Celebrating World Meteorological Day 2025: Honoring the Meteorologists of SANAP’s Overwintering Teams

Celebrating World Meteorological Day 2025: Honoring the Meteorologists of SANAP’s Overwintering Teams

Each year, on March 23rd, the global community observes World Meteorological Day, commemorating the establishment of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1950. This day highlights the pivotal role meteorology plays in ensuring the safety and well-being of societies worldwide. In 2025, we focus on the indispensable contributions of meteorologists stationed at the South African National Antarctic Programme’s (SANAP) remote research stations: SANAE IV in Antarctica, Marion Island, and Gough Island.
On this World Meteorological Day, we extend our gratitude to the meteorologists of SANAP’s overwintering teams. Their unwavering commitment and resilience in some of the most challenging environments ensure that we continue to deepen our understanding of Earth’s atmospheric processes, ultimately contributing to the safety and well-being of societies worldwide.
SANAE IV (South African National Antarctic Expedition IV): Located at 71°S, 2°W in Antarctica, SANAE IV. Meteorological observations are conducted year-round, providing critical data on atmospheric conditions in this remote region.
Marion Island: Situated at 46°S, 37°E in the Southern Indian Ocean. The island’s meteorological station collects essential weather data, contributing to climate studies and aiding in the understanding of global weather patterns.
Gough Island: Located at 40°S, 9°W in the South Atlantic Ocean, Gough Island has hosted a South African weather station since 1956. The station conducts hourly climate observations and upper-air ascents, playing a crucial role in monitoring weather systems that can impact South Africa.

Meteorologists assigned to these stations undertake year-long deployments, known as overwintering periods, during which they perform several critical functions:
Surface Observations: Conducting regular measurements of temperature, humidity, wind speed, and other atmospheric parameters to monitor and document local weather conditions.
Upper-Air Observations: Launching weather balloons equipped with instruments to collect data on atmospheric pressure, temperature, and humidity at various altitudes, which is vital for understanding weather patterns and forecasting.
Equipment Maintenance: Ensuring that all meteorological instruments and equipment are calibrated and functioning correctly to maintain the accuracy and reliability of collected data.
Data Management: Recording, analyzing, and transmitting collected meteorological data to the South African Weather Service (SAWS) and other relevant organizations for use in weather forecasting and climate research.
The data collected by SANAP’s overwintering meteorologists contribute significantly to:
Weather Forecasting: Providing accurate and timely data that enhance the precision of weather forecasts, benefiting maritime navigation, aviation, and local communities.
Climate Research: Offering valuable insights into climate variability and change, particularly in the understudied southern hemisphere regions.
Environmental Monitoring: Supporting studies on the interactions between the atmosphere and the unique ecosystems of Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands, aiding in the conservation of these fragile environments.

Protecting Our Ocean Treasures: Celebrating Marine Protected Areas Day

Protecting Our Ocean Treasures: Celebrating Marine Protected Areas Day

Each August 1st, we recognize the invaluable contribution of marine protected areas to ocean health and biodiversity. These underwater sanctuaries are vital for safeguarding our planet’s precious marine life and ecosystems. Here at the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP), we understand the critical role Marin Protected Areas (MPA) play in preserving the pristine waters of the Southern Ocean.

Everything you need to know about South African MPA’s

Why are MPAs Crucial for Antarctica?

The Southern Ocean is a global treasure trove of biodiversity. From majestic whales and playful penguins to countless microscopic organisms, this unique ecosystem is essential for the health of our planet. MPAs act as life-saving havens for marine life, allowing populations to recover and thrive. By shielding these delicate environments from human pressures like overfishing and pollution, we’re investing in the future of our oceans and the countless species that depend on them.

SANAP’s Commitment to Conservation

As custodians of South Africa’s sub-Antarctic territory, SANAP is deeply committed to protecting the Southern Ocean. Our scientists diligently monitor these protected areas, gathering invaluable data to inform conservation strategies. The Prince Edward Islands Marine Protected Area, a cornerstone of our efforts, is a sub-Antarctic gem teeming with life. This MPA not only safeguards iconic species like penguins and albatrosses but also plays a crucial role in rebuilding depleted fish stocks.

Your Role in Ocean Conservation

Everyone has a part to play in protecting our oceans. By reducing plastic consumption, supporting sustainable seafood choices, and spreading awareness about the importance of MPAs, you contribute to a healthier planet. Let’s work together to ensure that future generations can continue to marvel at the wonders of the marine world.

Relevant Documents:

 

World Albatross Day 19 June

World Albatross Day 19 June

Dance of the Albatross

The dance of the Albatross. Video made by Anche Louw on 16 April 2016 on Marion Island at Swartkops.

The Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) has announced that “Marine Protected Areas – Safeguarding our Oceans” is to be its theme for this year’s World Albatross Day (WAD2024) on 19 June. “Albatrosses are the ultimate ocean wanderers, spending most of their lives at sea traversing vast distances across the globe in search of food such as fish, squid and krill.  This year, World Albatross Day will focus on the connection between albatrosses and the ocean and highlight how MPAs can help improve the conservation status of these magnificent birds.” – ACAP

Help Saving Marion Island’s Seabirds. Donate now.

The WAD2024 poster was created by South African born Graphic Designer and long-time ACAP collaborator, Geoff Tyler, who also designed ACAP’s World Albatross Day logo, including this year’s commemorative logo marking the Agreement’s 20th year since coming into force.

Feature photo form video clip made by Anche Louw (22 April 2016)

World Environment Day – Marion Island

World Environment Day – Marion Island

On this World Environment Day we focus on Marion Island as the #generationrestoration highlights the importance of the Mouse-Free  Marion Project

Marion Island and Prince Edward Island, collectively known as the Prince Edward Islands, are tiny specks of land in the Southern Ocean, the huge body of water that encircles the Antarctic Continent. Marion Island is the larger of the two islands, with an area of just under 300 square kilometres, whereas Prince Edward Island is considerably smaller – a mere 45 square kilometres. With a summit of 1 230 metres Marion Island is also much higher than the 672-metre high Prince Edward Island. The two islands are close neighbours, with only 19 kilometres of relatively shallow water separating them.

The Prince Edward Islands, together with the other islands within the Southern Ocean, form part of a complex and productive ecosystem that has far-reaching influences. In turn the ocean dominates many aspects of the islands, from the way the vegetation grows to climate and geomorphology. The islands rose above the surface of the ocean after a prolonged period of underwater volcanic activity and the rocks and many of the landscapes reflect these tumultuous beginnings. From the jagged, almost surreal expanse of the black lava fields, to the many red scoria cones that dot the landscape, these volcanic origins are responsible for some of the most striking natural features of the islands. Despite the fact that today, researchers and managers visit them every year the islands still remain one of the wildest places on earth.

Text from: Publication Marion and the Prince Edward. 

World Migration Bird Day 11 May 2024

World Migration Bird Day 11 May 2024

In 2024, World Migratory Bird Day will be celebrated on two days, 11 May and 12 October, aligning with the cyclic nature of bird migration in different hemispheres. The World Migratory Bird Day campaign in 2024 will stress the need for proactive conservation measures. This includes reducing the use of pesticides and fertilisers, and where possible, switching to organic farming. Other measures include maintaining and connecting areas of natural vegetation which provide food and shelter for birds and other species, in agricultural landscapes. 

Pictures of Antarctic Tern taken by Johan Bothma,1968  (left) and John Cooper, 1984 (right

“Birds are the most mobile organisms on the planet. Their ability to fly vast distances enables them to exploit predictable, short-term peaks in food availability. Almost one fifth of all birds undertake regular movements, usually tied to seasonal cycles. However, such large-scale movements also incur risks from commuting across the landscape. The balance between these costs and benefits determines who stays and who migrates. Recent studies suggest that migration promotes speciation, principally through the formation of sedentary daughter species” – Peter Ryan & Michelle Vrettos 

The Antarctic Tern’s closest relative is the Arctic Tern and it is likely that they evolved from Arctic Terns that settled in the south. Among other seabirds, it is less clear in which direction the radiation occurred. Species such as gannets and fulmars are not trans-equatorial migrants and so it is more likely that a few stragglers that crossed the equator established new populations in the opposite hemisphere.  (article: “Stay or go? – Migration as an evolutionary driver”) (Arctic Tern, most famous for its long-distance migrations. Flying annually between the northern and southern hemispheres)

Colour Images by Tom McSherry taken on Gough Island in 2017

All images available on Antarctic Legacy of South Africa archive, contributed by Johan Bothma, John Cooper, Tom McSherry

EARTH DAY 2024 – Planet vs Plastics

EARTH DAY 2024 – Planet vs Plastics

EARTH DAY Theme 2024  – Planet v Plastics

Celebrating our remarkable planet on this extraordinary day. Earth Day is a reminder of the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability.  Earth Day symbolises the need to protect our mother nature. It encourages every individual to think about environmental conservation and act accordingly. It speaks about the need to reduce carbon footprints, conserve natural resources, and protect wildlife and natural habitats.

The South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP)  objectives are to conserve develop and understand  the environment and plays a crucial role in conserving the Antarctic Region. Studies done in the Antarctic are inextricably linked to our understanding of the entire Earth system and signals in Antarctica indicate past and future global changes. SANAP recognises the global and national importance of safeguarding the environment of the Antarctic and Southern Ocean and protecting the integrity of ecosystems, both marine and terrestrial, in the region. The programme takes cognisance of the presence of natural resources (both renewable and non-renewable) and the increased interest in their possible utilisation (both consumptive and non-consumptive).

SIGN THE GLOBAL PLASTIC TREATY

The Global Plastic Treaty is an opportunity for the United Nations and Governmental Organizations to prove the health of the planet and its citizens take priority over an industry threatening the health of every human on Earth. Most importantly, though, it is a chance for our world to come together as one, and truly pledge and commit themselves to restoring the planet, following the model of the successful international cooperation found in the Montreal Protocol. The Global Plastics Treaty has the potential to end plastic pollution, protect human health, and lead to a waste-free world. We cannot allow our governments to waste this pivotal opportunity.

Video link : Planet vs Plastics

© South African National Antarctic Programme • Managed and administered by Antarctic Legacy of South Africa • Photo Credits