Michelle Greve chaired another session on Ecosystems “Major threats to terrestrial sub-Antarctic ecosystems – climate change and invasions” , including how climate and species interactions are driving leaf endophyte communities, how warming directly, and indirectly (through heightened microbial decomposition and nutrient release) affects plant performance) affect plant growth, and how vegetation communities on Marion Island have changed since the 1960s on a warmer, drier and more invaded Marion Island. The session ended with a summary of the knowledge garnered from the National Status Report on Invasions, which includes a chapter on the Prince Edward Islands, and summarised all we know about invasions to the offshore territory. Michelle(right) gave an introduction and then was followed by oral presentations. (Above, l-r: Joshua Tsamba, Michelle Greve, Laura Fernadez-Winzer, Stephni van der Merwe, Nita Pallett) (Photo Credit: Michelle Greve)
Joshua Tsamba – Fungal endophytes on Marion Island. (Abstract)
Nita Pallett – Sub-Antarctic plant nitrogen uptake in a changing world. (Abstract)
Stephni van der Merwe – Long-term vegetation change (1965-2020) in response to rapid warming and drying in a sub-Antarctic tundra: evidence from repeat photography (interactive poster) (Abstract)
Laura Fernandez Winzer – An assessment of the status of biological invasions and their management on the Prince Edward Islands. (Abstract)
Another student Janine Schoombie of Peter le Roux of University of Pretoria presented in the ad hoc session chaired by Christel Hansen. They only arrived on 30 November after the Prince Edward Island scientific voyage. “Studies of wind, plants and seabirds on Marion Island”. (Abstract) A poster presentation by Elsa van Ginkel , student of Peter le Roux “Examining the potential for entomophilous pollination on sub-Antarctic Marion Island” was mentioned in the ad hoc session.(Abstract) (Above l-r: Peter le Roux, Janine Schoombie, Elsa van Ginkel)
Research team on the recent Gough Island takeover expedition.
Phytoplankton are microscopic plants that live in the ocean, and just like plants on land they need to have enough food to grow and be happy. However, some places in the ocean don’t have enough food for them whereas some places do. The Southern Ocean Carbon & Climate Observatory (SOCCO) team based at CSIR, Trace Metals team based at Stellenbosch University (TracEx) and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment: Oceans and Coasts team are trying to figure out where those places are (in the Southern Ocean).
During the Gough Island takeover expedition:
The Trace Metal Biogeochemistry research teams sampled upstream and downstream of Gough Island to look at how the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) interacts with the island to resuspend sediments from the seafloor. This resuspended sediments acts as a source of trace metals to the surface mixed layer in support of phytoplankton blooms. The team used a 12 bottle mini-CTD rosette system (see image below, right) to sample for dissolved trace metals, particulate trace metals and organic trace metal chemistry.
TEAM
Trace Metal Biogeochemistry
Projects Name
Seasonal Iron speciation in the Southern Ocean, from open ocean environments to naturally fertilized sub-Antarctic Islands (Marion and Gough Island)
Principal Investigator
Dr Thomas Ryan-Keogh
Senior Researcher at the Southern Ocean Carbon-Climate Observatory (SOCCO), CSIR South Africa
Co-Principal Investigator (On board DFFE team leader)
Dr TN Mtshali
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)
Including all ship-based scientists sampling for trace metals
The project in more detail:
The Southern Ocean (SO) is one of the largest high-nutrient low-chlorophyll regions in the World’s Ocean, where primary productivity is limited by iron bioavailability, thereby impacting the strength and efficiency of biological carbon pump. There are, however, exceptions with large phytoplankton blooms persistently observed downstream of the sub-Antarctic Islands. While extensive research has focussed on iron-biogeochemistry around Kerguelen and Crozet islands, no such studies have been conducted at Marion and Gough islands.
Furthermore, whilst our previous studies have made substantial advances toward addressing the gaps in seasonal data coverage through the Southern oCean seAsonaL Experiment (SCALE) 2019 winter and spring expeditions, there is still a paucity of dissolved iron data in the SO, especially from autumn to late spring. This is severely hampering our understanding of the full seasonal biogeochemical iron cycle and its impact on primary production. This project aims to continue its focus on seasonality by expanding seasonal coverage of iron measurements to include autumn (Marion) and late-spring (Gough) expeditions for more comprehensive coverage of the SO seasonal cycle, with a particular focus on quantifying biogeochemical cycling of iron-pool around these understudied islands.
This project is funded by: The National Research Foundation, South African National Antarctic Programme funding (NRF-SANAP).
Situated in the South Atlantic Ocean, positioned equidistantly between South Africa and South America, lies a highly significant breeding ground for seabirds known as Gough Island. This remote island serves as the breeding habitat for 24 distinct avian species, many of which are found nowhere else on the planet. Regrettably, the avian inhabitants now share their home with an invasive species, specifically the house mouse. These non-native mice, introduced to the island by human activity, are causing severe harm to the island’s native wildlife, including plants and animals that have thrived there for millennia. The mice’s voracious appetite leads to the consumption of over two million seabird eggs and chicks annually, driving certain species perilously close to extinction.
In an effort to safeguard the birds, the Gough Island Restoration Programme was launched with the aim of eradicating the mice. In 2021, the Gough Island Restoration Programme attempted to eradicate mice from the island in one of the most challenging and logistically complex island eradications ever ventured.
Although the endeavor did not achieve complete success, it significantly reduced the mouse population, providing a respite for the birds. During this period, the avian inhabitants managed to successfully raise numerous chicks.
Scientists continue to monitor the birds and gather valuable information that will hopefully aid in future endeavors to eliminate the mice entirely. Part of this takeover and the overwintering field team’s work programme will relate to follow-up activities to further underpin efforts to restore Gough Island.
Team
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)
Project Name
The Gough Island Restoration Programme
Principal Investigator
Dr Antje Steinfurth
Field Team Leader
(Gough68 & Gough69)
Dr Lucy Dorman
Field Officer (Gough68)
Ms Rebekah Goodwill
Field Officer (Gough69)
Ms Hannah Greetham
More about the work on the island for this takeover:
“During takeover our team is carrying out a census of Tristan Albatrosses and Southern Giant Petrels across the whole island, the so-called round island survey. At this time of year, the Southern Giant Petrels are starting to breed while the Tristan Albatross chicks are about to fledge. The number of fledged Albatross chicks will then be compared to numbers of breeding pairs that were counted at the beginning of the year and so breeding success for this Critically Endangered bird can be calculated (more than 99% of the global population breed exclusively on Gough Island). The round island survey also provides the team with the opportunity to monitor the abundance and distribution of the two landbird species, the Gough Bunting and the Gough moorhen. This takeover the team will also be taking some soil samples from the upland parts of the island. This is to help monitor the ecosystem in the wake of the mouse eradication attempt”.
The RSPB Gough Island Restoration Programme takeover team (L-R): Hannah Greetham, Antje Steinfurth, Lucy Dorman and Rebekah Goodwill.
The RSPB overwintering team members’ work:
They will focus on Gough’s bird life, monitoring the breeding success of species, providing estimates of their populations and survival and documenting the impacts of House Mice.
For more information visit about The Gough Island Restoration Programme, click on the link below.
This is the last interview of The Maritime Interview Series, leading up to World Maritime Day, celebrated on 28 September 2023.
What was this series all about?
Every year on the last Thursday of September, nations around the world come together to celebrate World Maritime Day. This international observance aims to highlight the crucial role that shipping and seafaring play in our global economy and emphasise the importance of sustainable maritime practices.
Acknowledging the Role of South African Seafarers in the Maritime Industry
The maritime industry is the backbone of global trade. This industry connects countries, facilitates economic growth, enables scientific and research expeditions and plays a vital role in our everyday lives. However, the success of this enormous industry would not be possible without the men and women who sacrifice their time on land to serve our maritime needs. In recognising this, the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) and the South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI), would like to honour some of our local seafarers working on board the South African research and supply vessel, the S.A. Agulhas II during various marine and Antarctic research related expeditions through the Southern, Indian and Atlantic Oceans.
The purpose of The Maritime Interview Series was to pay tribute to these seafarers, in anticipation of World Maritime Day.
The Maritime Interview Series Part 6 features Mr Kyle Peterson, Chief Steward of the S.A. Agulhas II.
What is your role on the ship?
“I am the Chief Steward on the S.A. Agulhas II”.His primary duties involve guaranteeing the welfare and satisfaction of both the crew and guests, while upholding stringent standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and safety aboard the vessel. Additionally, he oversees a team of stewards who play a crucial role in achieving these objectives. This entails managing provisions and inventory to ensure the well-being of the crew, supervising galley operations, maintaining cleanliness and housekeeping, overseeing laundry services, controlling inventory and expenses, delivering exceptional guest services, and ensuring preparedness for safety and emergency situations.
Mr Peterson’sBackground and Journey into a Seafarer Career
When not at sea, Mr. Peterson resides in Grassy Park, Cape Town, but he grew up in Mitchells Plain, also in Cape Town. With over 10 years of experience as a seafarer and a total of 12 to 13 years in the hospitality industry, Mr. Peterson has been serving as a Chief Steward on the S.A. Agulhas II for the past two years. Prior to this role, he worked as a catering assistant, utility steward, and steward on the same vessel. However, his seafaring experience extends beyond the S.A. Agulhas II, as he has also worked on other vessels such as the tug vessel S.A. AMANDLA and NOMASA, the trawler ALGOA, the research and supply vessel S.A. Agulhas, and even an international French vessel.
Mr. Peterson shared insights into his early career journey before becoming a seafarer, mentioning his previous work at his mother’s clothing business, a fire station, and a printing shop, among other experiences. He emphasised the importance of seizing opportunities, stating that no job is too small because one never knows where it may lead. Mr. Peterson’s determination is evident in his pursuit of continuous learning and professional development. He is a SAMSA (South African Maritime Safety Authority) accredited officer and actively takes short courses to enhance his skills and potentially advance to the next level within the maritime industry.
What do you like the most about your job?
“I enjoy seeing new places, working with people, helping people (passengers and colleagues), and feeding passengers aboard the S.A. Agulhas II delicious and nutritious food”.
What are some of the challenges that you experience in your line of work?
Mr. Peterson shared some of the difficulties he faces, including being separated from his loved ones. Despite his extensive experience at sea, he mentioned that he occasionally feels the impact of turbulence during sailing, although he assured us that he does not suffer from seasickness.
Any advice to someone who would like to pursue this career?
“The importance of maintaining integrity in your work cannot be overstated, as your actions and dedication will ultimately reflect your character”. Lastly, “work hard, hard work pays off”.
Rabia Mathakutha (SAPRI DPS Research Coordinator) interviewed Mr Alexander during the SEAmester VI expedition.
What is your role on the ship?
“I am the Bosun, also known as a Boatswain, on the S.A. Agulhas II”.
Mr Alexander plays a vital role on the vessel and is responsible for various tasks related to deck operations and maintenance. His responsibilities as a Bosun on the vessel include supervising deck crew activities during research expeditions, deployment of science/oceanographic equipment, mooring anchoring, and cargo handling, ensuring the cleanliness and maintenance of the vessel’s deck and equipment, conducting safety inspections, participating in emergency drills, training and guiding deck crew members, and maintaining accurate records.
A boatswain or bosun, also known as a deck boss, or a qualified member of the deck department, is the most senior rate of the deck department.
The Bosun’s role is crucial in maintaining the efficiency, safety, and proper functioning of the vessel’s deck operations.
Mr Alexander’sBackground and Journey into a Seafarer Career
Mr Alexander is a third generation seafarer with 28 years’ experience in the maritime industry. His experience on research and supply vessels such as the S.A. Agulhas and the S.A. Agulhas II, spans over 20 years. Mr Alexander says he spends 80% of his time in a year aboard and he loves it.
Through his experience as a seafarer, he has travelled to various places, including but not limited to, East Asia, Europe (including England, London, Monaco, Spain), Morocco, Mauritius, Chile, King Edward, and the sub-Antarctic islands and Antarctica. Mr Alexander has also travelled to the remote and isolated Weddell Sea off Antarctica aboard the S.A. Agulhas II, as part of the search of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s lost ship, TheEndurance. For someone with such a wealth of knowledge and experience, Mr Alexander stroke us as a genuinely humble man, who is adored and respected by his colleagues.
We admire your level of experience, what are some of the life lessons that you have picked up along the way?
‘Having the right attitude is incredibly valuable, not just experience”.
He mentioned how important it is to learn to interact with people, to respect your colleagues and be a team player, not just in his line of work, but work in general. Mr Alexander talked about how being a Bosun and dealing with people comes with a lot of responsibility, and how he’s developed tactics to deal with different kinds of people. Not dropping the high standards he’s set for seamanship, is his biggest priority. Mr Alexander surprised us with his experience beyond working as a seafarer as he showed us carpentry items that he makes himself while at sea and on land, together with demonstrating his knowledge of oceanographic sampling. He says that he always tells people, “Don’t steal with your hands, steal with your eyes and learn”. It was fascinating to learn how much of a curious and faster learner Mr Alexander is.
What do you enjoy the most about your job?
Mr Alexander expressed his love for travelling and savouring the moments that come with long voyages to remote places. He told fascinating stories about how once with his crew aboard the S.A. Agulhas II, sailed through a rainbow and how much it looked like they were sailing into a magical portal, and a story about an-almost deadly encounter with a whale during one of their voyages to Antarctica. He said it’s moments like these when he just forgets to grab a camera, and he stops to take it all in; saying that every moment is beautiful, even amidst danger. He also said he enjoys working on the S.A. Agulhas II during research expeditions as he gets to learn from and help scientists, and in essence, accomplishing something as a team.
“Having a strong work ethic that is admired and respected by many, and being reliable to my responsibilities and my team is very important to me”, Mr Alexander continued as he added, “in order to lead, one must learn to follow”.
What are some of the challenges that you experience in your line of work?
Mr Alexander’s role as a Bosun requires him to deal with and supervise many crew members, as such, some of the challenges that he mentioned he experiences in his line of work are dealing with different characters of crew members who do not always follow the rules because not everyone is as dedicated. He said he counters this by learning the individual and treating them accordingly, while providing proper guidance and supervision.
Advice from the S.A. Agulhas II Bosun
When asked what advice he would give to someone who would like to pursue this career or a career in maritime, Mr Alexander joked and said “they must come see the Bosun first”, and then emphasised that one must have a passion for being at sea and to never stop learning.
World Maritime Day reminds us of the vital role that the maritime industry plays in our interconnected world. The maritime industry is also particularly crucial in enabling the science and research in the Antarctic region and Southern Ocean through SANAP.
Photo Credit: Rabia Mathakutha (South African Polar Research Infrastructure) and Eduan Teich via the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa (ALSA) Archive.
Written by: Rabia Mathakutha, South African Polar Research Infrastructure, 26 September 2023
Only three days left before World Maritime Day 2023, which is celebrated every year on the last Thursday of September. This international observance aims to highlight the crucial role that shipping and seafaring play in our global economy and emphasise the importance of sustainable maritime practices.
The Maritime Interview Series Part 4 features Mr Siyabonga Mtshali, Purser and Head of the Catering Department on the S.A. Agulhas II.
What is the role of a Purser on the ship?
A purser is the officer principally responsible for the handling of money on board. Responsibilities include overseeing all administrative duties and ship supplies such as food and drink, and clothing and bedding; to this, the Purser is also referred to as the Head of the Catering Department.
Mr Mtshali’sBackground and Journey into a Seafarer Career
Mr Mtshali hales from KwaDukuza-Stanger, in KwaZulu-Natal, and recently joined the S.A. Agulhas II with the vessel managing agent, African Marine Solutions (AMSOL). Mr Mtshali obtained his National Diploma in Maritime Studies (now referred to as Nautical Studies) from the Durban University of Technology (DUT), including in-service training with AMSOL, qualifying him as a maritime officer. The requirements for working as a seafarer include completing several short courses related to health and safety to fulfil the “Standards of Training and Certification of Watchkeeping” (STCW), as determined by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). The STCW Basic Safety Training course is mandated by all flag states for all working seafarers. It is the international standard of nearly every leading flag state in the world. After completing these courses, Mr Mtshali became SAMSA (South African Maritime Safety Authority) accredited. Mr Mtshali’s experience as a seafarer includes working as a Third Officer on the S. A. AMANDLA (IMO: 7385215), which is a Tug vessel that was built in 1976 and is sailing under the flag of South Africa.
What do you like the most about your job?
Mr Mtshali said he enjoys working with people; which is one of the essential roles of a Purser. He has been described as friendly and approachable by the passengers.
Any advice to someone who would like to pursue this career?
“Make sure that it’s something you have a passion for, because passion goes a long way, even through the challenging times when you are at sea away from loved ones.”
World Maritime Day reminds us of the vital role that the maritime industry plays in our interconnected world. The maritime industry is also particularly crucial in enabling the science and research in the Antarctic region and Southern Ocean through SANAP.
Photo Credit: Rabia Mathakutha (South African Polar Research Infrastructure) and Eduan Teich via the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa (ALSA) Archive.
Written by: Rabia Mathakutha, South African Polar Research Infrastructure, 25 September 2023
Edited by: Anche Louw (South African Polar Research Infrastructure) and Ria Olivier (Antarctic Legacy of South Africa)
Michelle Greve chaired another session on Ecosystems “Major threats to terrestrial sub-Antarctic ecosystems – climate change and invasions” , including how climate and species interactions are driving leaf endophyte communities, how warming directly, and indirectly (through heightened microbial decomposition and nutrient release) affects plant performance) affect plant growth, and how vegetation communities on Marion Island have changed since the 1960s on a warmer, drier and more invaded Marion Island. The session ended with a summary of the knowledge garnered from the National Status Report on Invasions, which includes a chapter on the Prince Edward Islands, and summarised all we know about invasions to the offshore territory. 
Michelle(right) gave an introduction and then was followed by oral presentations. (Above, l-r: Joshua Tsamba, Michelle Greve, Laura Fernadez-Winzer, Stephni van der Merwe, Nita Pallett) (Photo Credit: Michelle Greve)
Another student Janine Schoombie of Peter le Roux of University of Pretoria presented in the ad hoc session chaired by Christel Hansen. They only arrived on 30 November after the Prince Edward Island scientific voyage. “Studies of wind, plants and seabirds on Marion Island”. (Abstract) A poster presentation by Elsa van Ginkel , student of Peter le Roux “Examining the potential for entomophilous pollination on sub-Antarctic Marion Island” was mentioned in the ad hoc session.(Abstract) (Above l-r: Peter le Roux, Janine Schoombie, Elsa van Ginkel)
