In this edition:
Gough65 celebrating team member, Bubele Nongwejana’s birthday. Photo: Thendo Sikhwari
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 24 October 2019
On 12 October 2019, the S.A. Agulhas II departed on the first ever cruise to the Marginal Ice Zone during spring. This is a very exciting cruise with 97 participants onboard, representing 17 nationalities and 19 different scientific institutions.
Scientific institutions taking part in this dedicated science expedition, funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) through the National Research Foundation (NRF):
1. University of Cape Town
2. Stellenbosch University
3. South African Weather Service
4. Cape Peninsula University of Technology
5. Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
6. Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries
7. BirdLife South Africa
8. Plymouth Marine Laboratory
9. University of Exeter
10. University of Gothenburg, Sweden
11. University of Pretoria
12. University of Brest – LEMAR – IUEM
13. The University of Melbourne, Australia
14. University of Adelaide, Australia
15. Uppsala University, Sweden
16. Alfred Wegener Institute
17. Florida State University
18. New York University Abu Dhabi
19. Old Dominion University
This 47 day long cruise is managed by Dr Thomas Ryan-Keogh (CSIR), Chief Scientist onboard the vessel and by A/Prof Marcello Vichi (UCT) as land-based Chief Scientist.
The participants are distributed over 19 different teams onboard, covering all the aspects of the SCALE science plan:
| Team | Lead PI | Onboard Team Leader |
|---|---|---|
| BIRDS | Azwianewi Makhado | Derek Engelbrecht |
| DMS | Tom Bell | George Manville |
| CO2 | Pedro Monteiro | Mutshutshu Tsanwani |
| GLIDERS | Sarah Nicholson Pedro Monteiro Sebastian Swart | Louise Biddle Josh Huysamen |
| IRON | Thato Mtshali | Thato Mtshali |
| METEO | Christo Rautenbach Marc de Vos | Mardene de Villiers |
| MICROBIO | Thulani Makalanyane | Jarishma Gokul |
| NATM | Katye Altieri | Kurt Spence |
| NOCE | Sarah Fawcett | Raquel Flynn |
| OCE | Shared | Tommy Ryan-Keogh |
| PLANKTON | David Walker | Simone Louw |
| PLASTICS | Peter Ryan | Eleanor Weideman |
| PRODUCTION | Sandy Thomalla | Tommy Ryan-Keogh |
| SEAICE | Sebastian Skatulla Marcello Vichi Tokoloho Rampai Amit Mishra | Justin Pead |
| SEALS | Mia Wege | Marthan Bester |
| TRACEX | Alakendra Roychoudhury Susanne Fietz | Jan-Lukas Menzel |
| VIBRATION | Annie Bekker | Martinique Engelbrecht |
| WAVE | Alessandro Toffoli Clare Eayrs | Alberto Alberello Clare Eayrs |
| WHALES | Ken Findlay | Elisa Seyboth |
Here is a summary of the integrated scientific themes of SCALE:
SEA ICE DYNAMICS AND AIR-SEA-ICE FLUXES
Antarctic sea ice shows a large year to year variability which is not completely captured by forecasting and climate models. Understanding ice mechanics, composition and movement is essential for ice charting and predictive models. The exchange of gases, aerosols, heat and momentum between the atmosphere and ocean through the sea ice is a key factor influencing long-term climate variability and trends. These fluxes are critical to understanding the links between carbon and climate, aerosols and albedo and the influence of terrestrial particles on ocean biogeochemistry.
BIOLOGICAL CARBON PUMP
Changes in climate and sea-ice distribution are likely to affect the composition, abundance, and productivity of phytoplankton, with feedbacks that threaten the ecosystem services they provide, namely sustaining biodiversity, fueling the food web and fisheries, and mediating global climate through an altered efficiency of the biological carbon pump.
PHYSICS TO TOP PREDATORS
The Southern Ocean is subject to strong frontal (meso to sub-mesoscale) activity due to the instability of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. Nutrient pulses associated with frontal dynamics have the ability to propagate throughout the food chain from lower trophic levels (phytoplankton) to top predators (seabirds and marine mammals). The marginal ice zone environment is an essential habitat for seals and whales throughout the year, and its seasonal variability is a major driver of their feeding behaviour.
DECADAL CHANGES IN OCEAN INTERIOR
The Meridional Overturning Circulation is a global reaching system of surface and deep ocean currents. It is the primary mechanism for the transport and storage of heat, carbon, salt, freshwater and nutrients (including dissolved trace elements) between ocean basins; connecting the surface ocean and atmosphere with the huge reservoir of the deep sea.
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS FOR POLAR ENGINEERING
To advance the scientific basis for ice-going vessels, the S.A. Agulhas II has been the subject of full-scale engineering measurements since 2012. These measurements focus on structural dynamics of the hull and propulsion systems, wave slamming and human comfort. The sensor infrastructure and advanced data analytics position the ship as an ideal platform to explore digital twin technology to assess the state and behaviour of the vessel in near real time within its operational context. These powerful platforms promise to advance education, research, innovation and industrial development related to shipping, oceans and polar research.
To find out more about SCALE (Southern oCean seAsonaL Experiment) and the key research objectives of the cruise – visit www.scale.org.za.
Follow @SCALExperiment on Twitter for cruise updates.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 15 October 2019
Edited by : A/Prof Marcello Vichi (UCT)
This month is the kickoff for the Marion Island newsletters – we will start with the May 2019 newsletter.
In this edition (May 2019)
In this edition (September 2019)
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 10 October 2019
| Job Title | Station | Period | Closing Date | Download Job Advert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communications Engineer | Marion Island | April 2020 - May 2021 | 14 October 2019 | Click here |
| Electrical Engineer/Technician | Marion Island | April 2020 - May 2021 | 14 October 2019 | Click here |
| Diesel Mechanic | Marion Island | April 2020 - May 2021 | 14 October 2019 | Click here |
| Medical Orderly | Marion Island | April 2020 - May 2021 | 14 October 2019 | Click here |
| Field Assistant: Seabird Research x2 | Marion Island | April 2020 - May 2021 | 14 October 2019 | Click here |
| Environmental Control Officer | Marion Island | April 2020 - May 2021 | 14 October 2019 | Click here |
| Assistant Environmental Control Officer | Marion Island | April 2020 - May 2021 | 14 October 2019 | Click here |
| Senior Meteorological Technician | Marion Island | April 2020 - May 2021 | 14 October 2019 | Click here |
| Assistant Meteorological Technician x2 | Marion Island | April 2020 - May 2021 | 14 October 2019 | Click here |
| Field Assistant: Plant Ecology | Marion Island | April 2020 - May 2021 | 25 October 2019 | Click here |
| Field Assistant: 2 x"Sealers" and 1x "Whaler" | Marion Island | April 2020 - May 2021 | 21 October 2019 | Click here |
| Field Assistant: Plant Ecology (wind effects) | Marion Island | April 2020 - May 2021 | 25 October 2019 | Click here |
| Field Assistant: Seabird Research x2 (MAPRU) | Marion Island | April 2020 - May 2021 | 31 October 2019 | Click here |
In this edition:
SANAE 58, RADAE Engineer – Travis Duck.
Click here to download/view the SANAE IV Newsletter, August 2019 Edition.
Click here to view all the SANAE newsletters available on the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa Archive.
September 2019 at SANAE IV – AntarcticaPhoto Credit: Jacques RobbertzeView Jacques Robbertze on the ALSA Archive. |
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 12 September 2019
Dear Colleagues,
At the end of July, Mecha and I traveled to Plovdiv, Bulgaria to participate in the SCAR Programme Planning Group Leaders Meeting, and present the draft Ant-ICON Science and Implementation Plan to the SCAR Executive Committee.
Both meeting were extremely useful, particularly with regard to identifying synergies between the developing SRPs, and receiving useful guidance and feedback on how the developing Ant-ICON Science and Implementation Plan could be improved.
During the meetings Mecha and I, together with some invaluable input from Daniela Liggett, Chandrika Nath and other attendees, revised the Ant-ICON S&I Plan. We have continued to work on incorporating feedback over the last few weeks, and have now arrived at a near complete draft, which is attached for your further consideration.
Some sections still need a bit of work, but we feel that it is now at a stage where it can be disseminated more broadly to interested members of the SCAR scientific community and other stakeholders to raise the profile of this emerging initiative and hear any feedback that might be forthcoming. We’d also encourage you to disseminate this through your networks to interested colleagues.
Both the plan and an updated overview presentation have been uploaded to the Ant-ICON home page, and can be accessed using the following link under the Publications tab (https://scar.org/science/ant-icon/resources/). Mecha and I will undertake the broader dissemination, through various SCAR mailing lists, directly to key policy end users and other interested stakeholders including NGOs.
Mecha and I also encourage you to disseminate this plan through your networks to help raise awareness and to ensure anyone who is interested in following progress can join the mailing list. I am currently compiling an informal mailing list of interested persons, so if people do indicate interest, please let them know they can contact me directly and I will add their names.
We have a number of tasks ahead of us over the next few months as we aim to finalize the plan. This includes the completion of the Supporting Information that will accompany the S&I Plan, the preparation of a 2-page ‘marketing document’ and finalization of the make-up of the proposed Steering Committee (see section D – Management in the attached). With regard to the latter, please let me know if you would like to express interest in any of the Steering Committee positions as we need to start a list of potential names as soon as possible.
We received considerable input again in the last round, and while it was sometimes challenging to incorporate everything, we think most people’s comments and suggestions have been addressed. Nevertheless, the Science and Implementation Plan is still a work in progress, so please don’t hesitate to let us know if you have further input.
We hope to have a final draft completed by the end of October. It is likely that most of the consultation between now and then will be electronic, however, Mecha and I will hold at least one meeting in the margins of the CCAMLR meetings, which will be in Hobart from the 21 Oct-1 Nov 2019. Please let me know if you are likely to be in Hobart for these meetings and we will ensure that we include you in any correspondence regarding Ant-ICON discussions.
Many thanks once again for your interest and active engagement. It’s a pleasure to work with such a knowledgeable and enthusiastic planning group.
All the best
Aleks and Mecha
Dr. Aleks Terauds
Senior Research Scientist and Section Head |Biodiversity Conservation | Australian Antarctic Division | Kingston | Tasmania | Australia
Chief Officer – SCAR Standing Committee on the Antarctic Treaty System
P: +61 3 6232 3339 |E: aleks.terauds@gmail.com | Alt E: Aleks.Terauds@aad.gov.au
The 4th International sub-Antarctic Forum will be held in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia on 29-30 July 2020. Save the date in your calendars, and please feel free to circulate this information with your colleagues.
It will be a short forum over 2 days with opportunity abstract submission for short presentations on research, management, policy and science relevant to the sub-Antarctic. There will also be several keynote speakers, panel and large facilitated workshop on future challenges and opportunities for the sub-Antarctic.
It will be a wonderful Forum for researchers and students alike to come and share their findings and explore future opportunities. Some early career researcher travel assistance will be available.
Stay tuned for more information and updates via the website and Twitter @subant2020
Registrations and abstract submissions are yet to open.
Regards
Justine Shaw – Chair of the SCAR Action group “Integrated Science for the sub-Antarctic”
FROM THE WEBSITE
There is nothing sub about the sub-Antarctic!
In July 2020 the Tasmanian Government, with the support of the New Zealand Department of Conservation, is hosting the 4th International sub-Antarctic Forum.
Previous sub-Antarctic Forums have been mainly science focused. The 4th Forum will be multi-disciplinary, encompassing science, policy, management, tourism and fishing, heritage. It will bring together people passionate about the sub-Antarctic to discuss the challenges and pressures facing this special region, share knowledge and explore connections.
Already there has been international interest, and we are keen to ensure that as many countries, organisations and individuals with interests in the Sub Antarctic as possible hear about the Forum and have the opportunity to attend to make the most of the opportunity to cement existing relationships and develop new ones.
The forum will be held in the Antarctic gateway city of Hobart on 29-30 July 2020, immediately before SCAR/COMNAP, also being held in Hobart in 2020.
More details including registration will come in the next few months.
We would be grateful if you could spread the word within your networks.
The S.A. Agulhas II departed from the Port of Cape Town at around 10pm, 02 September 2019 and will return on 07 October 2019. Click here to view the voyage schedule.
| Team Member | Position |
|---|---|
| Mr Errol Julies | Communication/Electronics Engineer and Team Leader |
| Mr Thendo Sikhwari | Senior Meteorological Technician and Deputy Team Leader |
| Ms Michelle Risi-Jones | Field Assistant and Deputy Team Leader- Scientific |
| Mr Dylan Seaton | Meteorological Technician |
| Ms Siyasanga Mphehle | Meteorological Technician |
| Mr Thabiso Maphumulo | Electrician |
| Mr Bubele Nongwejana | Medical Orderly |
| Mr Gilbert Kgang | Diesel Mechanic |
| Mr Christopher Jones | Field Assistant |
| Mr Alexis Osborne | Field Assistant |
L-R: Bubele Nongwejana, Thabiso Maphumulo, Gilbert Kgang, Errol Julies, Thendo Sikhwari, Siyasanga Mphehle and Dylan Seaton.
Field assistants: Michelle Risi-Jones, Alexis Osborne and Christopher Jones. Photo Credit: Michelle Risi-Jones.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 04 September 2019
The Committee for the 2019/20 year has established a new SAAC website which went public on 29 July 2019. The new website address is https://sa-antarctic-club.weebly.com .
Current and prospective new members can contact the SAAC through the Contacts Form provided on the website.
What you need to know
The South African Antarctic Club is open to membership to those expeditioners who have overwintered at one or more of South Africa’s research stations on the Antarctic continent, on the sub-Antarctic Marion Island or South Atlantic Gough Island. Anybody else who have also visited any of these stations, or have an active interest in these places, are also welcome to apply for Associate Membership. A nominal once off fee is applicable to both membership categories. The SAAC meets annually to hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and in celebration of Midwinter’s Day, if not on, as close as possible to 21 June. A second get together, usually a braai, is sometimes also held during the summer.
Chair of the SA Antarctic Club for the 2019/2, Richard Skinner.
Edited by Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 15 August 2019
In this edition:
Read more about the:
Team members of SANAE58 enjoying some outside time in the sun, after the long dark winter. L-R (Back): Travis Duck, Bongisipho Kuali, Jacques Robbertze, Mpati Boleme; (front) Dr. Salomé Odendaal, Tshimangadzo Munyai, Marvin Rankudu and Ewald Ferreira. Photo credit: Jacques Robbertze
Click here to download/view the SANAE IV Newsletter, July 2019 Edition.
Click here to view all the SANAE newsletters available on the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa Archive.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 15 August 2019
August is a very special month for women in South Africa and this said we would like to salute women within the South African National Antarctic Programme.
SANAP is filled with strong women in Antarctic, sub-Antarctic and Southern Ocean research. The programme also consist of a number of brave women overwintering at the South African research stations (Marion Island, Gough Island and Antarctica).
There are 29 National Research Foundation/Department of Science and Technology funded projects within SANAP and 13 of these are managed by women. This is evident that women definitely have a place within Antarctic research.
The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) sends four volunteers to Antarctica every year. These volunteers assist with hard work (physically and mentally). The last take-over to Antarctica, three of the four South African National Space Agency (SANSA) volunteers were women.
During my trip to Antarctica earlier this year, I had the opportunity to meet a number of very inspiring women – in the video below, meet the three SANSA volunteers of the 2018/2019 Antarctic take-over and the new VLF (Very Low Frequency) SANSA Engineer, who is currently overwintering at the South African National Antarctic Expedition station (SANAE IV).
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 13 August 2019.
On behalf of ALSA and all involved in the South African National Antarctic Programme, we would like to wish you a Happy Birthday.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 08 August 2019.
It is the last week of the SCALExperiment Winter Cruise of 2019. Here’s what the engineers of Stellenbosch University are currently doing onboard the S.A. Agulhas II.
Observations of stern and bow slamming done from the SAAII bridge.
During the SCALE Voyyage to Antarctica, the Sound and Vibration Group has been conducting full scale measurements using accelerometers placed on the S.A. Agulhas II. Wave observations have been conducted to estimate the height and frequency of the waves encountered by the vessel. With this, slamming observations have been conducted. When the vessel is experiencing slamming the team is tasked to rate the slam according to the comfort experienced.
The team has conducted ship manoeuvers in open water while stationary and moving at various speeds. This was done to investigate under which wave states the vessel experiences slamming.
The team is also investigating human comfort onboard the vessel. Passengers fill in daily motion sickness and slamming surveys. In addition to this a head acoustic dummy, Mike, has been measuring the sound experienced in a passenger cabin.
Information received from: Prof Annie Bekker, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, Stellenbosch University, 05 August 2019
Photos: supplied by Sound and Vibration Group
Dear all
The West Indian Ocean Governance and Exchange Network (WIOGEN) is one of the MeerWissen initiatives and was launched earlier this month. WIOGEN is an opportunity to produce joint publications through the science exchanges, be involved in a science to policy event, training schools and virtual learning. The network activities will be driven by the needs of the region and its members.
The first conference will take place on the 7th and 8th of November 2019. Please fill in the survey to ensure that you are included in news about WIOGEN and to express your interest in attending the November event (it is a non-obligatory expression of interest). https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BLQ95Q3
Please click here for more information. We look forward to welcoming you to the network and working with our partners to improve ocean governance in the West Indian Ocean. If you have any questions please feel free to email info@wiogen.org or visit the (under construction) website: https://wiogen.org/
Best wishes
Shannon
(Representing implementing partners IOI-SA and Leibniz Centre for Tropical Research – ZMT)
—
Dr Shannon Hampton
International Ocean Institute – African Region
CBC Building, Kirstenbosch, Rhodes Drive, Newlands
0217998830
www.ioisa.org
https://www.facebook.com/IOISouthernAfrica/
http://howtosurvivephd.blogspot.com/
Jean Loock and Johan Viljoen, Stellenbosch University doctoral candidates currently onboard the S.A. Agulhas II, gave some insight on why the TracEx -group is so interested in studying the Southern Ocean during winter and the particular interest in the seasonal sea-ice.
“Phytoplankton are microorganisms that help regulate global climate through carbon dioxide uptake as they photosynthesise. To do this they require nutrients but in the remote oceans food is scarce, resulting in fierce competition and poor growth of these plankton. However, within the seasonal sea-ice that grows during winter and extends northwards from Antarctica, a thriving little community of microorganisms exist.
Our team is looking to analyze the snow layer on the ice, the ice itself and the water below the ice in an attempt to understand how these nutrients are concentrating within the ice. It may be that during the summer melting phase, these nutrients are expelled from the ice and provide the food required for large scale blooms of phytoplankton and thereby improved carbon dioxide uptake. These curious cases are crucial to improving our understanding of the climate system in a changing environment”.
Preparing the Mini Geotraces CTD Rosette before the cruise:
Our mini #GEOTRACES compliant #CTD rosette is ready! We are looking forward to deploy & test it in the Southern Ocean during the @SCALExperiment Winter cruise in July. Baptism with fire as they say! The rosette will have space for 12 teflon coated 5L #GoFlo bottles. @geotraces https://t.co/FlbqO59ULd
— TracEx Stellenbosch (@TracexS) May 28, 2019
On the day of the first launch, during the #SCALExperiment #WinterCruise2019 .
Team TracEx getting ready to deploy their new mini CTD rosette in ice conditions to collect water samples to study the trace metals in the water column below ice. Photo Credit: Johan Viljoen.
For more information on #SCALExperiment #WinterCruise2019 – click here.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 01 August 2019
In this edition:
Click here to download/view the SANAE IV Newsletter, June 2019 Edition
https://www.facebook.com/AntarcticLegacySA/posts/914615882210688:0
Click here to view all the SANAE newsletters available on the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa Archive.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 30 July 2019
On behalf of ALSA and all involved in the South African National Antarctic Programme, we would like to wish you a Happy Birthday.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 27 July 2019.
Do you want to know more about this year’s SCALE (Southern oCean seAsonal Experiment) Winter Cruise, which is multi-disciplinary, multi-institution, multi-national research conducted in the Southern Ocean?
Click on the media brief below for more information:
For more information on this year’s scientific programme and to meet the national and international partners part the cruise – click here.
Check out the following hashtags on social media:
#SCALExperiment and #WinterCruise2019
SCALE #WinterCruise2019
.
Some cold weather experienced last night on the S.A. Agulhas II.#SCALExperimentCredit: Mardené de Villiers, South African Weather Service @SCALExperiment pic.twitter.com/hoF0t13eGU
— Antarctic Legacy of South Africa (@Antarcticlegacy) July 24, 2019
https://www.facebook.com/AntarcticLegacySA/posts/911389042533372
On behalf of ALSA and all involved in the South African National Antarctic Programme, we would like to wish you a Happy Birthday.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 23 July 2019.
On behalf of ALSA and all involved in the South African National Antarctic Programme, we would like to wish you a Happy Birthday.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 22 July 2019.
On behalf of ALSA and all involved in the South African National Antarctic Programme, we would like to wish you a Happy Birthday.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 19 July 2019.
South Africa’s permanent presence on the Antarctic continent commenced shortly after the Norwegians announced the evacuation of their Antarctic base, which was established for the International Geophysics Year (IGY), in the Dronning Maud Land region (approximately 4000 km south of Cape Town). This base was taken over by South Africa in 1959, during the first South African National Antarctic Expedition (SANAE), under the leadership of J.J. ‘Hannes’ la Grange (also Senior Meteorologist of the team).
1st SANAE Overwintering Team of 1960 (L-R: André van der Merwe, Dick Bonnema, Hannes la Grange, Marten du Preez, Blackie de Swardt).
Antarctic Treaty counties: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, France, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States and USSR.
In the same year, South Africa, along with eleven other countries signed the Antarctic Treaty, hence SA is one of the founding members of the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS), and however South Africa never made a territorial claim in Antarctica, is seen as a “consultative party” within the Antarctic Treaty, due to its legitimate interest in Antarctica (Viall 1991).
The Antarctic Treaty can be described as “agreements and arrangements which regulate international relations and activities in Antarctica” (Viall 1991). The aim of the Antarctic Treaty was to ensure that Antarctica (the area south of 60° S latitude) would be used for no other than peaceful purposes. The Antarctic Treaty also stipulates that military activities, nuclear explosions and the disposal of radioactive waste are prohibited in Antarctica (The Antarctic Treaty, 1959). Read more here.
South Africa has certain obligations to the ATS regarding conservation on Antarctica and on its sub-Antarctic islands and form part of the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) and Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR).
The Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) kicked off in 1961 and was held biennially, however since 1994 it became evident that this meeting should be held annually. As stipulated by the Secretariat of the Antarctic Treaty, ‘the meeting is hosted by Consultative parties according to the alphabetical order of their English names’.
This year the meeting in held in Prague, France. South Africa’s delegation consists of:
Furthermore South Africans, Richard Skinner (previously with the South African Department of Environmental Affairs and a long-time participant within the South African National Antarctic Programme) and Lize-Marié van der Watt (Doctor of Philosophy at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden) are currently also at this meeting as part of the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat support staff.
References:
The Antarctic Treat (1959) http://blogs.sun.ac.za/antarcticlegacy/wp-content/blogs.dir/189/files/2015/10/The-Antarctic-Treaty1.pdf
Viall JD (1991) South Africa: The Road to the Antarctic Treaty. South African Journal of Antarctic Research, Volume 21:125-128.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 11 July 2019.
On the 1st of July 2019, 41 students from various universities across South Africa have set sail from the Port of Cape Town, onboard the S.A. Aghulus II, as part of the annual SEAmester course run by Prof Isabelle Ansorge from the Department of Oceanography, University of Cape Town. Assisting her onboard is Tahlia Henry, programme coordinator; watch this interview with Tahlia just before departure. Students who are in the marine field of study and who make it through the hundreds of applications get the fantastic opportunity to participate in this 11-day South African class afloat. The cruise travels up the coast to Port Elizabeth where the vessel turns into the deeper oceans in order to travel along the ASCA line. The line plots its course at certain intervals, where CTD (conductivity, temperature and depth) tests are done.
While students are onboard the days are filled with a selection of lectures and practicals, run by leaders in the field of marine science. The practicals give students some hands-on experience within their field of interest, for example students get to partake in CTD observations where the CTD is lowered to different depths at different points along the cruise to measure depth, salinity and temperature. These observations are done in order to gain a better understanding of the Aghulus current. The South African Weather Service also has a meteorological technician/forecaster onboard, demonstrating the release of a weather balloon, while informing students on the data gathered from the radiosonde (box attached to the balloon gather certain data) – view this video to learn more about weather observations from the S.A. Agulhas II. Other practicals onboard include; dissections on marine mammals, parasitology studies, seafloor sediments studies, mammal observations and micro plastic sampling.
Surrounded by the blue ocean looking left, right, backwards and forwards reminds one of the vastness of the ocean. Sunrises and sunsets are most definitely a highlight for students as they are able to watch the sun break through the horizon from the monkey deck.
The cruise has thus far experienced some great weather in the first few days, but we did end up face to face with a cold front. It was a slightly bumpy ride to say the least as the vessel had to navigate its way through 9m swells and 40 knot winds.
The vessel is expected to back in the Port of Cape Town by morning, 11 July 2019.
S.A. Ahulhas II moving through calm waters. Photo Credit: Alex Oelofse.
All photo supplied by the photographer onboard the vessel: Alex Oelofse.
Author: Alex Oelofse, Photographer onboard the vessel. Edited by: Anché Louw, 09 July 2019.
On behalf of ALSA and all involved in the South African National Antarctic Programme, we would like to wish you a Happy Birthday.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 06 July 2019.
The 4th SEAmester cruise departed from the port of Cape Town on the 1st of July 2019.
This year’s class consists of 41 students in total, including postgraduate students from all over South Africa and a few international students.
During this 11 day cruise along the coast of South Africa, on the S.A. Agulhas II, students will learn all about marine science through theoretical classroom learning and applying this knowledge through ship-based and hands-on research. Find out more about SEAmester here.
We would like to wish all the students and lecturers onboard the vessel another successful programme.
Note: SEAmester is a Department of Science and Technology/National Research Foundation funded SANAP (South African National Antarctic Programme) project.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 03 July 2019
Apply now to be part of the 59th South African National Antarctic Expedition (SANAE) overwintering team!
Positions available:
| Job Title | Station | Period | Closing Date | Download Job Advert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SANSA Volunteer Positions (x3) VIDEO | Antarctica - SANAE IV | December 2019 - February 2020 | 25 September 2019 | More info, click here! |
| Senior Meteorological Technician VIDEO | Antarctica - SANAE IV | December 2019 to January 2021 | Closed | More info, click here! |
| Communications/Electronics Engineer VIDEO | Antarctica - SANAE IV | December 2019 to January 2021 | Closed | More info, click here! |
| Mechanical Engineer | Antarctica - SANAE IV | December 2019 to January 2021 | Closed | More info, click here! |
| Electrical Engineer/Technician VIDEO | Antarctica - SANAE IV | December 2019 to January 2021 | Closed | More info, click here! |
| Diesel Mechanic VIDEO | Antarctica - SANAE IV | December 2019 to January 2021 | Closed | More info, click here! |
| Medical Doctor VIDEO | Antarctica - SANAE IV | December 2019 to January 2021 | Closed | More info, click here! |
| RADAR Engineer - South African National Space Agency | Antarctica - SANAE IV | December 2019 to January 2021 | Closed | |
| VLF Engineer - South African National Space Agency | Antarctica - SANAE IV | December 2019 to January 2021 | Closed |
On behalf of ALSA and all involved in the South African National Antarctic Programme, we would like to wish you a Happy Birthday.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 27 June 2019.
Mid-Winter is celebrated right across Antarctica by all the nations & stations. It is the 0ldest tradition in Antarctica and refers to the Winter Solstice (or hibernal solstice). It occurs when one of the Earth’s poles has its maximum tilt away from the Sun. It happens twice yearly, once in each hemisphere (Northern and Southern). For that hemisphere, the winter solstice is the day with the shortest period of daylight and longest night of the year, when the Sun is at its lowest daily maximum elevation in the sky.
At the pole, there is continuous darkness or twilight around the winter solstice. Its opposite is the summer solstice.
The winter solstice occurs during the hemisphere’s winter. In the Southern Hemisphere, this is the June solstice (usually 20 or 21 June). Although the winter solstice itself lasts only a moment, the term sometimes refers to the day on which it occurs. Other names are “midwinter”, the “extreme of winter” (Dongzhi), or the “shortest day”.
So, for Antarctic Expeditioners / Overwinterers the worst is over with regards to dark (lack of light and sunlight).
Happy Mid- Winter to all – share this email far and wide.
From all of us
Jasmine Arnold
Office Administrator to The Ship’s Operations Manager | Directorate: Southern Oceans & Antarctic Support | Office address: East Pier, Waterfront | Direct no: 021 405 9485 | Switchboard: 021 405 9400
Mid-winter Event Pretoria, South Africa – organised by Carol Jacobs :
Sent from Jacques Robbertze, team leader/diesel mechanic of the current SANAE overwintering team (S58), 20 June 2019.
On behalf of ALSA and all involved in the South African National Antarctic Programme, we would like to wish you a Happy Birthday.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 18 June 2019.
Salomé is the 58th SANAE Overwintering team’s Medical Doctor.
On behalf of ALSA and all involved in the South African National Antarctic Programme, we would like to wish you a Happy Birthday.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 14 June 2019.
In this Edition:
Deputy Team Leader of SANAE 58, Mpati Boleme.
– Get to know the SANAE58 deputy team leader, Mpati Boleme.
– Learn more about the scientific work currently ongoing at SANAE IV
– See what was the weather like during the month of May 2019.
– Team gatherings
– Learn some facts about Antarctica
Click here to download/view the SANAE IV Newsletter, May 2019 Edition.
Click here to view all the SANAE newsletters available on the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa Archive.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 13 June 2019
Call for all electricians, that consist of the minimum requirements for this position, to apply as soon as possible.
Please click on the link below for more information regarding this position:
Electrician – Gough (OC03.2019)
DEADLINE: 24 June 2019
Please Contact Mr Willem Boshoff for more information – Telephone (021) 405 9418
Read more about Gough Island here.
Also view the inside of the base, where you will stay for 13 months.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 12 June 2019
The December 2019 – February 2021 positions for Antarctica will soon be advertised here. If you are interested in overwintering at the South African National Antarctic Expedition Station, SANAE IV, make sure you know all about the different positions available.
Note that this position at SANAE IV is not permanent and is based on a 15 month contract.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
DUTIES
Watch this video and meet Meteorological Technicians previously (of the 57th SANAE Overwintering Team, Season: December 2017 – March 2019) and currently (of the 58th SANAE Overwintering Team (Season: December 2018 – February 2020) at SANAE IV.
Contact Mardené de Villiers or Tammy Morris (SAWS) for more information regarding this position – Tel: (021) 935 5700
Over the next few weeks we will share more information about the different positions and you can also watch videos of previous overwintering personnel at SANAE.
Subscribe to the ALSA YouTube Channel to make sure you do not miss any new videos on our channel.
Senior Meteorological Technician for SANAE IV minimum requirements and duties are taken from official job advert for this position (Department of Environmental Affairs and South African Weather Service).
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 10 June 2019
Katherine Hutchinson (Postdoctoral Researcher, Oceanography at L’Ocean University of Cape Town) was one of the 48 expedition members, part of the Weddell Sea Expedition of 2019. During this expedition scientists did the first ever sampling on the A68 ice berg, that broke off of Larsen C ice shelf in July 2017.
Meet all the South Africans that was part of the Weddell Sea Expedition 2019: click here.
Her research ‘explores the role of the ocean in possibly driving basal melting and thus destabilising the ice shelf making it more prone to loss via massive calving events’ like the event mentioned above.
She is currently in New York sharing her knowledge on ocean conservation (click here for more information on this event). She compares the size of ice berg A68 with Manhattan, which is 180 times the size of this part of the city and most probably the best way to create a sense of scale.
Top photo: Katherine Hutchinson, second from the left.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 07 June 2019.
The 75th Marion Island Overwintering team departed on 06 April 2018 (click here to read more) and returned to Cape Town on the 15th of May 2019 (VIDEO).
Click on the link below and view their official team photo among the previous Marion Island overwintering teams.
Also visit the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa Archive to view the team photo or team logo.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 06 June 2019.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) announced the availability of positions for the Gough Island Restoration Programme (GIRP). This programme is planned to commence in 2020 and aims to get rid of the bird-eating mice on Gough Island.
https://www.facebook.com/GoughIsland/posts/709619229472872
If you are interested in more information or if you would like to join the team, download this document – Gough Island Restoration Programme baiting team member application briefing.
Applicants need to fill out the application at the end of the document and email to pmcclelland@xtra.co.nz.
Note that the selection of the team is likely to be in September 2019, hence submit your application as soon as possible.
Feel free to contact Pete McClelland or Richard Switzer for further queries.
– Pete McClelland (baiting team) – pmcclelland@xtra.co.nz
– Richard Switzer (aviculture team) – Richard.Switzer@rspb.org.uk
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 31 May 2019
On behalf of ALSA and all involved in the South African National Antarctic Programme, we would like to wish Michelle Thompson (Field Assistant – Birder M75) a Happy Birthday today.
This will be the last team member of M75 we wish happy birthday to, as this team returned back to Cape Town a few days ago! All the best for your future guys! 
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 19 May 2019
In this Edition:
– Get to know the SANAE58 team leader, Jacques Robbertze
– Have you ever heard of the ‘smelly’ and wondered how this ice melting system works?
Click here to download The Edurance (SANAE IV Newsletter), March 2019 Edition.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 17 May 2019
The S.A. Agulhas II arrived in Cape Town yesterday, 15 May 2019, after being away for 34 days.
The vessel returned with the 75th Marion Island overwintering team, all take-over scientists (land-and ship based) and take-over personnel.
Marion75 departed last year on 06 April 2018 and they are now reunited with family and friends after approximately 13 months.
Click here to see who was on this team and more about the different scientific groups (land-and ship based).
Note that there are more institutions involved in take-over science on the island, not mentioned in this video such as the Biocomplexity Project (University of Johannesburg) and Observing Dawn in the Cosmos (University of KwaZulu Natal). These projects does not have personnel overwintering on the island.
L-R (front): Dakalo Gangashe (Base Engineer), Maliviwe Mnengisa (Medic/Team leader), Zinhle Shongwe (Assistant meteorologist), Stephan Keys (Birder), Dani Keys (Birder), Dineo Mogashoa (Winder/Botanist); (middle) Oyena Masiko (Birder), Vhulahani Manukha (Space Engineer), Mavis Lekhesa (Radio Technician), Michael Taunyane (Diesel Mechanic / Deputy Team Leader). Sechaba Nyaku (Senior Meteorologist). Michelle Thompson (Birder). Monica Leitner (Assistant ECO), Liezl Pretorius (Sealer/Deputy Science Team Leader), Elsa van Ginkel (Winder/Botanist), Bongekile Kuhlase (Botanist); (back) Abuyiselwe Nguna (Geomorphologist/Science Team Leader), Jabulani Thabede (Chef), James Burns (Assistant meteorologist), Charlotte Heijnis (Senior ECO), Sean Morar (Birder). Welly Qwabe (Sealer), Michael Voysey (Killer whaler/sealer), Marike Louw (Botanist).
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 16 May 2019.
All onboard the vessel has gone thorough customs.
The tugboat has just arrived alongside the vessel, to assist her in shifting into East Pier where passengers will disembark.
Have you ever considered working at the South African National Antarctic Expedition Station (SANAE IV)? Are you a South African citizen? Are you a Diesel Mechanic and want to know what is expected of you when you work on Antarctica?
First of all note that any position at SANAE IV is not permanent and is approximately 15 months contract. Some positions might be longer due to the training involved before departure to Antarctica.
Here are the main duties of a Diesel Mechanic on Antarctica:
• Maintenance of power generator and vehicle diesel engines and related equipment;
• Maintenance and repairs of Air-conditioning system, refrigeration, water reticulation and waste water systems;
• Replacement and repair of mechanical pumps and valves as well as pipe fitting;
• Maintenance and minor repairs of Caterpillar machines, snowmobiles, telescopic cranes, portable generators and transfer pumps. Operate Caterpillar machines and cargo handling equipment;
• Maintenance of cabooses (field caravan) and field equipment.
• Report to the mechanical engineer and will perform additional base related mechanical and civil functions requested by the mechanical engineer and also be part of a technical team, led by a technical team manager, that has to perform any additional base related technical functions;
• Preparation of monthly and annual reports and other common “non-technical” duties performed by expedition members
If you have what is takes, keep an eye on the SANAP website for the next season (December 2019 – February 2021) job openings (click here).
Contact Mr Willem Boshoff for more information regarding this position – Telephone (021) 405 9418.
Subscribe to the ALSA YouTube Channel to make sure you do not miss any new videos on our channel.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 14 May 2019
Expected Time of Arrival: 15 May 2019 (morning)
Place: East Pier, Cape Town Harbour
Photo Credit: Ben van der Walt, 2018 Marion Island take-over voyage.
The information below was sent through by the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research.
The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR), the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP), and the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) have been working together for many years to support talented early-career researchers, scientists, engineers, environmental managers, and other professionals to strengthen international capacity and cooperation in fields such as science support and facilitation, environmental management implementation, and climate, biodiversity, conservation, humanities and astrophysics research by way of an annual funding opportunity.
For 2019, these Antarctic organisations are joined by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), who will each support additional Antarctic-related fellowships.
SCAR today launches its 2019 Antarctic-related Fellowships for early-career researchers. SCAR will offer 5 to 6 fellowships of up to USD $15,000 each for 2019, with additional support for the scheme having been provided by India, Korea and France. A new SCAR/WMO Fellowship is also available in 2019 as detailed below. The Fellowships enable early-career researchers to join a project team from another country, opening up new opportunities and often creating partnerships that last for many years and over many Antarctic field seasons. The deadline for fellowship applications is 17 July 2019.
For 2019 there are a number of extra opportunities through the SCAR scheme, with some restrictions on applicability but using the standard application process for SCAR Fellowships:
COMNAP and IAATO have already launched their Fellowship scheme for 2019 and CCAMLR launch their Scholarship scheme with two deadlines in 2019. Details are available at : https://www.scar.org/community-news/fellowship-opportunities-launched/
The SCAR scheme is launched today, noting the complementary schemes of our partners – the COMNAP and IAATO Fellowship Scheme and the CCAMLR Scientific Scholarship Scheme. Full details of these schemes are available on their respective websites below.
For more information on SCAR Fellowships, visit the SCAR website at:
www.scar.org/awards/fellowships/information/
For information on the COMNAP and IAATO Fellowships, visit the COMNAP website at:
www.comnap.aq/SitePages/fellowships.aspx
For information on CCAMLR Scholarships, visit the CCAMLR website at:
www.ccamlr.org/en/science/ccamlr-scientific-scholarship-scheme
Time on the island is rapidly running out for all passengers returning to Cape Town, this includes everyone except the 76th Marion Island Overwintering Team. The take-over scientists are wrapping up field work and packing containers for back-loading started at this research station.
The first containers were transported to the research and supply vessel, S.A. Agulhas II. Watch the video below to see how a container is transported by helicopter.
These last few days are bitter sweet on the island. The 75th overwintering team returning to Cape Town have to say goodbye to the place they called home for 13 months. A place that was at first maybe something to get used to, and now a very special memory that will last a lifetime. For many this might be the last time they get to visit this pristine island in the Southern Ocean, but for the 76th overwintering team the departure of the vessel is something to look forward to, as they will be able to unpack their personals in their own rooms and settling in, preparing for the year ahead.
The vessel is expected to depart from Marion Island on the 9th of May and the expected time of arrival at East Pier, Cape Town Harbour, is 16 May 2019. The longer return voyage will be used toward oceanographic research on transects between the Prince Edward Islands and Cape Town.
Bon Voyage, see you soon!
https://www.facebook.com/UltimateAviationsa/videos/408739073050873/
Photo Credit: Daniela Monsanto (PhD Candidate, University of Johannesburg)
Video Credit: Ultimate Aviation Group
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 07 May 2019
On behalf of ALSA and all involved in the South African National Antarctic Programme, we would like to wish Bongekile Kuhlase (Botanical Field Assistant of M75) a Happy Birthday today.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 04 May 2019
Date: 29 – 30 July 2020
“Come and discuss the challenges facing the sub-Antarctic in a changing world and share ideas for the future”.
Sessions include:
Website: Click here.
Follow subant2020 on Twitter!
Communication via the South Africa National Committee for SCAR Chair – Professor Bettine van Vuuren.
Dear SANAP community,
Below an email from the SCAR Secretariat – It was decided that the SCAR structures be reviewed (at the meeting in Davos, 2018), and following from that, a survey was put together.
We have a real chance to contribute, and to drive change here; change that will work for us. I am the first one to sigh when asked to fill in (yet another) survey, but we really can make a meaningful contribution here. Please find the time in your busy schedules to complete this survey, and please pass this message on.
Remember, the entire SCAR Programme Structure will change in 2020, most meaningfully in terms of the big Science Programmes. Your input here can make a big difference, and if enough of us take the time to complete it, we can make sure that our work and our needs are more fully met by SCAR.
Please look at the email below from the SCAR Secretariat
Dear SCAR Group Leaders,
At the 2018 SCAR Delegates meeting, the Delegates asked the Executive Committee to review SCAR programmes, activities and committees to ensure they continue to be fit-for-purpose as the science need evolves.
To help with this task, the SCAR Executive Committee are conducting a survey of SCAR’s members, scientists, partners and groups that use SCAR data and findings. With the survey we are asking for input on how different stakeholders engage with SCAR programmes and activities and what they expect from SCAR.
You are invited to complete the survey. SCAR would like participation to be as wide as possible, so you are welcome to share the link with colleagues in their institutions, countries, and with international collaborators who benefit from SCAR.
The survey should take between 15 and 30 minutes depending on the level of feedback you provide.
The survey is available at the following link and will be open until Friday May 31st:
Thank you in advance. If you have any questions, please email info@scar.org
SCAR Secretariat
Haven’t met the South African National Committee (SANC) for SCAR yet (click here).
The information below was sent through by the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research Secretariat. .
Preparations are well underway for the 2020 SCAR meetings and Open Science Conference to be held in Hobart, Australia in July-August 2020. The COMNAP Annual General Meeting will run concurrently with SCAR and the organisers are working to schedule events to encourage participation across the two groups. The OSC theme ‘Antarctic Science: Global Connections’ highlights the scientific connections between Antarctica and the global system and collaboration in our Antarctic science community.
The Local Organising Committee are working closely with the SCAR and COMNAP Secretariats on meeting preparations including an excellent program of conference and side events. Planning for SCAR COMNAP 2020 includes efforts to minimise waste, encourage sustainable resource management and to foster participation inclusion and diversity.
The first pre-conference circular is now available and outlines some key pieces of information about SCAR COMNAP 2020. This includes the conference structure and indicative dates for abstract submission and registration.
The International Science Organising Committee has also developed a draft list of sessions based on input from the SCAR community – it is available for comment on the SCAR COMNAP 2020 website. Comments, suggested changes, proposals for additional sessions and suggestions for sessions to be merged together should be made to info@scar.org by 28 June 2019.
For more information, please check the SCAR COMNAP 2020 website or contact the SCAR COMNAP 2020 Project Manager, Rhonda Bartley at the Australian Antarctic Division – email: SCARCOMNAP2020@aad.gov.au
We look forward to seeing you all in Hobart next year!
Kind regards,
The SCAR Secretariat
Congratulations to Daniela Monsanto and Mthoko Twala, two SANAP students completing their Masters degrees, both with cum laude, within the field of biology.
Daniela completed her degree at the University of Johannesburg, under the supervision of Prof Bettine van Vuuren. This Masters was part of the SANAP project: Biocomplexity: Understanding biological patterns in space and time. Daniela examined fine-scale spatial genetic patterns in one of the most dominant and ecologically significant soil organisms across the sub-Antarctic region, the Collembola Cryptopygus antarcticus. Her work highlighted a genetic discontinuity, which when overlaid onto a detailed geomorphological map of the area, coincided with a 3 meter ridge (for Collembola, this height is equivalent to a human scaled to 2.5 times the height of Table Mountain).
Mthoko completed his degree at the University of Pretoria, under the supervision of Dr Michelle Greve. This Masters was part of the SANAP project: Invasions in the changing sub-Antarctic. Mthoko assessed whether the invasive plant, Sagina procumbens, disproportionately benefits other invasive species on Marion Island. He found mixed results, with invasive plants necessarily benefitted from Sagina, but invasive collembolans benefitting more than native collembolans.
Congratulations to the students, as well as the supervisors.
https://www.facebook.com/AntarcticLegacySA/posts/853552648317012
https://www.facebook.com/AntarcticLegacySA/posts/854122318260045
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 30 April 2019
Our Wave Gliders have arrived back from the Southern Ocean. Last Friday 5th April we picked up our second carbon Waveglider WG027 a few tens of metres from the breakwater in Granger Bay at the end of an exciting but problem free transit of 1500km from the Sub-Antarctic Zone (43oS 8oE)(Video). Its twin WG052 had completed its even longer transit of 2800km from the Polar Upwelling Zone (54oS OoE) 9 days earlier. Both units arrived in excellent shape in what was a first for us, bringing our gliders home with a ship pick-up. Both gliders completed 4-month long missions of which 10 weeks were sampling at their respective locations and 6 weeks transiting back to Cape Town.
https://www.facebook.com/AntarcticLegacySA/videos/322703648445517/
Bringing the gliders home under their own means opens the door towards the direction of reducing the dependency on ships and reduces the long-term costs of long-term observations. It is a significant technical challenge for the robots and the engineers. The biggest problems we encountered, apart from the vicious storms, were the very strong mesoscale jets west of the Agulhas retroflection area. Jets with flow speeds of over 2kn posed navigation challenges for the pilots but we also learned much from the experience and despite a few necessary deviations (Figure 1a,b) that probably added a week to the transit we got them home in really good shape (Figure 2).
The decision to bring them home was shaped by two main considerations: firstly, we wanted to avoid the expensive physical damage to the gliders that often happens with ship recovery, especially under the typically rough conditions in the Southern Ocean. As it turned out we made the right call especially for WG052 which would have been all but impossible to retrieve such were the conditions. Secondly, we wanted to evaluate if wave gliders can be combined to address mesoscale differences in the response of the ocean to synoptic scale atmospheric forcing.
As mentioned in earlier posts each of these gliders was paired with a buoyancy glider over the entire period of deployment at their respective long-term observational sites in the SAZ and the PUZ as part of two NRF-funded SOCCO SOSCEX-Storm projects. This pairing enabled us to simultaneously observe the air-sea fluxes of CO and the ocean physics dynamics that influence them in the upper 1000m of the ocean. This is necessary because it is not clear how important these ocean dynamics are in predicting the climate sensitivity of the carbon cycle in the Southern Ocean. This learning will be used to improve the Earth System Models used to predict regional and global climate change, particularly the South African CSIR-VrESM model being developed as a collaboration between SOCCO, Global Change Institute-Wits University and the MaRe Institute at UCT.
All the instruments were fully operational over the entire time and the initial look at the data suggests that we have excellent accuracy and precision. This was the first operational test for our newly developed VeGAS pCO2 units on both gliders and we will do a deep dive into the data later this week.
This science work would not have been possible without the expertise and dedication of our engineering partners at Sea Technology Services who run SA-RobOTIC and their student engineers.
– Dr. Pedro M. Scheel Monteiro & SOCCO & SA-RobOTIC team, 08 April 2019 (posted 16 April 2019)
Greetings from the M75 team to all our friends and families!
Where have the days gone?! March, our last full month alone on Marion, has flown by! For many of the field assistants, the work has slowed down substantially as the final tasks are being ticked off. For others, there is still quite a lot that needs to be squeezed into these final days. And, on the other hand, there are some (including the sealers) whose work has continued uninterrupted as is the case with base personnel who need to keep the ball rolling until we’ve boarded the ship home.
In between our duties however, the big clean-up has begun. All the huts have been tackled by the field assistants and back at base everyone is pitching in to make sure that everything is ready for take-over. Apart from the general base skivvy, we have all been busy packing up our own rooms too; as the total population of Marion explodes from 24 to over a hundred (with all the scientists and maintenance crew), we will soon be bunking with each other and the new M76 team while they find their feet.
Outside, island life goes on, oblivious to our bustling preparations. The wandering albatross which dot the landscape continue with their inredible life cycle and the fur-seal pups are venturing further and further from comfort as they grow at a rate. The winter leaves sap in the fading sunlight and the mountains are beginning to try on their winter coats.
We are sad to announce that this edition of The Wanderer (March 2019) will in all likelihood be our last. The next few weeks are undoubtedly going to be very chaotic and there will be little time to spare before we board the S.A. Agulhas II to go home. It has been a massive privilege to bring you these insights to our fantastic adventure in this paradise! We hope that you’ve enjoyed them as we have and that these newsletters can become part of M75’s legacy and serve to inspire future expeditions and explorers!
Authors: Elsa van Ginkel (Editor) and James Burns (Co-Editor), 75th Marion Island Overwintering Team, 16 April 2019 (received 13 April 2019)
Click here to view all the Marion Island newsletters available on the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa Archive.
Meet the Marion Island Overwintering team here.
See below some photos of the departure, more detail regarding the take-over to follow.
Meet the M76 Team Leader
https://www.facebook.com/AntarcticLegacySA/videos/vl.672218773213196/266214177591900/?type=1
Meet the M76 Deputy Team Leader
https://www.facebook.com/AntarcticLegacySA/videos/2336099149952432/
Meet the M76 Science Team Leader
https://www.facebook.com/AntarcticLegacySA/videos/342967963233207/
All photos and videos taken by Ria Olivier, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 12 April 2019
In this Edition:
– Meet the team
– They have a Motto!!
– See who sponsored the team with some extra (nice to have items) for their expedition.
Click here to download The Edurance (SANAE IV Newsletter), March 2019 Edition.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 05 April 2019
On behalf of ALSA and all involved in the South African National Antarctic Programme, we would like to wish Melford Mnengisa (Medical Orderly of M75) a Happy Birthday today.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 05 April 2019
SCAR Event Announcement
XIII International Symposium on Antarctic Earth Sciences
The abstract submission deadline for the XIII International Symposium on Antarctic Earth Sciences has been extended to 21 April 2019.
Please go to the event website (click here) for more information.
On behalf of ALSA and all involved in the South African National Antarctic Programme, we would like to wish Sechaba Nyaku (Senior Meteorological Technician of M75) a Happy Birthday today.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 29 March 2019
Interested in the South African Research and Supply Vessel, the S.A. Agulhas II 2019 Voyage Schedule?
Click here.
The 76th Marion Island Overwintering team training started during the second week of March and will end Friday, 29 March.
The team training is intended to give the team a good background of the South African National Antarctic Programme and the history of South Africa’s involvement in the Southern Ocean. The team will also get an idea of what to expect of their year on Marion Island, learn what they can and can’t do and get a better idea of what to pack. During training the team can mingle with each other and learn how to work together during First Aid and Fire Fighting training, during the packing of containers and the cooking class. Each member’s dental health will also be assessed and attended to, as there is no way of returning home for an aching tooth. Each member on the team will also be kitted out with the necessary protective clothing for living and working in the sub-Antarctic.
The current expected time of departure for the vessel, S.A. Agulhas II is 11 April 2019. Click here to view the S.A Agulhas II Voyage Schedule.
Featured Image: M76 team during the first day of training, with Ria Olivier, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa (back, 4th from left) and Adriaan Dreyer (far right), Assistant Director – Logistics and Support of Expeditions (Southern Ocean and Island Support Division, Department of Environmental Affairs).
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 20 March 2019
Greetings to the friends, families and followers of the M75 team!
And so goes the second month of the not-so-new-anymore year. It has been another wonderful month on this incredible island! The Christmas trees (correction: one of the Christmas trees) have just been packed away and the base is visibly tensing for the onslaught of the upcoming take-over month. The new M76 team has started training in Cape Town and we are all getting ready to show them the ropes when they arrive. But despite the approaching conclusion to our adventure, we have still been having a fantastic time here in paradise!
Winter is coming, and fast! February saw a very noticable shift in weather as the winds pick up, temperatures drop and the interior recieves a regular dusting of white. Field workers have been busy as the last of many of the newest generation of island birds leave their nests and the fur seal pups grow at an alarming rate. The iconic wandering albatross have mostly settled down and the first few chicks have even hatched. There is still a lot of work to do, both outside and in the lab, before the ship arrives. We have been in high spirits back at base and still enjoy our weekly braais, a couple of birthdays and other fun events.
This edition of The Wanderer (February 2019) is packed with great photos and the amazing experiences that we have been enjoying here! We hope you enjoy them all too!
Kind regards,
the Wanderer Editing team
Authors: Elsa van Ginkel (Editor) and James Burns (Co-Editor), 75th Marion Island Overwintering Team, 19 March 2019 (received 14 March 2019)
Click here to view all the Marion Island newsletters available on the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa Archive.
As a community doing Polar research we take part in the APECS* International Polar Week of March 2019 to promote international polar research.
*APECS: Association of Polar Early Career Scientists
This year the March Polar Week runs from the 17th until the 23rd of March 2019.
Except from the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists Website
Part of this week-long celebration on social media, South Africa’s National Committee for APECS, APECS South Africa, is running a photo competition. You are ALL encouraged to enter!
The categories is as follow: Data, Landscape, Wildlife and Fieldwork.
For more details, click on the photo below…
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 18 March 2019
On behalf of ALSA and all involved in the South African National Antarctic Programme, we would like to wish Jabulani Thabede (Cook of M75) a Happy Birthday today.
This is the first overwintering team with a full-time cook on the team.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 18 March 2019
Welcome to Cape Town SANAE57 team, take-over personnel, Weddell Sea Expedition crew, Department of Public Works personnel and Nolitha Construction (responsible for the refurbishments of the SANAE IV base), the Ultimate Helicopter Crew and the S.A. Agulhas II’s Captain and Crew.
The 57th South African National Antarctic Expedition (SANAE) team has returned to Cape Town, after 15 months away from home (see photo below). This team had to stay a bit longer at SANAE IV than usual, due to the longer take-over in order to accommodate the Weddell Sea Expedition, that was incorporated in the 2018/2019 Antarctica Cruise.
L-R (Back): Stephanus Schoeman (RADAR Engineer), John Skelete (Diesel Mechanic), Bo Orton (Electrician), Will Jelbert (Doctor), Forster Mashele (VLF Engineer), Sabelo Biyela (Diesel Mechanic); (front) Hloni Rakoteli (Communications Engineer), Lux Tanyana (Base Engineer), Elias Seabi (Meteorological Technician) and Cobus van der Merwe (Neutron Engineer).
This Weddell Sea Expedition was funded by the The Flotilla Foundation and the S.A. Agulhas II chartered a team of scientists into the Weddell Sea, for extensive scientific exploration on and around the LarsenC ice shelf and the A68 Iceberg. Click here to meet the South Africans that was part of this expedition.
The Weddell Sea Expedition also involved the search for Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ship, the Endurance (click here for more information), but due to unfavourable weather conditions and the loss of the AUV (automated underwater vehicle) the search was ended where after the ship headed back to Penguin Bukta where overwintering members (S57) and take-over personnel of SANAE IV boarded the ship.
The welcoming ceremony was led by Mathibela Selepe (Department of Environmental Affairs, Chief Engineer: Telecommunications and Instrumentation) and welcoming speech delivered by Mbulelo Dopolo (Department of Environmental Affairs, Branch: Oceans and Coasts, Director: Earth Systems Strategies).
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 15 March 2019
https://www.facebook.com/AntarcticLegacySA/videos/vl.317523262441303/800923453598499/?type=1
The S.A. Agulhas II is currently on her way home, after being in the Antarctica waters for 3 months. Onboard is the returning 57th SANAE (South African National Antarctic Expedition) overwintering team, 2018/2019 SANAE take-over personnel, Weddell Sea Expedition members and ship based scientists of different South African universities.
Expected time of arrival (ETA): 15 March 2019, around 08:30
The vessel will then proceed to Landing Wall 1 for inward clearance and shifting in to east pier around 08:30.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 14 March 2019
Meet the Communications Engineer of the 57th South African National Antarctic Expedition Team – Hloni Rakoteli. This is not the first time Hloni heads home on the S.A Agulhas II from an overwintering expedition, his first expedition was on Gough Island as part of the 61st Gough Island Overwintering Team (Gough61 team photo). Get to know Hloni a bit better, before watching the video, by downloading the June Edition of the SANAE57 team newsletter.
Excerpt of SANAE57’s first team newsletter – December 2017 (Click here to view this newsletter)
https://www.facebook.com/AntarcticLegacySA/videos/818243898526390/
This team is heading home on the S.A. Agulhas II, currently sailing through the roaring 40’s (now at 43°South). Track the S.A. Agulhas II by clicking on the icon below.
Track the S.A. Agulhas II
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 12 March 2019
On behalf of ALSA and all involved in the South African National Antarctic Programme, we would like to wish Dakalo Gangashe (Base Engineer of M75) a Happy Birthday today.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 11 March 2019
The S.A. Agulhas II is now on its homeward journey having finished all logistical and scientific work at SANAE and in the Weddell Sea (track the ship here). The work is not yet over for all aboard, however. Scientists from the University of Cape Town (UCT), the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the South African Weather Service (SAWS) continue to collect oceanographic and meteorological data. UCT and CSIR are both sampling seawater as the ship sails, measuring chlorophyll, nutrients, ammonium and phytoplankton community composition, to name a few.
Over and above this, CSIR—more particularly, CSIR SOCCO—and Martin Mohrmann of the University of Gothenburg and ROAM-MIZ deployed oceanographic instruments on the voyage south to Antarctica (see photos below). CSIR SOCCO, or the Southern Ocean Carbon & Climate Observatory, is a South African research programme focused on the Southern Ocean. ROAM-MIZ, according to their website, “is a multi-institutional initiative to observe the full seasonal cycle of the upper ocean in the marginal ice zone near the Greenwich Meridian”. CSIR SOCCO deployed two wave gliders, a Seaglider and a Slocum glider. ROAM-MIZ deployed two Seagliders and a Sailbuoy, christened SB Kringla. These instruments continuously record oceanographic data while they move through the water. The wave gliders and the Sailbuoy remain at the surface, harnessing wave and wind power, respectively, to propel them through the water. The Seagliders and Slocum glider alter their buoyancy to dive and sample sea water during their journeys to the deeps (deep parts of the ocean) and back to the surface. All these vehicles transmit their data to satellites at regular intervals or when they surface after a dive.
With the S.A. Agulhas II now making for home, the time has come to recover these instruments in order that they can be serviced and used again in future deployments. The wave gliders, in a true feat of engineering, are being piloted home to Cape Town. This is due to reducing sunlight available for the solar panels of the southernmost glider as the receding summer light wanes at these high latitudes. This will entail a journey of 1200 km and 2500 km for the respective wave gliders (click here for the update on the position of the gliders). Two Seagliders, the Slocum glider and the Sailbuoy will be recovered on the voyage home. The third Seaglider is to be recovered by another vessel, the Norwegian RV Kronprins Haakon, sailing from Punta Arenas in Chile.
On the 1st of March, the Sailbuoy and a ROAM-MIZ Seaglider were both safely recovered in fair weather at 60°S 0°E. The speed and success of the recovery were entirely down to the skill of the S.A. Agulhas II’s crew and the prevailing calm weather. Next, the Slocum glider will be recovered at 54°S 0°E and then CSIR SOCCO’s remaining buoyancy glider at 43°S 8°E. The S.A. Agulhas II is now making for 54°S 0°E after having sailed to South Thule and South Georgia for SAWS deployments and commitments.
For more information on CSIR’s SOCCO programme, click here and for further information on ROAM-MIZ, click here.
Cover Photo: ROAM-MIZ’s two buoyancy gliders making satellite contact in preparation for deployment.
Written by: Hermann Luyt, Oceanography, University of Cape Town
Edited by: Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 07 March 2019
Photo Credit (all): Hermann Luyt
Following up on the story of the our Liquid Robotics Wavegliders returning home to Cape Town from the Southern Ocean (click here) we have now completed the first half of the journey. Waveglider WG052 will arrive at its intermediate waypoint 43°S 9°E on Saturday 2nd March. It has completed the first 1200km of its journey in 17 days at an average of 70km per day during which it sailed through 3 storms and crossed both the Polar and Sub-Antarctic fronts (see photo below).
On Sunday 3rd March WG052 will meet up with its twin WG027 that has been making its own CO2 and physics measurements at our long term observation station SAZ-1 since early December 2018. They will return together in the second 1200km stretch of sub-polar and sub-tropical waters but separated by about 50 – 100km to test some ideas about the correlations length scales for pCO2. Both units continue to provide almost real time observations of ocean physics and CO2. You will see from the attached pic (earth.nullschool.net), which is derived from almost real time satellite observations-based surface ocean circulation product OSCAR of the mesoscale features around the south of Africa, that we are aiming to use one of these “jets” to propel both gliders towards Cape Town across the turbulent cauldron west of the Agulhas current retroflection. It shows very nicely how the ocean is not made up of large homogeneous currents but a series of high speed jets and eddies. We are exploring how the interaction of storms with these features influence the seasonal variability and ultimately the climate sensitivity of the air – sea fluxes of CO2 in the Southern Ocean.
– Dr. Pedro M. Scheel Monteiro & SOCCO & SA-RobOTIC team, 01 March 2019 (posted 06 March 2019)
The SANAE57 (57th SANAE Overwintering) Team is currently onboard the S.A. Agulhas II, heading home after 14months on Antarctica. ALSA was privileged to catch up with the team during take-over (in January) at SANAE IV, the fourth South African National Antarctic Expedition Station.
Back (L-R): Elias Seabi, Lux Tanyana, Sabelo Biyela, Cobus van der Merwe, Hloni Rakoteli; (front) Stephanus Schoeman, Foster Mashele, Will Jelbert, John Skelete, Bo Orton. This photo is also now part of South Africa’s Antarctic Legacy – on the ALSA archive (click here).
Each member of SANAE57 was introduced in the team’s first newsletter. Read below Will Jelbert’s (team leader and doctor of the team) introduction at the start of the expedition and hear what he had to say after the expedition (in take-over). If you want to read more about this expedition member make sure you read the September Edition of this team’s newsletter.
Excerpt of SANAE57’s first team newsletter – December 2017 (Click here to view this newsletter)
https://www.facebook.com/AntarcticLegacySA/videos/vl.317523262441303/316209675763530/?type=1
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 05 March 2019
Jufter Munyai is the 58th SANAE Overwintering team’s Electrical Engineer.
On behalf of ALSA and all involved in the South African National Antarctic Programme, we would like to wish you a Happy Birthday.
Anche Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 05 March 2019.
Sea Ice Observations currently conducted onboard the S.A. Agulhas II by Stellenbosch University and University of Cape Town.
As the S.A. Agulhas II is currently returning from the Weddell Sea Expedition and the SANAE IV take-over voyage (current position about S 61°12′ E 000°00′), scientist onboard the vessel are still hard at work…
Check out this video and learn more…
https://www.facebook.com/AntarcticLegacySA/videos/2136996703048476/
Click here to see who is onboard, returning form the Weddell Sea Expedition 2019.
Want to see more video’s? Go to Facebook (click here).
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 01 March 2019
It was lovely meeting up with Mpho at SANAE. We’ve spent a take-over together on Marion Island in 2016, after her year on the island as the Environmental Control Officer (ECO) for M72 (2015-2016).
72nd Marion Overwintering Team. Mpho standing in the top row, 2nd from right. Click on the photo to view more detail of the team.
Upon return from her year on Marion Island, there was an opening for an ECO on the 2017/2018 Antarctica take-over. Mpho grabbed this opportunity on with both hands. She’s also been back to Marion Island in 2018, as the take-over ECO and since been employed by the Department of Environmental Affairs, based at the Pretoria office.
VIDEO#2: Meet this take-over’s ECO (Environmental Control Officer) – Mpho Mashau
https://www.facebook.com/AntarcticLegacySA/videos/vl.317523262441303/1205190769656787/?type=1
See playlist on Facebook here: SEASON 1: Antarctica Take-Over 2018/2019 to introduce you to the overwintering team and the support staff of this take-over.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 27 February 2019
Greetings to the friends, families and followers of the M75 team!
Greetings from our sub-antarctic paradise!
The first month of this new year has come and gone much too quickly. The decorations stayed up long after the festive season ended and the M75 team took as long as possible to wind down after all the fun. We had some pretty memorable parties and amazing feasts!
January was a proper summer month on Marion. We had a record number of pleasantly warm and windstill days which have been great for working in the field. The field assistants have been out and about, making the most of the sunny and not-so-windy days. The island is alive with courting albatross, hundreds of penguin chicks, young birds starting to take off, brand new fur seal pups, etc. Back at base, we have been kept entertained with movie nights, some birthdays and many braai’s.
We hope you enjoy The Wanderer (January 2019) and that all the stories and photos give you a better idea of the fantastic things we’ve been experiencing!
Kind regards,
the Wanderer Editing team
Click here to view all the Marion Island newsletters available on the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa Archive.
Authors: Elsa van Ginkel (Editor) and James Burns (Co-Editor), 75th Marion Island Overwintering Team, 27 February 2019 (received 21 February 2019)
This competition, initiative of SAASTA (the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement), is a great way of encouraging young scientists in developing skills to communicate science to the broader public. Doing this in your mother tongue can be a difficult task as not all scientific words can be translated and this skill was also tested in this competition, as 2019 is the International Year of Indigenous Languages.
Marike Louw (MSc, CIB DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology, Stellenbosch University) is currently one of the botanical field assistants on the 75th Marion Island Overwintering team.
One of the SANAP overwintering personnel on Marion Island, Marike Louw, sees the need to communicate science and the setup of the scientific environment on Marion Island. Marike is one of the four female botanical field assistants on the island and her job (since April 2018 until May 2019) is to estimate percentage vegetation in 3x3m plots, which is scattered all over the island. This data is gathered for a SANAP project, i.e “Invasions in the changing sub-Antarctic“, run by Dr Michelle Greve of the University of Pretoria. This job entails a lot of hiking and hard work in challenging weather conditions, which she is totally up for. Read more about Marike and the other three botanists in the November issue The Wanderer, the Marion Island Newsletter (Click here).
The competition was divided into five categories; article, open, indigenous language, video and audio. Marike entered for three categories i.e. article, video and audio. She was awarded with 2nd place in two of the three categories (video and audio). Check out the video and you will truly be inspired by the enthusiasm and love for science that the Marion Island field assistants have. Marike is also very proud to be among a team of 24 overwinterers on Marion Island, where all 11 official South African languages are spoken (listen to the audio).
Video Category (English):
Title: Denizens of Marion Island | Theme: Science transforming Society
Intended platform: Online education platform
Audio Category:
Title: Rainbow Nation on a Sub-Antarctic Island | Theme: Science transforming Society
Intended platform: Education South African podcast or a radio platform
for a broad science-interested audience
Read more about this competition here.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 26 February 2019
This is the first of many video’s taken by the team of Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, while visiting the SANAE IV station during this current take-over (2018/2019).
This series of videos will be posted over the next few months (See playlist on Facebook here: SEASON 1: Antarctica Take-Over 2018/2019) to introduce you to the overwintering team and the support staff of this take-over.
Watch these videos and learn more about the different operations involved in such an expedition.
VIDEO#1: Meet this take-over’s DCO (Departmental Coordinating Officer) – Chuma Phamoli.
https://www.facebook.com/AntarcticLegacySA/videos/vl.317523262441303/796260724061724/?type=1
I hope that you will enjoy this journey with us!
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 26 February 2019
https://www.facebook.com/AntarcticLegacySA/videos/356755488249517/
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 20 February 2019
Lecture – Choosing our Future: Antarctic Science in a Global Setting
Applications are now open for LECTURER and STUDENT participation on the 2019 SEAmester-South Africa’ Class Afloat Programme.
The Department of Science and Technology requires platforms to “attract young researchers to the region and retain them by exciting their interest in aspects of global change”. SEAmester introduces marine science as an applied and cross-disciplinary field to students. Its long‐term vision is aimed at building capacity within the marine sciences by co‐ordinating cross‐disciplinary research projects through a highly innovative programme. The strength of SEAmester is that postgraduate students combine theoretical classroom learning with the application of this knowledge through ship-based and hands-on research. The state‐of‐the‐art research vessel, S.A. Agulhas II, provides the ideal teaching and research platform for SEAmester; its size, comfort and shipboard facilities allow large groups of students and lecturers to productively interact over a period of 10 days. The 2019 SEAmester Voyage will team up with SAEON’s ASCA (Agulhas System Climate Array) scientific programme on a 10 day voyage extending across the Agulhas Current.
The tentative dates for SEAmester IV are 1-11 July 2019. Please find enclosed application forms for either LECTURER or STUDENT participation as well as a brief description on SEAmester. For further information please refer to www.SEAmester.co.za or contact Prof Isabelle Ansorge on Isabelle.Ansorge@uct.ac.za
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS : 5 APRIL 2019
– SAEON’s ASCA (Agulhas System Climate Array) scientific programme
SOCCO: Southern Ocean Carbon & Climate Observatory
SANAP Project name: How storm characteristics in the Southern Ocean influence inter annual variability of CO2 fluxes
This summer SOCCO conducted the second SOSCEX-Storm glider-based experiment in the Southern Ocean as part of its 3 year science plan. We deployed two carbon wave gliders equipped with our SA-RobOTIC designed and built and pCO2 sensors, which have behaved flawlessly under the most dire conditions that the Southern Ocean could throw at them, which included weekly storms of 80-140km/h winds, waves of 10+m, snow storms and sea temperatures of -1 to 2°C. During this 2 month period they have taken over 3000 pCO2, pH, temperature and salinity observations. It was a rigorous test for the pCO2 sensors, which have a design feature that is specifically made to cope with Southern Ocean storms. It can be submerged by a wave which will mean that it taken a bit of water through the air intake but when the detectors pick this up it uses it pressurized gas to expel the moisture and continues to provide high quality data. This deployment was a significant achievement for our SA-RobOTIC engineering and an indication of how our expertise to operate in these conditions has matured and become globally recognized. This deployment was important for two reasons, it allowed us to start to examine the role of storms in driving the carbon – climate feedback in the Southern Ocean and it is a preparation phase for the SCALE experiment that starts in July 2019. The hypothesis, which is core to our NRF-SANAP and DST funding, that we are exploring is that climate-linked changes in storm characteristics will play an important role in the century scale carbon – climate feedbacks. Ocean robots and high precision sensors make this science possible.
We have however encountered a problem with the glider deployed at 54°S which is, that while it generated enough power during the peak of summer with nearly 24 hours of daylight, this is no longer the case in February with the sun setting for increasingly long periods – night is arriving in Antarctica. Wave gliders use solar panels to power the sensors. The second glider was deployed at 43°S where there is still plenty of sunlight. In a normal year the gliders would have been picked up by the S.A. Agulhas II coming back from SANAE at about this time but this year the ship is coming back nearly 5 weeks later because it is chartered by a British team to find the Endurance, Shackleton’s ship. As a matter of interest we are collaborating with some of our aeronautical engineering colleagues at CHPC (Centre for High Performance Computing) to develop an underwater power generator to enable us to make winter (no sunlight) deployments in July 2019.
For this reason we have made the decision to pilot both wave gliders home to Cape Town without the ship. This will be a journey of 2500km for WG-052 and 1200km for WG-027. We think this has the added advantage of reducing the risk of damage during retrieval by the ship, which has happened a few times due to the normally difficult conditions on retrieval. So, wave glider 052 has now left its long term observation position at 54°S on the prime meridian and is heading home towards wave glider 027 which is at 43°S. It is travelling at a speed of about 100km per day. The sensors are all working and we will take advantage of this opportunity to conduct an experiment that needs 2 gliders while they are on the way home. We expect them home in a month, mid-March and we will pick them up in Granger Bay in front of our SA-RobOTIC centre.
Route of the WG052 and 027 gliders (2019)
The wave gliders were paired with a buoyancy glider each that are making observations down the water column to 1000m 4 – 5 times a day. This pairing of wave gliders and buoyancy gliders is a SOCCO innovation under the SOSCEX series of experiments since 2013/14. The two buoyancy gliders will remain on station waiting for ship retrieval in mid-March.
– Dr. Pedro M. Scheel Monteiro & SOCCO & SA-RobOTIC team, 18 February 2019
Loaded and ready to go south as far as the sea-ice edge: 4 buoyancy gliders, one microRider, two wave gliders, one sail buoy! #SOSCExSTORM #ROAMMIZ follow the glider progress: https://t.co/rZByDegagA @SOCCOgliders @polargliders @SeaTechServ @SCALExperiment @unigothenburg @CSIR pic.twitter.com/8YFQS9pnHv
— SOCCO – CSIR (@SOCCOgliders) December 5, 2018
SANAP Website
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Please note that there are currently some issues on the SANAP website – please be patient in this regard.
Thank you
This was indeed sad news for me to hear of the passing of Prof David Walton. He was an extremely productive scientist and very active in a number of Antarctic related matters. SCAR (Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research) acknowledged his contribution by awarding him the SCAR Medal. I’ve met David about 20 years ago and we would meet annually at Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings (ATCM) where he was initially the SCAR representative and later the Editor of the ATCM Annual report, working with a bunch of young rapporteurs.
When our government requested a review of SANAP in 2007, David led an international panel of experts to conduct the review. Click here for this full report. He and his team spent a few weeks in South Africa. A number of South Africans involved in SANAP, both scientists and administrators, have met him.
He was a very likeable person and despite all his achievements a humble person with a sharp sense of humour. The Antarctic and international science communities have lost a giant.
– Henry Valentine, Technical Consultant, Department of Environmental Affairs, 15 February 2019
Photo Credit: www.internationalspaces.org
Official Communication from the Weddell Sea Expedition 2019 on 14 February 2019
Following pioneering Antarctic scientific research, Expedition reaches wreck site, but deteriorating weather and ice conditions force searchers to abandon quest for now.
The Weddell Sea Expedition, which conducted a highly successful multi-disciplinary scientific research programme in Antarctica, has been forced to conclude its current search for Sir Ernest Shackleton’s iconic ship, Endurance, which was crushed by ice and sank in 1915. The Expedition’s remarkable journey has shed new light on the challenges Shackleton, his men and their wooden sailing ship faced over a century ago.
Earlier this week, the Expedition successfully reached the wreck site, as plotted 104 years ago by Frank Worsley, the Captain of Endurance. However, the historic expedition, the first to attempt to locate the Endurance, was hampered by the extreme weather conditions. The weather closed in and the sea ice conditions deteriorated, leading to the loss of AUV7, one of the state-of-the-art specialist submersible Autonomous Underwater Vehicles, which was being deployed to locate the wreck. Despite round the clock efforts to recover AUV7, and with the risk of the Expedition vessel, the South African polar research vessel, S.A Agulhas II, becoming trapped in the ice, the Expedition leaders decided to abandon the current search for Endurance.
AUV7 was on the final leg of its mission scope, nearing the end of its extensive under-ice operation, when it entered a section of sea under a vast ice floe and contact was lost with the S.A Agulhas II. AUV7 had conducted what is believed to be the longest and deepest dedicated under ice survey ever, lasting over 30 hours. It is not known whether AUV7 captured images of Endurance on the seabed before contact was lost.
The search for Endurance was part of a ground-breaking scientific research programme in the waters around the Larsen C Ice Shelf and the A-68 Iceberg. The international team of glaciologists, marine biologists and oceanographers involved in the Expedition have surveyed the seafloor and the rich and little-studied biological systems that lie beneath the ice infested sea. In addition, the Expedition has measured sea ice freeboard and snow depth in the Weddell Sea, which will help better understand Antarctic sea ice thickness and its implications for climate change and global ocean circulation.
The Expedition is funded by the Netherlands-based marine charity, The Flotilla Foundation.
“As a team we are clearly disappointed not to have been successful in our mission to find Endurance. Like Shackleton before us, who described the graveyard of Endurance as ‘the worst portion of the worst sea in the world’, our well laid plans were overcome by the rapidly moving ice, and what Shackleton called ‘the evil conditions of The Weddell Sea’.
“We are pleased to have brought the story of Shackleton and Endurance to new audiences, and to the next generation, who will be entrusted with the essential safeguarding of our polar regions, and our planet more broadly. We hope our adventure will have engaged young people about the pioneering spirit, courage and fortitude of those who sailed with Endurance to Antarctica. We pay tribute to the navigational skills of Frank Worsley, the Captain of the Endurance, whose detailed records were invaluable in our reaching the area where she was lost. I would like to thank The Flotilla Foundation for enabling this extraordinary expedition to take place, as well as Ocean Infinity for their technology and technicians, and the whole team of dedicated experts who have been involved in this important scientific and exploratory expedition.”
“Everyone at Ocean Infinity is deeply disappointed that at the eleventh hour, we were not able to produce the images of what is without doubt the most challenging shipwreck in the world to locate. We understood the risks of pushing the boundaries of what’s been done before with technology operating in the harshest environment on the planet. Our team worked tirelessly throughout and are rightly entitled to celebrate what they achieved in advancing knowledge and understanding. Not only were Ocean Infinity’s AUVs deployed in the search for Endurance, but also over the previous weeks, we have played a central role in gathering the critical data which will be used by scientists as part of their important work understanding the polar regions and the impact of climate change.
“These varied uses of our technological tools within a single project demonstrates the power of Ocean Infinity’s approach. Having participated in the world’s largest subsea searches in 2018, we have now spent more time operating under the ice than any other organisation. This pioneering spirit is at the heart of Ocean Infinity’s desire to be the world’s leading underwater autonomous robotic company.”
“Through the scientific data gathered during the Expedition, we have deepened our knowledge and understanding of Antarctic oceanography and ecosystems, and our observations on the glaciology and geology will play a critical role in our understanding of Antarctic ice shelves and sea ice and, importantly, the changes that are occurring here today.
“The world-wide interest in Shackleton’s Endurance will also serve to convey the importance of the Expedition’s scientific and educational work. This is something we will be taking forward in our Museum at the Scott Polar Research Institute in Cambridge, where we already display the sextant used by Worsley to fix the final position of Endurance in 1915.”
“The Weddell Sea Expedition team are truly disappointed that after such a huge effort, and overcoming several major setbacks, we have not been able to find Endurance. We are, however, very proud of our other achievements over the past weeks in Antarctica. We have greatly surpassed our primary Expedition objective of undertaking pioneering scientific research at the Larsen C Ice Shelf. We have also conducted an unprecedented educational outreach programme, allowing children from around the world to engage in real time with the Expedition and our adventures from the outset.
“We will shortly begin our return leg to Cape Town, after an expedition which has been my great privilege and honour to lead. The Expedition team, and the officers and crew of the S.A. Agulhas II, have been simply outstanding. I would also like to thank The Flotilla Foundation, and all of our partners who have all played a key role in supporting this incredible expedition.”
Photographs from the expedition are available for download at www.weddellseaexpedition.org
A video clip of Director of Exploration, Mensun Bound, speaking from S.A Agulhas II can be viewed at https://vimeo.com/317146403/dd8de74aa7
Background footage of the Expedition can be viewed at https://vimeo.com/317151349/b77f1f919a
The Expedition daily blog can be viewed at https://weddellseaexpedition.org/expedition-blog/
Mark Antelme / Joanna Boon / Ollie Mills Tel: +44 (0) 207 520 9264
African Marine Solutions (AMSOL)
Atlantic Productions
Celicourt Communications
Constantia Consulting
Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA)
Deep Ocean Search Ltd
DP & Marine Assurance Norway AS
Eclipse Group Inc
Flotilla Foundation
KEA Projects Group (Pty)
Kongsberg Maritime
Nekton Foundation / University of Oxford
Nelson Mandela University
Netherlands Institute of Marine Research (NIOZ)
Ocean Infinity
Reach the World
Royal Geographical Society (RGS)
Scott Polar Research Institute, University of Cambridge
Shears Polar Ltd
The Explorers Club
The South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON)
University of Canterbury, NZ
University of Cape Town
University of Stellenbosch
White Desert
Official Communication, Weddell Sea Expedition 2019, 14 February 2019
During the first week of February 2019 the S.A. Agulhas II, which is currently chartered for the Weddell Sea Expedition, made a stop at King George Island. This island is the largest of the South Shetland Islands. This stopover was necessitated by the need for extra mechanical and electronic parts for the ROV (remotely operated underwater vehicle) team involved in the search for the Endurance wreck after an implosion of the electronics housing during a test dive. The parts were to be flown in from Punta Arenas, Chile, to the airstrip on King George Island.
One of the views while entering Ardley Cove, King George Island.
The stopover provided an opportunity for the expedition members to stretch their legs on land—a unique opportunity for the South African contingent who never get to visit these parts on the usual SANAE relief voyages. The island hosts a large number of research bases operated by Chile, Peru, Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay, as well as China, Russia, South Korea and Poland. A tour of Base Prof. Julio Escudero was arranged with the Chileans where all the scientific and recreational station facilities were displayed. The team was also invited in for tea at the Russian Bellingshausen station while waiting for the zodiacs to return the expedition team to the S.A. Agulhas II. The favours were then returned to the Chilean and Russian teams and they were invited aboard the S.A. Agulhas II and toured through the vessel. A joint Chilean-Argentinian naval patrol’s officers were also invited aboard and treated to some finger snacks with the S.A. Agulhas II’s officers in one of the vessel’s lounges.
King George Island also holds the Antarctic Treaty Monument which commemorates the signatories of the Antarctic Treaty and displays a plaque commemorating South Africa’s involvement as one of the original signatories. The monument is listed and protected as an Antarctic Historic Site or Monument.
Unfortunately, weather conditions prevented the designated plane with supplies from landing while the expedition was waiting at King George Island. The aircraft took off three separate times and had to turn around each time. The expedition couldn’t afford to lose more time and had to leave for the Endurance wreck site without the spares.
The team S.A. Agulhas II reached the wreck site on 10 February 2019 (read more here). The fact that the ROV will not be used for any further exploration did not stop the team, as they built a new frame fixed with lights and a camera which can be ‘trawled’ above the seafloor.
More Photos
South Shetland Islands. Photo Credit: www.travelwild.com
Written by: Hermann Luyt, Oceanography, University of Cape Town, 14 February 2019
Photo Credit (all): Hermann Luyt
The next Gough Island Overwintering Expedition will depart from Cape Town in September 2019. This will be the 65th Gough Island overwintering team who will return to Cape Town in October 2020.
Positions currently advertised:
If you are interested in applying to overwinter, please click here.
Please note that applications close between 04 and 14 March 2019.
Please download the PDF advert of the position you are interested in and follow the application instructions as set out in the advert.
Read more:
Recent article (Afrikaans) about the Gough63 team (Click here).
Click here and here for more information on Gough Island (English).
Photo Credit: Tom Mc Sherry
Dr Sarah Fawcett on the S.A. Agulhas II (CTD in the background). Photo Credit: Hermann Luyt
Dr Fawcett is a lecturer and researcher at the Department of Oceanography, University of Cape Town. She is a P-rated scientist (National Research Foundation Rating), who is the Principal Investigator of a South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) project titled “A nitrogen cycle view of atmospheric CO2 sequestration in the Antarctic Ocean“. She was also elected to the South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS) towards the end of last year (Read more here).
We are very proud that Dr Fawcett is part of the scientific team on the Weddell Sea Expedition that is currently underway. She represents South Africa as part of the UCT/SAEON/NMU team. Other institutions involved in this expedition includes the Scott Polar Institute (Cambridge, UK), the Nekton Foundation (UK) and the University of Canterbury (New Zealand). Read more about the Weddell Sea Expedition here.
Watch this video (low quality as it came directly from the Weddell Sea) where Dr Fawcett tells us more about the physical oceanography sampling conducted during the scientific leg of the exhibition and the use of this specific type of sampling.
https://www.facebook.com/AntarcticLegacySA/videos/354048292113579/
Also listen to Dr Fawcett on Cape Talk radio and read this for more information regarding the physical oceanography leg of this scientific exploration in the Weddell Sea.
Cover photo and video credit: Hermann Luyt
Anche Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 07 February 2019
ALSA had the opportunity to visit the SANAE IV (South African National Antarctic Expedition) Station in the first two weeks of January.
We are very excited to get the new material on the SANAP website!
Do you want to know more about this? Visit the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa website (click here).
We have such a long list of people to introduce and thank – we will start doing this very soon.
Ria Olivier and Anche Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 05 February 2019
Greetings to the friends, families and followers of the M75 team!
The last month of 2018 was a memorable one! Starting the festivities early in the month with decorations, the excitement built up steadily to Christmas day and we had an amazing time! Movie marathons, fun teamwork in the kitchen, potjies, presents, a secret santa and more made for a jolly season indeed. Unfortunately no snow on Christmas but we enjoyed some great sunny and calm days instead, summer finally arrived!
The team hasn’t stopped working and, between all the celebrations, fieldworkers have been out and about with lots to be done as the breeding season continues. Everything is still running smoothly at base although there is a definite mindset shift in the team as takeover approaches.
We apologise for the delayed distribution but we hope you all enjoy our latest edition of the Wanderer (December 2018)! We wish everyone the best for the upcoming year and thank you once again for supporting us from afar!
Kind regards,
the Wanderer Editing team
Click here to view all the Marion Island newsletters available on the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa Archive.
Author: James Burns, 75th Marion Island Overwintering Team (Meteorological Observer), 05 February 2019 (received 12 January 2019)
Bongisipho Kuali is the 58th SANAE Overwintering team’s Mechanical Engineer.
On behalf of ALSA and all involved in the South African National Antarctic Programme, we would like to wish you a Happy Birthday. May you have a fantastic birthday in Antarctica!
Anche Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 04 February 2019.
The international Weddell Sea Expedition to one of the most remote regions of Antarctica has entered its fifth week. The expedition reached the Larsen C Ice Shelf on 10 January 2019 and commenced sampling of the ocean (video coming soon), surrounding ice floes, bathymetry and seafloor sediment to better understand one of the least explored ocean regions of the world.
The expedition chartered the S.A. Agulhas II and over and above the all South African crew, a large contingent of South African scientists is also onboard. The scientists include Dr Sarah Fawcett (Chemical Oceanography – University of Cape Town) and UCT students Raquel Flynn, Jessica Burger, Riesna Audh, Shantelle Smith, Kurt Spence and Hermann Luyt; Dr Katherine Hutchinson (Physical Oceanography – University of Cape Town); Prof Tommy Bornman (Biological Oceanography – South African Environmental Observation Network and Nelson Mandela University); Prof Annie Bekker (Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering – University of Stellenbosch) and her students James-John Matthee and Christof van Zijl; Tahlia Henry (Scientific operations – Nelson Mandela University/University of Cape Town); Thapi Makgabutlane (South African Weather Services) and Dr Colin de La Harpe (on behalf of the CSIR).
South Africans on the Weddell Sea Expedition posing on the helideck of the S.A. Agulhas II with the trillion tonne Iceberg A68 in the background (photo by Holly Ewart)
Stay in touch for more on this expedition team – who will only return to Cape Town middle of March 2019.
Written by: Prof Tommy Bornman, Biological Oceanography – South African Environmental Observation Network and Nelson Mandela University, 30 January 2019
Thanks to Tahlia Henry, Prof Tommy Bornman, Hermann Luyt and Dr Sarah Fawcett for coming in contact with Antarctic Legacy of South Africa.
Also visit – www.weddellseaexpedition.org | For more information also read this article.
Jacques Robbertze is one of the team’s two Diesel Mechanics. I believe that this job on Antarctica will truly be unlike any other job you’ve ever had. Good luck with the year ahead.
On behalf of ALSA and all involved in the South African National Antarctic Programme, we would like to wish you a happy second birthday within SANAP.
Anche Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 29 January 2019.
On behalf of ALSA and all involved in the South African National Antarctic Programme, we would like to wish you a Happy Birthday Marvin.
Marvin is the team’s Senior Meteorological Technician, sending daily weather data to the South African Weather Service.
Anche Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 15 January 2019.
This will be Ewald’s 3rd birthday on Antarctica. He was also part of S42 and S56. Ewald has also overwintered twice on Marion Island, as part of M61 and M72.
On behalf of ALSA and all involved in the South African National Antarctic Programme, we would like to wish you a Happy Birthday.
Anche Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 21 December 2018.
Earlier this year Prof Annie Bekker of the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, also director of the Sound and Vibration Research Group, organised and hosted the S.A. Agulhas II mini-seminar. This seminar covered the full scale measurement capabilities of the S.A Agulhas II and the measurements to be taken this Antarctic season.
Captain Knowledge Bengu, who will be the Captain of the S.A. Agulhas II for the 2018/2019 Antarctic Expedition, attended this seminar. This gave him some insight of what is planned by the scientists for the season and how to prepare for the SANAE58/Weddell Sea Expedition and all the operations involved.
South Africa’s ice breaking vessel, the S.A. Agulhas II, is currently on her way to Antarctica on a 96 day cruise (almost a month longer than usually) – what does the captain say about this? Anche Louw of the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa interviewed Captain Knowledge Bengu – see interview below.
The first stop for the S.A. Agulhas II is Penguin Bukta. Here the SANAE58 team, cargo and other research personnel will be offloaded and then transported to SANAE IV.
The ship will then depart to the Weddell Sea (after fuel pumping) for the 45 day Weddell Sea Expedition 2019, on search for The Endurance and also if possible scientific exploration.
For more information about the Weddell Sea Expedition – click here.
https://www.facebook.com/AntarcticLegacySA/videos/370805320157462/
Anche Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 18 December 2018
Every year students within the South African National Antarctic Programme graduates (click here), but this year it is not only students within the programme who graduated with a new degree.
Errol Julies, Engineering Technician at the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) with a BTech (baccalaureus technologiae) Electrical Engineering background, graduated last week with a BTech in Project Management. Congratulations Errol!
Errol Julies graduated with another B.Tech degree at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
Errol’s main duty within the South African National Antarctic Programme is ensuring a stable communication network to the various South African Antarctic and sub-Antarctic research stations (Marion Island, Gough Island and SANAE IV). This is a great responsibility.
Errol wants to further his education as he feels that: “the fact that SANAP produces world-class researchers and scientific articles, we need to path the way and create a solid foundation for future scientists”. He also mentions that: “the only way to ensure rock solid foundations is, for those involved in the management of the programme, to always be knowledgeable of new development”.
ALSA also received a special message from Gough Island to Errol:
G64 just want to say congratulations to Errol and a special thank you for coordinating that our parcels from home made it onto the ship that visits Gough Island – message came via Michelle Risi (RSPB Birder, G64).
https://www.facebook.com/michelle.risi.1/posts/10156903880558832
Anche Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 17 December 2018
The S.A. Agulhas II has departed from the East Pier of Cape Town harbour on 6 December 2018. The ship then docked at customs, where passports of all passengers onboard were stamped. The ship officially left Cape Town 7 December 2018 en route Antarctica.
Track the S.A. Agulhas II here.
| SANAE | 06/12/2018 | 19/12/2018 | Annual relief voyage Cape Town to Antarctica (Penguin Bukta) | ||
| 20/12/2018 | 31/12/2018 | Offloading, fuel pumping | |||
| 01/01/2019 | 14/02/2019 | Weddell Sea Expedition | |||
| 15/02/2019 | 23/02/2019 | Back-loading, fuel pumping | |||
| 24/02/2019 | 11/03/2019 | Return to Cape Town (via SS Island if required) |
Onboard the vessel is the 58th SANAE Overwintering team that will stay in and maintain South Africa’s Antarctic research station (SANAE IV), while gathering weather and space weather data for a period of 14 months.
The Weddell Sea Expedition will also form part of this voyage – click here for more information.
Anche Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 13 December 2018
Greetings to the friends, families and followers of the M75 team!
November has swept by in a whirlwind of activity! The elephant seal breeding season has come to an end with a record number of new born pups but there has been no time to rest for the sealers as the fur seal population begins to boom. The birders have been busy non-stop with penguins, albatross and petrels all incubating eggs or raising chicks. The botanists have been traversing the landscape in search of the often elusive vegetation and there are even a few flowers brightening up the landscape as you’ll soon read.
Back at base, things are running smoothly and we are all getting into the festive spirit as Christmas approaches. Colourful decorations and even a couple of Christmas trees have considerably livened up some of our more frequented living areas. The weather, although windy as ever, has definitely been warmer on average and more sunny which has provided great opportunities to be out in the field for work or play.
We have tried to capture some of the highlights in this month’s edition of the Wanderer (November 2018) and hope you all enjoy reading the stories and checking out the photos of this amazing place and it’s amazing inhabitants!
Kind regards,
the Wanderer Editing team
Click here to view all the Marion Island newsletters available on the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa Archive.
Author: James Burns, 75th Marion Island Overwintering Team (Meteorological Observer), 10 December 2018
The first three days of the South African Antarctica Season Launch consisted of Exhibitions by the Department of Environmental Affairs, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa (ALSA), The South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), The Port of Cape Town (Transnet Port Terminals), African Marine Solutions (AMSOL), the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), Meihuizen International Logistics and the Two Oceans Aquarium.
Invited schools had the opportunity to visit this exhibition. This gave students the opportunity to understand more about South Africa’s involvement in Antarctic Research, how we get to the Antarctic (onboard the RV S.A. Agulhas II) and the large number of careers involved in the South African National Antarctic Programme.
As from today the SA-Norwegian Polar Seminar 2018 will be held at the TNPA Building, Port of Cape Town – see the program below.
| Theme - Heritage Presentations : Chair J. Beaumont | 09:00 – 13:00 |
| 1. SA Antarctic Legacy left by Humans Presentation - R Olivier( 10min) | |
| 2. Human Spirit Achmat Hassiem - H Valentine (10min) | |
| 3. Amundsen’s expeditions, about everything but the South Pole - Susan Barr (45min) | |
| 4. Exploits of Sibusiso Vilana - M Matutu (10min) | |
| 5. Ocean and Antarctica conservation Lewis Pugh -M. Mayekiso (10min) | |
| 6. The Norwegian cultural heritage in Antarctica - Susan Barr (45min) | |
| 7. History of Dronning Maud Land History - Olav Orheim (45min) | |
| LUNCH | |
| Theme – Research Exchange : Chair Aaidoo – Floor 2 (Seminar) | |
| 1. Presentation - A. Makhado Top predator at the Prince Edward Islands and southern ocean- implication to their trophic position (30min) |
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| 2. Presentation – S. Somhlaba (30min) | |
| 3. Progress in the fisheries research in Subarea 48.6 (30min) | |
| 4. Presentation – T Makhalanyane (30min) | |
| 5. Presentation – T Mtshali (CSIR) (30min) | |
| 6. Nansen-Tutu (Local Director) | |
| S.A. AGULHAS II Departure at East Pier, Port of Cape Town | 16:00 – 17:00 |
| Theme – Polar Gateways - Chair A. Miya/ C. Birkenstock (TNPA) | 10:00 – 13:00 |
| Gateway Centers | |
| 1. Cape Town Antarctic Gateway Center - M Matutu (30min) | |
| 2. Polaris Climate Change Observatory-M’ de Wooters (20min) | |
| 3. Arctic Gateway Aspects - Olav Orheim (45min) | |
| 4. SA Antarctic Heritage as a gateway to Antarctica - ALSA (10min) | |
| 5. MRCC – Jared Blows (10min) | |
| 6. ARCC – S. White (10min) | |
| 7. Antarctica and Flying - White Desert (10min) | |
| 8. Antarctica and shipping – P. Meihuizen (10min) | |
| LUNCH | 13:00 - 14:00 |
R. S. A. in Table Bay next to pier
SANAE I team on Polarbjorn 1959
