ocean: an analysis of assumptions and uncertainties. (e-poster)
Above(l-r): Sifiso Mpapane, Miranda Sitofile, Lillina Ruiters
Building Global Connections and Sharing Knowledge – A central goal of the GEOTRACES Summer School is to foster meaningful collaboration and knowledge exchange among emerging scientists. Participants were assigned to diverse working groups intended to strengthen networking, encourage interdisciplinary thinking, and build long-term scientific partnerships. These groups formed the basis of practical activities, poster sessions, and the week’s learning programme.
Prizewinners above with organising committee: l-r Thomas Ryan-Keogh, Hélène Planquette, Ruth Hawley, University Southampton (UK), CJ Denault, University of Minnesota (USA), Michael Julian Haryanto, University of Toyama (Japan), Ryan Cloete, Susanne Fietz. The organising committee—Hélène Planquette (CNRS), Susanne Fietz (Stellenbosch University), Thomas Ryan-Keogh (National Oceanography Centre), and Ryan Cloete (Stellenbosch University)—curated an intensive and enriching schedule combining expert lectures with hands-on training.
Insightful Lectures – Participants were privileged to learn from internationally recognised researchers who shared their expertise across a wide range of GEOTRACES-relevant themes, including sampling techniques, trace element isotopes, atmospheric processes, paleoceanography, modelling, and science communication. Lecture Programme Highlights:
Sincere appreciation to the sponsors of the 4th GEOTRACES Summer School:
Fun during Science Communication session with adding fingerprints to an Antarctica Map
South Africa’s pioneering floating university, SEAmester – Class Afloat, is preparing for its eighth voyage aboard the S.A. Agulhas II, setting sail from Cape Town on 17 June 2025 and returning on 27 June 2025. This unique and dynamic marine science programme continues to connect theoretical classroom learning with applied research, all within the working environment of a world-class research vessel.
The voyage is led by Principal Investigator Prof Isabelle Ansorge (left) from the University of Cape Town, whose leadership has been instrumental in shaping SEAmester into one of the most impactful marine science initiatives in South Africa. The logistical and academic coordination of the voyage is managed by Tahlia Henry, whose dedication ensures a seamless blend of teaching, research, and exploration at sea.
On 8 June 2025, the SANAP community celebrates World Oceans Day under the powerful theme: One Ocean, One Climate, One Future – Together. At the heart of this theme lies a call to protect our blue planet through collective research, and deepened understanding of the critical role our oceans play in shaping the Earth’s climate and supporting life.
For the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP), this is more than a celebration—it’s a reaffirmation of our mission – Understand, Develop and Conserve. Our Southern Ocean research efforts are driven by the urgent need to understand the links between ocean health, climate change, and the wellbeing of future generations. South Africa, as a gateway to Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, plays a key scientific and logistical role in advancing global knowledge of polar and marine systems.
Sometimes called the lungs of the planet, the Southern Ocean absorbs vast amounts of carbon dioxide and heat, making it one of the most crucial regulators of Earth’s climate. It drives ocean circulation, supports unique ecosystems, and connects all major ocean basins. However, it is also one of the fastest-changing regions due to climate change—warming waters, shifting ice dynamics, and altered ecosystems pose challenges that demand urgent scientific attention.
SANAP’s Research Footprint
Through SANAP, South African researchers from various institutions are contributing world-class science to understand and protect the Southern Ocean:
Wayne de Jager – Increased Rotational Coupling Between Antarctic Sea Ice and the Atmosphere Over the Last 30 Years
The second session within the 
Above (l-r): Tesha Toolsee, Tommy Ryan-Keogh, Thapelo Ramalepe, Thato Mtshali.
Above(l-r): Sifiso Mpapane, Miranda Sitofile, Lillina Ruiters
