by Ria Olivier | Sep 25, 2025 | International Days, Marine Protected Area, Research, SA Agulhas II
On 25 September 2025, the world comes together to mark World Maritime Day under the theme “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity.” This theme reflects the ocean’s critical role in our climate system, biodiversity, and economy, while reminding us of the shared responsibility to protect and sustainably use this vast and fragile resource. With over 80% of global trade moving by sea, maritime activity is inseparable from the health of our ocean and the future of our planet.
For the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP), this year’s theme resonates deeply. As custodians of South Africa’s polar research efforts, SANAP rely on our dedicated polar research and supply vessel, the SA Agulhas II, to undertake vital voyages into the Southern Ocean, Antarctica and Marion and Gough Islands. These expeditions not only sustain South Africa’s research stations but also contribute to global science on ocean health, climate change, and biodiversity in one of the world’s most important yet vulnerable regions.
Through SANAP’s work, South Africa plays an active role in the international maritime and research community—advancing knowledge about ocean systems, contributing to global climate models, and strengthening collective efforts to safeguard marine environments. The SA Agulhas II is more than just a ship; it is a floating laboratory, a logistical lifeline, and a symbol of our commitment to “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity.”
As the world lights up landmarks in blue to celebrate World Maritime Day, SANAP stands proudly alongside the global maritime community in reaffirming our responsibility: to study, protect, and share the opportunities of our ocean for generations to come.
by Ria Olivier | Sep 25, 2025 | Announcement, Jobs, Marion Island, News, Overwintering Team, Research, SANAP, Science, Southern Ocean, Stations, sub-Antarctic, Team member
The following positions are available on the sub-Antarctic, Marion Island for the overwintering period (April 2026 to May 2027)
Environmental Officer Assistant Environmental Officer
Communications Engineer Diesel Mechanic Electrical Engineer Medical Orderly
Senior Meteorological Technician Assistant Meteorological Technician
Closing Date: 06 OCTOBER
The incumbent will execute duties at a Sub/Antarctic Base and adhere to the health, safety and environmental requirements. The successful applicant will spend a full year (April 2026 to May 2027) at Marion Island. There is no option to return to South Africa before May 2027. The ability to work and live with small groups of people is thus essential. Although the base is well-equipped with e-mail, fax and satellite telephone facilities, the applicant must be self-sufficient and self-motivated.
Click here: View all positions
by Ria Olivier | Aug 25, 2025 | Research, SANAP, South Atlantic, Southern Ocean
Pelagic High Seas Ocean Ecoregionalisation of the Indian Subantarctic (PHOCIS) will be holding a workshop in Cape Town, South Africa, 25 – 29 August 2025. The main objectives for the Cape Town workshop will be for participants to present and discuss progress on all PHOCIS work packages, but in particular to advance WP4 on Integrated Ocean Management (this study), and WP5 on Research and Monitoring.
The PHOCIS project, “Pelagic High Seas Ocean Ecoregionalisation of the Indian Subantarctic,” is
a scientific initiative focused on dividing the open ocean waters around the Indian subantarctic
region into distinct ecological zones based on their unique marine life and environmental
conditions, with the primary goal of identifying and protecting critical conservation areas within
the subantarctic high seas. The integrated ocean management process will encompass the high
seas within 20°E to 150°E and from 40°S to 60°S. Most of the western area falls within the
CCAMLR boundary whereas the eastern area is outside the CCAMLR boundary.
The main objectives for the Cape Town workshop will be for participants to present and discuss
progress on all PHOCIS work packages, but in particular to advance WP4 on Integrated Ocean
Management, and WP5 on Research and Monitoring. Reports generated will be presented to
CCAMLR via the Scientific Committee and its Working Groups.
PHOCIS is structured into 6 WPs (Work Packages), which are further subdivided into sub-WPs:
WP1 Pelagic ecoregionalisation
WP1.1 Geography
WP1.2 Pelagic oceanographic regions
WP1.3 Plankton and pelagic fish spatial distributions
WP1.4 Seabird and marine mammal distributions
WP1.5 Pelagic ecoregionalisation synthesis
WP2 Connectivity between ecoregions
WP3 Historical and forecasting trends
WP4 Integrated Ocean Management
WP4.1 List of conservation objectives
WP4.2 Human impacts
WP4.3 Systematic Conservation Planning
WP4.4 Legal framework
WP5 Research and Monitoring
WP6 Education and knowledge dissemination
Since its inception meeting in 2019 in Cape Town, PHOCIS has been holding workshops on an
annual basis, either online, in-person, or hybrid.
For more info, contact:
Azwianewi Makhado (amakhado@dffe.gov.za) or
Philippe Koubbi (philippe.koubbi@sorbonne-universite.fr)
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.
Full Details and Advertisement
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 11, 2025 | International Days, Marine Protected Area, Microbiology, Research, SANAP, Science, 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
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.
Through SANAP’s work, South Africa plays an active role in the international maritime and research community—advancing knowledge about ocean systems, contributing to global climate models, and strengthening collective efforts to safeguard marine environments. The SA Agulhas II is more than just a ship; it is a floating laboratory, a logistical lifeline, and a symbol of our commitment to “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity.”
The PHOCIS project, “Pelagic High Seas Ocean Ecoregionalisation of the Indian Subantarctic,” is
Postdoctoral Fellowship: Understanding Mouse Impacts on Sub-Antarctic Marion Island at Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria. (image: Otto Whitehead)
Every year on 11 August, 
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.
