by Ria Olivier | May 22, 2025 | Antarctica, Biosecurity, Commemorative Days, Gough Island, International Days, Invasion Biology, Marion Island, Prince Edward Islands
The United Nations has designated May 22 as the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB), a day to reflect on the vital role biodiversity plays in sustaining life on Earth. The 2025 theme, “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development,” underscores the importance of conserving biodiversity to ensure a sustainable future for both people and the planet. It is a timely reminder that a thriving natural world is the foundation of human well-being and a cornerstone for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
In South Africa, this day holds special meaning for the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP). Operating across three key research stations — Antarctica, Marion Island (part of the Prince Edward Islands), and Gough Island — SANAP plays a crucial role in understanding and preserving the unique biodiversity of the sub-Antarctic and Antarctic regions. These remote and fragile ecosystems are home to countless species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth.
For decades, SANAP-supported scientists have been at the forefront of biodiversity research in these regions. Their work includes long-term monitoring of bird and marine mammal populations, studies on invasive species, climate change impacts, and ecosystem dynamics. Through rigorous field research and environmental stewardship, SANAP contributes to global knowledge and conservation efforts, ensuring these pristine environments continue to thrive for generations to come.
On this International Day for Biological Diversity, SANAP reaffirms its commitment to protecting the biodiversity of the Southern Ocean and its islands — not only for their intrinsic value but also for the essential role they play in the global ecosystem.
by Ria Olivier | Jan 17, 2025 | Announcement, Antarctica, Gough Island, Marion Island, Prince Edward Islands, SA Agulhas II, SANAE, SANAP, Southern Ocean
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is pleased to announce the upcoming voyage schedule for the S.A. Agulhas II for the 2025/2026 season. This state-of-the-art polar research and supply vessel will continue its vital role in supporting South Africa’s research stations in Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands. Below is the planned itinerary provided by the Department of Forestry Fisheries and the Environment:
DOWNLOAD PDF Voyage Schedule 2025-2026
DOWNLOAD PDF Voyage Schedule 2026 – 2027
Please note that these dates are subject to change based on operational requirements and weather conditions. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the official voyage schedule on the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) website.
SANAP
We look forward to another successful season of exploration and research, furthering our understanding of these remote and vital regions.
by Ria Olivier | Jun 19, 2024 | International Days, Invasion Biology, Marine Protected Area, Marion Island, Prince Edward Islands
Dance of the Albatross
The dance of the Albatross. Video made by Anche Louw on 16 April 2016 on Marion Island at Swartkops.
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 World Albatross Day (WAD2024) on 19 June. “Albatrosses are the ultimate ocean wanderers, spending most of their lives at sea traversing vast distances across the globe in search of food such as fish, squid and krill. This year, World Albatross Day will focus on the connection between albatrosses and the ocean and highlight how MPAs can help improve the conservation status of these magnificent birds.” – ACAP
Help Saving Marion Island’s Seabirds. Donate now.
The WAD2024 poster was created by South African born Graphic Designer and long-time ACAP collaborator, Geoff Tyler, who also designed ACAP’s World Albatross Day logo, including this year’s commemorative logo marking the Agreement’s 20th year since coming into force.
Feature photo form video clip made by Anche Louw (22 April 2016)
by Ria Olivier | Mar 11, 2024 | Announcement, Environment, Invasion Biology, Marine Protected Area, Marion Island, Mice Eradication, Prince Edward Island, Prince Edward Islands
MINISTER CREECY LAUNCHES THE 3RD NATIONAL STATUS OF BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS AND THEIR MANAGEMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA
Full release available on Department of Forestry Fisheries nd the Environment website
“We must continue investing in research and innovation, supporting studies that enhance our understanding of invasive species dynamics to improve management strategies. The 3rd National Status report on Biological Invasions serves as a clarion call for action reminding us of the urgency of the situation and the imperative to act decisively,”
“Addressing the challenges posed by biological invasions requires a coordinated and collaborative effort. No single entity can tackle this issue alone. Government, academics, civil society organisations and communities must come together, pooling their knowledge, resources and expertise to develop effective prevention, early detection and control strategies,” said Minister Creecy.
Thirdly, invasive species are devastating the unique and sensitive biodiversity of the Prince Edward Islands. For the first time, this report provides a separate assessment of the status of biological invasions and their management on the Prince Edward Islands. Although these islands are part of South Africa, their remote location and unique biodiversity warrant a separate assessment. Findings highlight the devastating impact of the house mouse, which is alien to the Marion Island. The mice feed on plants, and small animals including endangered seabirds. A bold plan to eradicate mice from the island has been developed and is due to be implemented in 2027. The eradication of mice from Marion Island is essential if its unique biodiversity is to be preserved.
by Ria Olivier | Feb 14, 2024 | Announcement, Marine Protected Area, Marion Island, Prince Edward Island, Prince Edward Islands
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is calling for the submission of nominations for the appointment of members to serve on the Prince Edward Islands Special Nature Reserve Advisory Committee (“PEIAC”) for the period 2024 to 2026.
See the full criteria here and Public Notice
Enquiries may be directed to:
Ms Daisy Kotsedi
Tel: 021 493 7354
E-mail: dkotsedi@dffe.gov.za
CLOSING DATE: 19 March 2024
by Ria Olivier | Nov 27, 2023 | Announcement, Jobs, Marion Island, News, Overwintering Team, Prince Edward Islands, Research, SA Polar Research Infrastructure, SANAP, SAPolarRI, SAPRI, Science, Southern Ocean, Stations, sub-Antarctic
Applications open for:
- Overwintering Birder
- Overwintering Killer Whaler
- Overwintering Sealer (2x positions)
The National Research Foundation (NRF) supports and promotes research and human capital development through funding, the provision of National Research Facilities and science outreach platforms and programmes to the broader community in all fields of science and technology, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities.
The South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) is a research platform funded by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and managed by the National Research Foundation (NRF) since 2002. SAEON is mandated to observe and research ecosystems on land, in coastal regions and the oceans to understand how those systems function and might change over time and space when influenced by socio-economic driving forces including climate change. We deliver our data online and offer tools, services and advice for informed environmental policy-making.
SAEON Egagasini Node, based in Cape Town, Western Cape, requires the services of suitably qualified individuals to be responsible for collecting field data on birds and mammals, to be used for conservation and academic purposes as part of the South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI). The birder will be contributing to the project ‘On-island impacts of climate change on the Southern Ocean’s iconic seabirds’ run by the FitzPatrick Institute (University of Cape Town).
The Marion Island research station is managed and administered by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).
Apply before: 07 December 2023
Click here!
Anche Louw, South African Polar Research Infrastructure, 27 November 2023
