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 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 | Aug 9, 2025 | Antarctica, Gough Island, Humanities, International Days, Legacy, Marion Island, SANAE, Southern Ocean, Women in Science
Celebrating the Women of SANAP this Women’s Month
Ukubhiyozela Amabhinqa SANAP kule Nyanga Yabafazi
Sibungaza Abesifazane SANAP Kule Nyanga Yabesifazane
Ho Keteka Basali SANAP Kgweding ya Basadi
Ons Vier die Vroue van SANAP in Vrouemaand
Each year on the 9th of August, South Africans of all backgrounds, races and cultural groups join together in celebrating National Women’s Day. This significant day, and the month of August as a whole, offers us the opportunity to honour the remarkable women who continue to shape the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP). From overwintering team members braving the extremes of Antarctica, Marion and Gough Islands, to the researchers expanding our understanding of climate, ocean, and biodiversity systems — their contributions are integral to SANAP’s mission.
We also pay tribute to the women behind the scenes: administrators, logistics coordinators, construction workers, and technical staff who ensure the success of every expedition and the operation of our remote bases. These women embody resilience, leadership, and innovation in one of the world’s most challenging environments.
As we celebrate Women’s Month, SANAP proudly acknowledges and thanks all women — past and present — whose dedication and excellence drive our programme forward.
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.
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 | 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
The PHOCIS project, “Pelagic High Seas Ocean Ecoregionalisation of the Indian Subantarctic,” is
Every year on 11 August, 
Each year on the 9th of August, South Africans of all backgrounds, races and cultural groups join together in celebrating 
We also pay tribute to the women behind the scenes: administrators, logistics coordinators, construction workers, and technical staff who ensure the success of every expedition and the operation of our remote bases. These women embody resilience, leadership, and innovation in one of the world’s most challenging environments.
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.
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:
