by Ria Olivier | Feb 22, 2024 | Biosecurity, Ecology, Invasion Biology, Marion Island, Research, SANAP, SANAP Student, Uncategorised
Prof Bettine Jansen van Vuuren (left) chaired the session of Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Biodiscovery with the first plenary talk of the symposium by Peter Convey(right) of the British Antarctic Survey ” Terrestrial biological invasions and their potential impacts in the maritime Antarctic”. (Abstract) Peter Convey discussed that there are around 15 species of non-native plants and invertebrates currently known to be established in the maritime Antarctic . He further emphasize that effective biosecurity measures are required to ensure that further human-assisted transfer both on Signy Island and beyond is avoided. Prof Bettine Jansen van Vuuren chaired the session of Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Biodiscovery.
Bettine gave an overview of research that included research done by Daniela and Shilpha as they could not attend as they were on Marion Island. Foregrounding geodiversity in landscape ecology studies: insights from the sub-Antarctic – Daniela Monsanto (Abstract) Detecting signals of adaptive selection of an invasive springtail on sub-Antarctic Marion Island – Shilpha Parbhu (Abstract)
Daniela Monsanto, Shilpa Parbhu, Sandra Durand, Arsalan Emami-Khoyi, Peter Teske, David Hedding
Morgan Raath-Kruger(left) and student of Peter le Roux at University of Pretoria gave an oral presentation and an introduction to her poster.
- Long-term spatially-replicated data show no physical cost to a benefactor species in a facilitative plant–plant interaction. (Abstract)
- Do anisotropic processes influence fine-scale spatial genetic structure of a keystone sub-Antarctic plant species? (Abstract)
Another abstract submitted but Carol Jacobs(right) could not present is on the biosecurity within the South African National Antarctic Programme. (Abstract)https://alp.lib.sun.ac.za/handle/123456789/29301
by Ria Olivier | Feb 21, 2024 | Antarctica, Marion Island, Overwintering Team, SA Agulhas II, SANAE IV, SANAP, Stations, Take-Over Operations
It was a great event to welcome back the SANAE62 overwintering team after they spent more than a year at Antarctica. Dr Aby Paton(front 3rd form left), medical doctor of the team did not return as she will be staying on at SANAEIV as team leader and medical doctor for SANAE63.
The event was organised by Ms Chuma Phamoli, Director of Antarctic and Southern Oceans Islands Support. Dr L Fikizolo, Deputy Director of Oceans and Coasts, gave the welcome speech and thanked everyone on the voyage for their dedication and hard work to make the take over period successful. “This was the first season that the vessel had cover two destinations (Antarctica and Marion Island) on both the out bound and in bound legs of the voyage. The voyage also gave the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) the necessary platform to undertake their annual maintenance activities at the SANAE IV base and the removal of old infrastructure on Marion Island.” – DFFE
DFFE preparations for welcoming ceremony(image left). Zaid Watson and Mawonga Mandleni provided entertainment while everyone was waiting (image right)
Family, friend and colleagues wait to greet everyone
And then the S.A, Agulhas II arrive at East Pier with those on board
WELOME SPEECH Video Recording MEDIA INVITE
by Ria Olivier | Feb 16, 2024 | Data Management, Marion Island, Prince Edward Island, Research, SA Agulhas II, Science, Uncategorised
During the 6th Symposium sessions were allocated to cross cutting disciplines and it led to great presentations and discussions. 12- 16 February is International Love Data Week with the theme “My Kind of Data” and this is about the data presentations at the SANAP Symposium “the SANAP community kind of data.”
Data Management
Anne Treasure(right) South Africa’s representative at Standing Committee on Data Management(SCADM) at SCAR and Data Products and Society Manager of the South African Polar Institute(SAPRI) chaired the main session on data management. This session included very interesting presentations from various science disciplines.
Above(l-r): Leigh McGaughey, JP Barnard, Bjorn Boyes
- First Presentation was by Leigh McGaughey on “Ecosystem modelling to explore ecosystem dynamics at the Prince Edward Islands.” (abstract)
- Data management with JP Barnard delivering a presentation on “Management of Recorded Voyage Data for the SA Agulhas II.” and discuss intricate models to ensure vessel data is manage correctly. (Abstract)
- Bjorn Boyes had everyone listening to his talk ” on how to digitally construct sub-Antarctic Marion Island. (Abstract)
On the 30th November more data presentations was given in an ad hoc session chaired by Christel Hansen. Above(l-r): David Hedding, Christel Hansen, Pierre Cilliers
- David Hedding: A geospatial database for the sub-Antarctic Prince Edward Islands (Abstract) Read more here and see the dataset
Christel Hansen delivered a presentation on “Consistent mapping and geospatial information representation in the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic: why South Africans should care.” (Abstract)- During the last research theme session chaired by Stefan Lotz of SANSA, Pierre Cilliers delivered a presentation on ” The long-term variation of the geomagnetic field in Antarctica as measured in Hermanus, Maitri and at SANAE-IV since 2007.” (Abstract)
by Ria Olivier | Feb 14, 2024 | Announcement, Marine Protected Area, Marion Island, Prince Edward Island, Prince Edward Islands
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is calling for the submission of nominations for the appointment of members to serve on the Prince Edward Islands Special Nature Reserve Advisory Committee (“PEIAC”) for the period 2024 to 2026.
See the full criteria here and Public Notice
Enquiries may be directed to:
Ms Daisy Kotsedi
Tel: 021 493 7354
E-mail: dkotsedi@dffe.gov.za
CLOSING DATE: 19 March 2024
by Ria Olivier | Feb 14, 2024 | Marion Island, Newsletters>Marion Island Newsletters, Overwintering Team, SANAP, Uncategorised
The 2nd issue of The Wanderer by the Marion80 Overwintering team is now available online. It is a bumper issue with 64 pages to read and to enjoy the amazing photo’s taken by the team members.
Read the editor’s note by Zafar Monier “about the experiences of the people living one of the most extreme lifestyles, unexpected guests, new(born) arrivals, and even some goodbyes” .
Great message by the team leader Sandile Nkebe “Being on Marion Island has taught me to persevere, to be patient and to master the use of “alternatives”.
The Edition includes the visit by the Scientific team to Prince Edward Island.
Click here to Download
In this Issue:
- Clockwise vs Anti-clockwise by Zafar Monier
- Roaring winds by Yinhla Shihlomule
- Ode to the Paddy Counter by Michelle Risi
- How to Samsara by Michelle Risi
- There’s always another one by Zafar Monier
- Natures Midwife by Dylan Seaton
- Whatever Doesn’t Kill You Makes You a Beachmaster by Tammy Eggeling
- Gear Maketh Man by Zafar Monier
- Unexpected Guests by Kelly Mogotsi and Williem Krige
by Ria Olivier | Jan 29, 2024 | Ecology, Invasion Biology, Jobs, Marion Island, Mice Eradication, Overwintering Team, SANAP, sub-Antarctic, Team member
Vacancy for Mouse-Free Marion (MFM) Project Research Assistant on Marion Island (March 2024 – May 2025)
BirdLife South Africa, via the Mouse-Free Marion (MFM) Non-Profit Company (NPC), is offering an opportunity to a suitably qualified candidate to spend a year on Marion Island to continue monitoring studies designed to support the ongoing planning for the mouse-eradication operation. The position will include collecting field data on mice, continuing the monitoring of weather parameters, undertaking further field trials relating to the bait and, in collaboration with the University of Pretoria, contributing to the collection of baseline data on invertebrates and plants.
To read more about the Mouse Free Marion project – Click here
CLOSING DATE 12 FEBRUARY 2024
Read more about Marion Island and Overwintering Teams on the SANAP website
Key Responsibilities on Marion Island and Basic Academic Requirements, Experience, and Skills are is listed in the advertisement.
At least a B.Sc. (Hons) degree in conservation biology, ecology, or a related field.
Experience of field work in rugged terrain is required.
Please e-mail your application to Dr Isabel Human, at isabel.human@birdlife.org.za see relevant documents to be included in advertisement
South African applicants will receive priority. Please note that appointments will be contingent on availability of ship berths and funding.
For queries contact Dr. Sue Tonin, the Mouse-Free Marion Assistant Project Manager, at sue.tonin@birdlife.org.za
