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
by Ria Olivier | Feb 27, 2024 | Research, SANAP, SANAP Student
Another session within the Marine and Antarctic Research Strategy research theme : Ecosystems, biodiversity and biodiscovery was chaired by Donald Cowan of the University of Pretoria, he also chaired the session for Thulani Makhalanyane’s project research. Dr Dowan started of the first section with his own presentation followed by research within his project.
Above (l-r): Pedro Lebre, Silindile Maphosa, Lefentse Mashamaite
- Don Cowan: Microbial ecology of Antarctic desert soils. (Abstract)
- Pedro Lebre: Biogeographic survey of soil microbial communities across Antarctica. (Abstract)
- Silindile Maphosa: Exploring the functional potential of microbial metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from sub-Antarctic islands. (Abstract)
- Lefentse Mashamaite: Microbial diversity in Antarctic Dry Valley soils across an altitudinal gradient. (Abstract)
Prof Makhalanyane project presentations. Above (l-r): Runesu Bakasa, Marike Hillocks, Riaan Pierneef, Mancha Mabaso, Choaro Dithugoe
Poster Presentations. Above (l-r): Sade Magabotha, Christophe Lefebvre, Elizabe Malan, Benjamin Abraham, Nelisiwe Hedebe, Michelle Bekker
- Sade Magabotha: A reproducible microbiome pipeline for the identification of horizontally acquired mobile genetic elements. (Abstract)
- Christophe Lefebvre: Using computational tools to shed light on microbes with capacity to degrade microplastics in the oceans. (Abstract)
- Elizabe Malan: Understanding the dynamics of microbial communities in the Congo River plume. (Abstract)
- Benjamin Abraham: Nutrient Co Limitation of Bacterial Communities within the Southern Ocean. (Abstract)
- Nelisiwe Hedebe: Charting the diversity of Giant viruses of Antarctic dry valley permafrost. (Abstract)
- Michelle Bekker: Phage diversity in the Southern Ocean. (Abstract)
Although Prof Makhalanyane(left) could only attend the National Committee and not the presentations, his students from Pretoria University were able to visit his new workplace at Stellenbosch University. (Photo credit: Riaan Pienaar)
by Ria Olivier | Feb 26, 2024 | Antarctica, Biosecurity, Engineering, Mammology, Marine Protected Area, Marion Island, Research, SANAP
Dr Mia Wege chaired the session on Marine Mammals during the 6th SANAP Symposium that resorts within the Marine and Antarctic Research Strategy – ecosystems, biodiversity and biodiscovery. The session includes talks on various marine and the presentations were arranged according roughly to species and area. This Included elephant seals, fur seal, Ross seal, whales in ice, whales along the Southern African coast The session was presented in panel, discussion format, that allowed for questions form the audience. (Photo Credit: ALSA Archive)
- Dr Christian Murray: Understanding the drivers of Marion Island’s elephant seal population. (Abstract)
- Leandri de Kock: Considering individual variation when investigating marine predator behaviours during life- history events(Abstract)
- Dr Liezl Pretorius and Dr Greg Hofmeyr (presenting): Canine morphometrics as a tool for distinguishing species, sex and age in Southern Ocean fur seals(Abstract)
- Dr Mia Wege: The conveyor belt of Ross seals in the Lazarev Sea and their behaviour. (Abstract)
- Matthew Germishuizen: Sea ice declines coincide with a period of reduced reproductive success in Southern Ocean top predator (Abstract)
- Oluwaseyi Paul Babalola: Entropy-based Detection and Classification of Bryde’s Whale Vocalizations: An Approach for Understanding and Conserving an Endangered Species(Abstract)
(Above L-R: Dr Christian Murray, Leandri de Kock, Dr Greg Hofmeyr, Oluwaseyi Paul Babalola)
It was great to see the Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit of the University of Pretoria based in Hermanus, Western Cape represented during the symposium by Dr Els Vermeulen, Matthew Germishuizen, Elisa Seyboth and Antonia Immerz. (Above L-R)
The Prince Edward Island scientific expedition was able to join the symposium on the 30th November and Chris Oosthuizen did his presentation in the session, ‘Data Management and the Summer Survey Participants’ chaired by Dr Christel Hansen. Liezel Pretorius was also able to join the conference on the Thursday. (Above L-R: Chris Oosthuizen, Liezel Pretorius, Yinhla Shihlomuhle)
- Dr Chris Oosthuizen. Marine predators: ecosystem sentinels that help inform Southern Ocean management. (Abstract)
An initiative by Mia Wege was to use the SANAP symposium to bring all “bio loggers/trackers” together, that included researchers who tag animals, mostly top predators across the globe. The purpose was to get some structure going and talk about a potential larger workshop specifically for the entire community. The meeting was well represented, and this was a great opportunity used.
Two of the Principal investigators of the project were able to attend the symposium. ( Nico de Bruyn(left) – University of Pretoria and Jaco Versfeld (Right) Stellenbosch University)
by Ria Olivier | Feb 23, 2024 | Biosecurity, Ecology, Environment, Invasion Biology, Marion Island, Research, SANAP, SANAP Student
Michelle Greve chaired another session on Ecosystems “Major threats to terrestrial sub-Antarctic ecosystems – climate change and invasions” , including how climate and species interactions are driving leaf endophyte communities, how warming directly, and indirectly (through heightened microbial decomposition and nutrient release) affects plant performance) affect plant growth, and how vegetation communities on Marion Island have changed since the 1960s on a warmer, drier and more invaded Marion Island. The session ended with a summary of the knowledge garnered from the National Status Report on Invasions, which includes a chapter on the Prince Edward Islands, and summarised all we know about invasions to the offshore territory. Michelle(right) gave an introduction and then was followed by oral presentations. (Above, l-r: Joshua Tsamba, Michelle Greve, Laura Fernadez-Winzer, Stephni van der Merwe, Nita Pallett) (Photo Credit: Michelle Greve)
- Joshua Tsamba – Fungal endophytes on Marion Island. (Abstract)
- Nita Pallett – Sub-Antarctic plant nitrogen uptake in a changing world. (Abstract)
- Stephni van der Merwe – Long-term vegetation change (1965-2020) in response to rapid warming and drying in a sub-Antarctic tundra: evidence from repeat photography (interactive poster) (Abstract)
- Laura Fernandez Winzer – An assessment of the status of biological invasions and their management on the Prince Edward Islands. (Abstract)
Another student Janine Schoombie of Peter le Roux of University of Pretoria presented in the ad hoc session chaired by Christel Hansen. They only arrived on 30 November after the Prince Edward Island scientific voyage. “Studies of wind, plants and seabirds on Marion Island”. (Abstract) A poster presentation by Elsa van Ginkel , student of Peter le Roux “Examining the potential for entomophilous pollination on sub-Antarctic Marion Island” was mentioned in the ad hoc session.(Abstract) (Above l-r: Peter le Roux, Janine Schoombie, Elsa van Ginkel)
by Ria Olivier | Feb 22, 2024 | Biosecurity, Ecology, Invasion Biology, Marion Island, Research, SANAP, SANAP Student, Uncategorised
Prof Bettine Jansen van Vuuren (left) chaired the session of Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Biodiscovery with the first plenary talk of the symposium by Peter Convey(right) of the British Antarctic Survey ” Terrestrial biological invasions and their potential impacts in the maritime Antarctic”. (Abstract) Peter Convey discussed that there are around 15 species of non-native plants and invertebrates currently known to be established in the maritime Antarctic . He further emphasize that effective biosecurity measures are required to ensure that further human-assisted transfer both on Signy Island and beyond is avoided. Prof Bettine Jansen van Vuuren chaired the session of Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Biodiscovery.
Bettine gave an overview of research that included research done by Daniela and Shilpha as they could not attend as they were on Marion Island. Foregrounding geodiversity in landscape ecology studies: insights from the sub-Antarctic – Daniela Monsanto (Abstract) Detecting signals of adaptive selection of an invasive springtail on sub-Antarctic Marion Island – Shilpha Parbhu (Abstract)
Daniela Monsanto, Shilpa Parbhu, Sandra Durand, Arsalan Emami-Khoyi, Peter Teske, David Hedding
Morgan Raath-Kruger(left) and student of Peter le Roux at University of Pretoria gave an oral presentation and an introduction to her poster.
- Long-term spatially-replicated data show no physical cost to a benefactor species in a facilitative plant–plant interaction. (Abstract)
- Do anisotropic processes influence fine-scale spatial genetic structure of a keystone sub-Antarctic plant species? (Abstract)
Another abstract submitted but Carol Jacobs(right) could not present is on the biosecurity within the South African National Antarctic Programme. (Abstract)https://alp.lib.sun.ac.za/handle/123456789/29301
by Ria Olivier | Feb 21, 2024 | Antarctica, Marion Island, Overwintering Team, SA Agulhas II, SANAE IV, SANAP, Stations, Take-Over Operations
It was a great event to welcome back the SANAE62 overwintering team after they spent more than a year at Antarctica. Dr Aby Paton(front 3rd form left), medical doctor of the team did not return as she will be staying on at SANAEIV as team leader and medical doctor for SANAE63.
The event was organised by Ms Chuma Phamoli, Director of Antarctic and Southern Oceans Islands Support. Dr L Fikizolo, Deputy Director of Oceans and Coasts, gave the welcome speech and thanked everyone on the voyage for their dedication and hard work to make the take over period successful. “This was the first season that the vessel had cover two destinations (Antarctica and Marion Island) on both the out bound and in bound legs of the voyage. The voyage also gave the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) the necessary platform to undertake their annual maintenance activities at the SANAE IV base and the removal of old infrastructure on Marion Island.” – DFFE
DFFE preparations for welcoming ceremony(image left). Zaid Watson and Mawonga Mandleni provided entertainment while everyone was waiting (image right)
Family, friend and colleagues wait to greet everyone
And then the S.A, Agulhas II arrive at East Pier with those on board
WELOME SPEECH Video Recording MEDIA INVITE
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.
Above(l-r): Sifiso Mpapane, Miranda Sitofile, Lillina Ruiters
Another session within the 
Above (l-r): Pedro Lebre, Silindile Maphosa, Lefentse Mashamaite
Prof Makhalanyane project presentations. Above (l-r): Runesu Bakasa, Marike Hillocks, Riaan Pierneef, Mancha Mabaso, Choaro Dithugoe
Above: (l-r)Nosipho Hlalukana, Nyasha Mafumo, Phillip Mawire, Mayinbogwe Buthelezi
Poster Presentations. Above (l-r): Sade Magabotha, Christophe Lefebvre, Elizabe Malan, Benjamin Abraham, Nelisiwe Hedebe, Michelle Bekker
Although Prof Makhalanyane(left) could only attend the National Committee and not the presentations, his students from Pretoria University were able to visit his new workplace at Stellenbosch University. (Photo credit: Riaan Pienaar)
Dr Mia Wege chaired the session on Marine Mammals during the 6th SANAP Symposium that resorts within the Marine and Antarctic Research Strategy – ecosystems, biodiversity and biodiscovery. The session includes talks on various marine and the presentations were arranged according roughly to species and area. This Included elephant seals, fur seal, Ross seal, whales in ice, whales along the Southern African coast The session was presented in panel, discussion format, that allowed for questions form the audience. (Photo Credit: ALSA Archive)
Two of the Principal investigators of the project were able to attend the symposium. ( Nico de Bruyn(left) – University of Pretoria and Jaco Versfeld (Right) Stellenbosch University)
Michelle Greve chaired another session on Ecosystems “Major threats to terrestrial sub-Antarctic ecosystems – climate change and invasions” , including how climate and species interactions are driving leaf endophyte communities, how warming directly, and indirectly (through heightened microbial decomposition and nutrient release) affects plant performance) affect plant growth, and how vegetation communities on Marion Island have changed since the 1960s on a warmer, drier and more invaded Marion Island. The session ended with a summary of the knowledge garnered from the National Status Report on Invasions, which includes a chapter on the Prince Edward Islands, and summarised all we know about invasions to the offshore territory. 
Michelle(right) gave an introduction and then was followed by oral presentations. (Above, l-r: Joshua Tsamba, Michelle Greve, Laura Fernadez-Winzer, Stephni van der Merwe, Nita Pallett) (Photo Credit: Michelle Greve)
Another student Janine Schoombie of Peter le Roux of University of Pretoria presented in the ad hoc session chaired by Christel Hansen. They only arrived on 30 November after the Prince Edward Island scientific voyage. “Studies of wind, plants and seabirds on Marion Island”. (
Prof Bettine Jansen van Vuuren (left) chaired the session of Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Biodiscovery with the first plenary talk of the symposium by Peter Convey(right) of the British Antarctic Survey ” Terrestrial biological invasions and their potential impacts in the maritime Antarctic”. (
Bettine gave an overview of research that included research done by Daniela and Shilpha as they could not attend as they were on Marion Island. Foregrounding geodiversity in landscape ecology studies: insights from the sub-Antarctic – Daniela Monsanto (
Daniela Monsanto, Shilpa Parbhu, Sandra Durand, Arsalan Emami-Khoyi, Peter Teske, David Hedding
Morgan Raath-Kruger(left) and student of Peter le Roux at University of Pretoria gave an oral presentation and an introduction to her poster.
Another abstract submitted but Carol Jacobs(right) could not present is on the biosecurity within the South African National Antarctic Programme. (Abstract)
It was a great event to welcome back the SANAE62 overwintering team after they spent more than a year at Antarctica. Dr Aby Paton(front 3rd form left), medical doctor of the team did not return as she will be staying on at SANAEIV as team leader and medical doctor for SANAE63.
The event was organised by Ms Chuma Phamoli, Director of 
DFFE preparations for welcoming ceremony(image left). Zaid Watson and Mawonga Mandleni provided entertainment while everyone was waiting (image right)
Family, friend and colleagues wait to greet everyone
