by Ria Olivier | May 4, 2023 | Announcement, Antarctica, Gough Island, Legacy, Marion Island, News, Prince Edward Islands, SA Agulhas II, SA Polar Research Infrastructure, SANAE IV, SANAP, SAPolarRI, SAPRI, Southern Ocean
Dear Colleagues,
As I prepare to turn the page of a decade-long chapter of managing Operations and Infrastructure Support for Antarctica and Southern Ocean work and move on to new horizons, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you. Working together in enabling South Africa’s presence in this unique and challenging environment has been an unforgettable experience that has enriched my life in countless ways.
The extreme conditions and remoteness of the environment have demanded the best of me, and I am incredibly proud to have been part of it all. It sometimes felt like dealing with the logistical complexities of supporting Marine and Antarctic activities were the same as navigating the harsh ice conditions. We have faced and overcome numerous challenges as a team. Even though we may not have agreed on everything, the bonds we have built and the memories we have made will always hold a special place in my heart. I am truly grateful for the friendships, support, agreements and disagreements we have shared.
I am also deeply appreciative for being entrusted to manage South Africa’s presence in these pristine environments, and to have personally witnessed the beauty and wonder of Antarctica, Marion Island and Gough Island. The rough seas, breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife, and understanding that there is so few which get this opportunity, have left an indelible mark on me, and I will forever cherish these memories.
As I move on to new endeavours away from the Ocean and Polar space, I will carry with me the valuable lessons I have learned especially when dealing with an unpredictable environment – the importance of adaptability, resilience, teamwork, and tenacity. The various curveballs and unexpected challenges have made me more resourceful in finding solutions. I am confident that the skills and experience gained will serve me well in my future pursuits.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for your unwavering support, dedication, and friendship during my tenure in the Antarctic and Marine space. I will always treasure the memories and the connections made, and I wish you all the very best in your ongoing work in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean or wherever your paths may lead you.
Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey, and please stay in touch.
With deepest gratitude,
Nish Devanunthan
Former Operations Coordinator: South African Polar Research Infrastructure (2022 to 2023)
Former Director – Operations and Engineering: South African National Antarctic Program (2013 to 2022)
Farewell gathering at SAEON Egagasini Node end of April 2023
Message from the SAPRI Team:
Even though Nish was with SAEON and SAPRI for only 9 months, he left a great legacy and managed to really ramp up the operations within SAPRI. He has a fountain of knowledge on Antarctica and Islands, DFFE, the S.A. Agulhas II and supply chain management, yet he still has a great sense of humour and commitment to action in the face of bureaucracy.
Nish, fair winds and following seas, we have the watch (although might ring you every now and then!).
SAEON Egagasini Node and SAPRI Team (L-R) Back: Simoné Louw (Node Administrator), Laura Braby (Postdoctoral Research Fellow), Saffiya Seddick (Seamap Coordinator), Juan-Jacques Forgus (Technician), Nicole du Plessis (Science Officer), Arno Botha (PhD Student), Zach Smith (Systems Developer), Nkululeko Memela (Operational Ocean Modeller); (middle) Lara Atkinson (Offshore Marine Scientist), Jennifer Veitch (Numerical Ocean Modeller), Anne Treasure (SAPRI DPS Node Manager), Anche Louw (SAPRI Digital Marketing and Communications Manager), Daneeja Mawren (Postdoctoral Research Fellow); (front) Juliet Hermes (SAEON Egagasini Node Manager and SAPRI Manager), Nish Devanunthan (Former SAPRI Operations Coordinator) and Thomas Mtontsi (Science Engagement Officer).
Feature Image: Nish Devanunthan at the South African National Antarctic Expedition Station, SANAE IV.
Anche Louw, South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI DPS Node), 04 May 2023
by Ria Olivier | May 2, 2023 | Current Event, Mammology, Marion Island, News, Research, SANAP, Science, Southern Ocean, sub-Antarctic
| TEAM | MIMMP |
| NRF-SANAP Funded Project Name | Marion Island Marine Mammals in Changing Environments: Individual Heterogeneity and Population Processes |
| Principal Investigator | Prof Nico de Bruyn |
| Affiliation | Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria |
| Takeover Sealer | Yinhla Shihlomule |
| M79 Sealer | Michael Ross |
| M79 Sealer | Banele Dosi |
| M79 Killer whaler | Monica Leitner |
| M80 Sealer | Zafar Monier |
| M80 Sealer | Dylan Seaton |
| M80 Killer whaler | Tammy Eggeling |
What are your plans for this takeover?
Into our 41st uninterrupted year of continuous monitoring! Takeover is mostly dedicated to training the new overwintering personnel, because most of the action (from a seal perspective) on the island take place outside takeover timeframes. Many long-term questions, aimed at understanding the ecology of the various species populations and their interactions with a changing environment, are pursued.
What are the main interest of the MIMMP in the sub-Antarctic region?
We are interested in how seal and killer whale populations change as the environment changes.
In more detail:
MIMMP does long-term ecological monitoring and research of four marine mammal species (Southern elephant seals, Antarctic – and Subantarctic fur seals, and Killer whales) at Marion Island. Focused primarily on population and foraging ecology, interactions between species and with their changing environments.
Check out the MIMMP Website!
Follow MIMMP on social media for the latest updates:
Most recent post on Facebook:
Text and images supplied by Prof Nico de Bruyn.
Featured image: The MIMMP takeover 2023 team. L-R: Dylan Seaton (M80 Sealer), Zafar Monier (M80 Sealer), Prof Nico de Bruyn (PI) and Tammy Eggeling (M80 Killer whaler). Photo taken in Cape Town, on board the S.A Agulhas II, before departure.
Anche Louw, South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI DPS Node), 02 May 2023
by Ria Olivier | Apr 19, 2023 | Marion Island, News, Overwintering Team, Prince Edward Islands, SA Agulhas II, SANAP, Science, Southern Ocean, Stations, Team Photo
The S.A. Agulhas II is on her final stretch of the first oceanographic leg to the sub-Antarctic Marion Island. The voyage has been overall calm, with easy and moderately sea and swells, reaching no more than 3 meters, in the past two days.
The 80th Marion Island overwintering team and land-based takeover personnel will soon reach their destination. The takeover is packed with scientific objectives, for both land and ship-based science groups, which will be shared over the next few weeks.
S.A. Agulhas II - Marion Island Voyage 057
| Departure: Port of Cape Town to Marion Island | Evening of 15 April 2023 |
| Expected time of arrival: Marion Island | Evening of 19 April 2023 |
| S.A. Agulhas II last communicated position (18 April 2023, 23:59) | LAT: 40° 40.6' S
LONG: 27° 45.5' E |
| Destination: Marion Island | LAT: 44° 9.1' S
LONG: 33° 22.7' E |
| Number of passengers on board | 89 passengers |
Message to the overwintering team:
May your team work hard together, take time for celebrations and grow together as a team. We wish you all the best. May you find plenty of happiness and fulfillment during your year in the sub-Antarctic!
80th Marion Island overwintering team
| Team Member | Position on M80 | Affiliation |
| Ndaedzo Nthulani | Assistant Meteorological Technician | SAWS |
| Dylan Seaton | Field Assistant: Sealer | MIMMP (UP) |
| Christopher Jones | Field Assistant: Birder | MAPRU (NMU) |
| Michelle Risi | Field Assistant: Birder | MAPRU (NMU) |
| Treasure Thobatsi | Communications Technician | DFFE |
| Gumede Mbekezeli | Electrical Technician | DFFE |
| Nikitha Fikizolo | Chef | DFFE |
| Tamara Eggeling | Field Assistant: Sealer/Killer Whaler | MIMMP (UP) |
| Zafar Monier | Field Assistant: Sealer | MIMMP (UP) |
| Kuhle Mbalane | Assistant Environmental Control Officer | DFFE |
| Mfezeko Rataza | Electronic Engineer | SANSA |
| Keith Odwa Obose | Assistant Meteorological Technician | SAWS |
| Kyle Maurer | Field Assistant: Birder | DFFE (Oceans & Coasts) |
| Mpumelelo Mabutyana | Field Assistant: Birder | DFFE (Oceans & Coasts) |
| Collen Nkadimeng | Diesel Mechanic | DFFE |
| Kelebogile Mogotsi | Senior Meteorological Technician | SAWS |
| Nkateko Maholobela | Environmental Control Officer | DFFE |
| Sandile Nkebe | Medical Orderly & Team Leader) | DFFE |
| Camilla Smyth | Field Assistant | Mouse-free Marion |
Photo caption: Marion80. Photo taken on the heli deck on board the S.A. Agulhas II. Back (L-R) Ndaedzo Nthulani, Dylan Seaton, Christopher Jones, Michelle Risi, Treasure Thobatsi, Gumede Mbekezeli, Nikitha Fikizolo, Tamara Eggeling, Zafar Monier, Kuhle Mbalane, Mfezeko Rataza; (front) Keith Odwa Obose, Kyle Maurer, Mpumelelo Mabutyana, Collen Nkadimeng, Kelebogile Mogotsi, Nkateko Maholobela, Sandile Nkebe and Camilla Smyth.
Photo credit: Christopher Jones and Michelle Risi
Anche Louw, South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI DPS Node), 19 April 2023
by Ria Olivier | Mar 30, 2023 | Announcement, Antarctica, News, Newsletters>SANAE Newsletters, Overwintering Team, SANAE, SANAE IV, SANAP, Stations, Team member
The 62nd South African National Antarctic Expedition (SANAE) team left Cape Town in middle December 2022 and will return to Cape Town in February 2024. This team will maintain the SANAE IV base for the year, collect meteorological data (under the South African Weather Service) and work on various space science and engineering projects (under the South African National Space Agency).
The SANAE62 team has released their first newsletter for the year. Each of the 9 team members introduce themselves in this first edition.
The team decided to call their newsletter The Nunatak, find out why in the newsletter.
The SANAE62 newsletters published throughout this coming year will give “a glimpse into the life of an overwintering expeditioner at the South African National Antarctic Expedition research base” – DJ van Wyk (South African National Space Agency Engineer, S62 deputy team leader and editor of the S62 newsletter).
DJ has also started his own blog – read more about his time as an expeditioner here.
SANAE 62 February Newsletter
March Birthday Celebration
On social media
DJ van Wyk shares his first aurora experience. Click on the image to visit his profile on Instagram.
Anche Louw, South African Polar Research Infrastructure, Data Products and Society Node, 30 March 2023
by Ria Olivier | Mar 23, 2023 | Commemorative Days, International Days, Marion Island, Meteorology, Overwintering Team, SANAP, Southern Ocean, sub-Antarctic
Message from the Metkassies (Meteorological Technicians) currently on Marion Island.
Happy World Meteorological Day from the Metkassies on the 79th Marion Island overwintering team.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has been running a Meteorological station at Marion Island since 1950s.
As meteorological technicians, we preform monthly conformance and verification of the Automatic Weather Station (AWS) instruments.
This is normally done on a monthly basis to verify, check and maintain the weather station to ensure that the required standards of the South African Weather Service (SAWS) are met. In South Africa, SAWS is the voice for weather and climate forecasting and also a member of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
Happy Meteorological Day from the Metkassies on the 79th Marion Island overwintering team.
Senior Metkassie: T. Sikhwari
Assistants Metkassies: T. Tshitavhe and S. Faltein
Read more about the Marion met station here
Text: Thendo Sikhwari, Senior Meteorological Technician, M79
Edited: Anche Louw, South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI), 23 March 2023
by Ria Olivier | Mar 9, 2023 | Announcement, Gough Island, Jobs, Overwintering Team, SANAP, Stations, Team member
Join the 69th Gough Island Overwintering Team!
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is looking for suitable candidates to join the 2023/2024 Gough Island team.
The team will depart (on the research and supply vessel, S.A. Agulhas II) to Gough Island in September 2023 and return in October 2024.
Positions to be filled:
- Communications/Electronics Engineer
- Diesel Mechanic
- Electrician
- Medical Orderly
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 20 March 2023
Click on the link below to view the positions to be filled.
SANAP JOBS
Read more about Gough Island!
Anche Louw, South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI), 09 March 2023
