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 | Apr 22, 2025 | International Days, Research, SANAP, Science
On Earth Day 2025, we recognize the vital role of science in securing the future of our planet. South Africa’s commitment to environmental stewardship is powerfully reflected in its research presence at Antarctica, Marion Island, and Gough Island, under the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP). These remote, pristine locations serve as natural laboratories for understanding global climate systems, ocean circulation, and the health of marine ecosystems. From monitoring atmospheric carbon levels in Antarctica to studying biodiversity on Marion Island, South African researchers are gathering critical data that informs climate models, shapes conservation strategies, and guides global efforts to mitigate climate change.
The work conducted through SANAP not only enhances our understanding of Earth’s most vulnerable environments but also strengthens global collaboration on environmental sustainability. Long-term monitoring of weather patterns, sea temperatures, and wildlife populations across these islands contributes directly to international climate assessments and helps predict future planetary changes. As we mark Earth Day, let us celebrate the dedication of researchers who brave the extremes to ensure a liveable Earth for generations to come. Their efforts remind us that the answers to many of our environmental challenges lie in the farthest corners of our world—and that the time to act on them is now.
by Ria Olivier | Feb 3, 2025 | Announcement, Geomorphology, Important Dates, Research, SANAP, SANAP Student, Science
The International Conference on Geomorphology (ICG) 2025 is set to take place in breathtaking New Zealand, a land renowned for its dynamic landscapes and geological wonders. This global gathering of geomorphologists will provide a platform for cutting-edge discussions on landform processes, climate interactions, and Earth surface dynamics. We invite researchers, early-career scientists, and professionals to contribute to this exciting event by submitting abstracts to the special session:
Geomorphological Insights from the Sub-Antarctic
Description: Sub-Antarctic islands, situated in the remote Southern Ocean, offer a unique geomorphological perspective due to their distinct geographical setting. These cold islands, characterized by both glacial and periglacial processes, provide crucial insights into the historical and ongoing changes in oceanic and atmospheric circulation patterns within the southern hemisphere mid-latitudes. Unlike their northern hemisphere counterparts, these islands experienced a different Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and complex deglaciation, leading to unique geomorphological features and processes. The landforms of these islands serve as invaluable proxies for understanding landscape responses to climate change. Palaeo-climatic shifts have profoundly influenced geomorphological and cryogenic dynamics, shaping landforms and influencing ecosystem processes. Contemporary climatic changes, such as rising temperatures, moisture fluctuations, and increased frequency of extreme events, pose significant threats to these delicate geomorphological systems. These changes have the potential to push landscape and ecosystem processes beyond their existing environmental thresholds, impacting landforms and biodiversity. This session aims to explore the geomorphological significance of Sub-Antarctic islands and their role as indicators of environmental change. We invite contributions that highlight the geomorphological processes and dynamics that shape the landscape of these Sub- Antarctic Islands. Research focusing on the region’s geomorphological responses to past and present climatic conditions and the possible implications for ecosystem processes are particularly welcome. Emerging researchers are encouraged to submit their work to advance our understanding of these critical sentinel landscapes.
Who Should Submit?
We strongly encourage early-career researchers, postgraduate students, and experienced scientists to contribute their work. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your research to an international audience, gain valuable feedback, and network with leading experts in the field.
Abstract Submission Deadline: 31 May 2025!!
Don’t miss your chance to be part of ICG 2025 and contribute to this vital discussion on the evolving landscapes of the Sub-Antarctic.
Message from Prof Werner Nel:
“Dear Friends and Colleagues, We are putting a session together for the International Conference on Geomorphology that will be held in Christchurch in February 2026. As you can see the session description is very open, so we can really put a nice diverse session together. We would like to ask you to consider submitting an abstract to the session.
Hope to see you there. All the best.” Werner Nel
by Ria Olivier | Oct 11, 2024 | 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 2025 to May 2026)
Environmental Officer Assistant Environmental Officer
Communications Engineer Diesel Mechanic Electrical Engineer Medical Orderly
Senior Meteorological Technician Assistant Meteorological Technician
2 X Field Assistants – Sea Birds
Closing Date: 28 OCTOBER
Click here: View all positions
by Ria Olivier | Jul 1, 2024 | Geomorphology, Marion Island, Research, SANAP, Science
Twenty‐thousand‐year gap between deglaciation and peat formation on sub‐Antarctic Marion Island attributed to climate and sea level change
Article published by Werner Nel, Dominic Hodgson, David Hedding, Alex Whittle and Elizabeth Rudolph
Full Article Available Here
Radiocarbon dating of basal peats has been a key factor in determining minimum ages for deglaciation on sub‐Antarctic islands. On Marion Island, peat bogs dominate the landscape below 300m a.s.l., and palynological assessments of peat cores have been used to assess the vegetation history and succession rates as well as the sensitivity of the indigenous flora to climatic change. Initiation of peat on the sub‐Antarctic islands signifies a major landscape change which has previously been linked to the retreat of glaciers. Here we test this hypothesis by comparing previously published and new basal peat ages from Marion Island with cosmogenic isotope dates for deglaciation, and local and regional palaeo‐environmental changes. Results show that, in common with other sub‐Antarctic islands, peat initiation occurred after the Antarctic Cold Reversal (15–13 ka) and through the early Holocene climate optimum. This substantially postdates cosmogenic isotope evidence for deglaciation from the basalts which shows that the areas where the peatlands dominate were ice‐free from the start of Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 2 (~31 ka). This suggests that environmental conditions controlled peat initiation rather than deglaciation. Regional climatic proxies show that during and after MIS 2, extremely low temperatures, extensive sea ice conditions and depressed sea surface temperatures together with lower sea levels at an island scale could have maintained conditions unfavourable for peat initiation at their current locations. On Marion Island, the significant gap of ~20 000 years between the timing of deglaciation and peat formation indicates that the use of peat basal ages as a proxy for the minimum age of deglaciation in the sub‐Antarctic should be used with extreme caution.
Left( Werner Nel, David Hedding and Elizabeth Rudolph)
© 2024 The Author(s). Journal of Quaternary Science Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
by Ria Olivier | Mar 8, 2024 | Research, SANAP, SANAP Student, Science
During the 6th SANAP symposium, time was allocated for the presentation of governance issues, and this was done on the first day during the opening ceremony. Dr Gilbert Siko , the Director of Marine & Polar Research at the Department of Science and Innovation gave the first presentation. His role within the Research Development and Support Programme it is to promote the development of research, the production of scientific knowledge, and human capital development in science areas in which South Africa enjoys a geographic advantage, that includes Antarctic and marine research. Dr Siko highlighted the strategic importance of the research conducted through the South African National Antarctic Programme.
Dr Siko was followed by Tracy Klarenbeek, Director of Knowledge Advancement and Support of the National Research Foundation (NRF). She highlighted that create innovative funding instruments such as SANAP serve to transform the scientific landscape and inspire a representative research community to aspire to global competitiveness. She shared the outcomes of the 2023 SANAP Call for Proposals for funding cycle 2024 – 2026 with the community. She also mentioned that mentorship initiatives for unsuccessful applicants would be implemented via SAPRI.(right)
Dr Siko was followed by Tracy Klarenbeek, Director of Knowledge Advancement and Support of the National Research Foundation (NRF). She highlighted that create innovative funding instruments such as SANAP serve to transform the scientific landscape and inspire a representative research community to aspire to global competitiveness. She shared the outcomes of the 2023 SANAP Call for Proposals for funding cycle 2024 – 2026 with the community. She also mentioned that mentorship initiatives for unsuccessful applicants would be implemented via SAPRI.
Prof Bettine van Vuuren (right), Chair of the South African National Committee for SCAR gave feedback on the committee meeting. She also highlighted the function and activities of SCAR and the importance to be informed of these activities, and to be aware of scholarship opportunities. She encouraged early career researchers to become involved in SCAR committees and action scholarships.
The highlight of the Symposium was the international Antarctic day celebrations where Tracy Klarenbeek (left)addressed all attendees during the closing ceremony with a heartfelt talk. All participants, old and new, were thanked for their participation in the Symposium and their dedication to the SANAP programme. Tracy Klarenbeek talk gave a personal perspective of administering the SANAP programme:
“by facilitating Antarctic and Southern Ocean research, and awarding student bursaries, it is evident that the work I do changes lives”.
The opportunity to access the Southern Ocean, Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands (Gough and the Prince Edward Islands) is limited to the lucky few, and the work of the National Research Foundation makes this a reality for researchers and students alike.
A printed Map of Antarctica was signed by everyone on International Antarctica Day 1st December 2023 at Houw Hoek Hotel!
Speakers photos: credit Anche Louw – SA Polar Research Infrastructure/Antarctic Legacy of SA
On 
The work conducted through SANAP not only enhances our understanding of Earth’s most vulnerable environments but also strengthens global collaboration on environmental sustainability. Long-term monitoring of weather patterns, sea temperatures, and wildlife populations across these islands contributes directly to international climate assessments and helps predict future planetary changes. As we mark Earth Day, let us celebrate the dedication of researchers who brave the extremes to ensure a liveable Earth for generations to come. Their efforts remind us that the answers to many of our environmental challenges lie in the farthest corners of our world—and that the time to act on them is now.
The 
Who Should Submit?
Message from Prof Werner Nel:
Article published by Werner Nel, Dominic Hodgson, David Hedding, Alex Whittle and Elizabeth Rudolph
During the 6th SANAP symposium, time was allocated for the presentation of governance issues, and this was done on the first day during the opening ceremony. Dr Gilbert Siko , the Director of Marine & Polar Research at the Department of Science and Innovation gave the first presentation. His role within the Research Development and Support Programme it is to promote the development of research, the production of scientific knowledge, and human capital development in science areas in which South Africa enjoys a geographic advantage, that includes Antarctic and marine research. Dr Siko highlighted the strategic importance of the research conducted through the South African National Antarctic Programme.
Dr Siko was followed by Tracy Klarenbeek, Director of Knowledge Advancement and Support of the National Research Foundation (NRF). She highlighted that create innovative funding instruments such as SANAP serve to transform the scientific landscape and inspire a representative research community to aspire to global competitiveness. She shared the outcomes of the 2023 SANAP Call for Proposals for funding cycle 2024 – 2026 with the community. She also mentioned that mentorship initiatives for unsuccessful applicants would be implemented via SAPRI.(right)
Prof Bettine van Vuuren (right), Chair of the 
A printed Map of Antarctica was signed by everyone on International Antarctica Day 1st December 2023 at Houw Hoek Hotel!
