by Ria Olivier | Mar 3, 2026 | Antarctica, Gough Island, International Days, Invasion Biology, Mammology, Marion Island, Ornithology, Prince Edward Island, Research
Every year on 3 March, the world celebrates World Wildlife Day, recognising the extraordinary diversity of life and the need to conserve it. For South Africa, this commitment extends far beyond the mainland — to the remote sub-Antarctic and Antarctic regions where SANAP conducts research and conservation work and plays a vital role in understanding and protecting some of the world’s most unique ecosystems.
Macaroni Penguin on Marion Island getting ready for World Wildlife Day – Otto Whitehead
Guardians of the Sub-Antarctic: The Prince Edward Islands — comprising Marion Island and Prince Edward Island — are globally significant biodiversity hotspots, they host thriving populations of seabirds and marine mammals, including King, Macaroni, Gentoo, and Rockhopper penguins, several Albatross and Petrel species, Southern Elephant seals and Antarctic Fur seals and Killer whales. SANAP-supported researchers monitor wildlife populations to detect changes linked to climate variability, ocean conditions, and human impacts. Long-term datasets collected over decades allow scientists to track breeding success, foraging behaviour, migration patterns, and survival rates.
These islands are also a Special Nature Reserve — South Africa’s highest level of environmental protection — ensuring strict conservation management. Ongoing efforts include the monitoring ecosystem health, studying predator-prey relationships, investigate the effects of climate change on sub-Antarctic food webs and managing invasive species. The eradication of invasive species and strict biosecurity controls are among conservation projects that protect these fragile ecosystems from human-introduced threats.
Macaroni Penguin on Marion Island enjoying World Wildlife Day – Otto Whitehead
Through science, conservation management, and responsible environmental practices, SANAP continues to protect these extraordinary environments for future generations. On this World Wildlife Day, we reaffirm our commitment to understanding, conserving, and championing life at the edge of the Earth. We celebrate the resilience of life in extreme environments, the dedication of researchers working in extreme conditions and South Africa’s role in polar science and environmental stewardship.
- Video Credit: Otto Whitehead
- Feature background image credit: Ben van der Walt
by Ria Olivier | Feb 12, 2026 | Antarctica, Research, SANAE, SANAP, Science
The End: From Field Data to Global Impact
By early February 2026, the SANAP field campaign entered its final phase, completing measurements and preparing for extraction ahead of worsening weather.
Temporary GNSS stations along the calving front were recovered, allowing detailed mapping of ice velocities across the ice shelf. Advanced radar surveys also measured ice thickness and internal crystal orientation, improving models of ice flow and fracture behaviour.
Seismic equipment was retrieved after weeks of recording, capturing data on both controlled signals and natural fracture events. These datasets will support detailed imaging of ice-shelf structure and zones of weakness.
As severe weather approached, the team secured equipment, dismantled installations, and restored the camp site, marking the successful completion of a productive campaign.
The project’s findings will improve predictions of Antarctic ice loss and future sea-level rise, with implications for global climate systems, coastal communities, and ecosystems. As fieldwork ends, long-term data analysis begins.
Full Article
by Ria Olivier | Feb 9, 2026 | Antarctica, Engineering, geochemistry, Research, SANAP
The Duration: Life and Science on the Fimbulisen Ice Shelf
Through mid- and late January, the team balanced demanding science with the realities of Antarctic fieldwork. GNSS stations positioned around major basal crevasses provided precise measurements of ice motion and fracture growth, helping assess the risk of large calving events. Complementary radar surveys quantified changes in ice thickness, supplying key inputs for ice-shelf flow models.
Seismic surveys used arrays of geophones and controlled energy sources to image the ice shelf and the ice–ocean interface. Drone-based ground-penetrating radar revealed the structure and evolution of deep basal crevasses, building on data from the previous season.
Fieldwork was frequently interrupted by severe storms, including wind gusts exceeding 120 km/h. Despite delays, the team adapted schedules and used downtime for maintenance and data checks. A major milestone was the first deployment of SAR corner reflectors on an Antarctic ice shelf, enabling highly accurate satellite tracking of ice motion.
Together, these measurements produced a unique dataset capturing both surface and subsurface behaviour of the Fimbulisen Ice Shelf.
Full Article
by Ria Olivier | Feb 7, 2026 | Antarctica, Engineering, geochemistry, Research, SANAP
Monitoring Antarctic Ice Shelf Stability. Antarctic ice shelves play a critical role in controlling future sea-level rise.
In January 2026, an international research team began the second field campaign of Structural Glaciological Analysis of the Antarctic Ice Shelves, supported by the National Research Foundation and the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP). Led by the University of Cape Town’s Polar Engineering Research Group, the project combines expertise in engineering, geophysics, and glaciology.
The focus is the western Fimbulisen Ice Shelf , which regulates ice flow from the Antarctic interior into the Southern Ocean via the Jutulstraumen Glacier. Changes in its stability directly affect ice discharge and global sea level.
The SANAP 2025/2026 team arrived aboard SA Agulhas II on 11 January 2026 and established a field camp on the ice shelf. Early work centred on retrieving data from permanent GNSS stations and phase-sensitive radar instruments measuring ice motion, thickness, and basal melt.
These efforts marked the start of five intensive weeks of fieldwork aimed at understanding how Antarctic ice shelves respond to a warming climate.
Full Article
by Ria Olivier | Jan 30, 2026 | Announcement, Jobs, Marion Island, News, Overwintering Team, Research, SANAP, Science, Southern Ocean, Stations, sub-Antarctic, Team member
Applications are still open for the following positions on the sub-Antarctic, Marion Island for the overwintering period (April 2026 to May 2027)
Communications Engineer Diesel Mechanic Electrical Engineer Medical Orderly
Closing Date: 09 February 2026
The incumbent will execute duties at a Sub/Antarctic Base and adhere to the health, safety and environmental requirements. The successful applicant will spend a full year (April 2026 to May 2027) at Marion Island. There is no option to return to South Africa before May 2027. The ability to work and live with small groups of people is thus essential. Although the base is well-equipped with e-mail, fax and satellite telephone facilities, the applicant must be self-sufficient and self-motivated.
by Ria Olivier | Dec 5, 2025 | Legacy, Research, SANAP, SANAP Student, Science
The Science Forum South Africa (SFSA) 2025 brought together researchers, policy leaders, students, and science enthusiasts from across the globe—and once again, SANAP- ALSA proudly showcased South Africa’s vital role in Antarctic and climate-change research. This year, the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa (ALSA) exhibit drew significant attention from delegates and exhibitors eager to learn more about the scientific, cultural, and environmental contributions South Africa makes in the Antarctic region. ALSA highlighted its mission to preserve, promote, and communicate South Africa’s polar heritage, while also reflecting the essential research being conducted by institutions across the country under SANAP.
Ministerial Engagement and Public Interaction: We were honoured to welcome the Honorable Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, to the ALSA exhibition. During his visit, he participated in an interview with SABC at the ALSA stall and added his fingerprint to a large map of Antarctica—a symbolic gesture celebrating South Africa’s commitment to protecting the region. The full fingerprint map, once completed by visitors during SFSA, will be delivered to the Minister.
Many attendees followed suit, placing their fingerprints on Antarctica maps to show solidarity in protecting the polar environment. This interactive activity reminded visitors of the fragility of polar ecosystems and the importance of ongoing conservation and research.
Delegates also enjoyed creating their own Antarctic animal-themed badges—an engaging way to spark conversation about biodiversity in the Southern Ocean and sub-Antarctic islands.
Showcasing SANAP Research: Among the highlights of the SANAP presence was the showcase by Prof Michelle Greve and Nicola Marnewick representing the Marion Island mouSe Ecology (MISE) Project. Their exhibit included research photographs, a project banner, and lively discussions with attendees about the ecological impacts of invasive house mice on Marion Island and ongoing efforts to understand and mitigate these effects.
Highlighting South Africa’s Contributions to Polar Science: SANAP supports a wide array of multidisciplinary research projects aimed at understanding the Antarctic, the sub-Antarctic, and the Southern Ocean. During SFSA 2025, we highlighted several active research programmes across South Africa’s leading institutions, these projects collectively demonstrate South Africa’s leadership in understanding climate change, marine ecosystems, glaciology, atmospheric science, biodiversity, and Earth systems—research essential to global climate policy and scientific preparedness.:
- SEAmester – South Africa’s Floating University
- SA Agulhas II – Flagship for Vessel (4.0) – Part II
- On-island impacts of climate change on the Southern Ocean’s iconic seabirds
- The biological carbon pump in a changing Southern Ocean
- Micronutrient and pollutant trace elements at the air-sea interface of the Southern Ocean
- Crustal evolution of Dronning Maud Land
- Marion Island mouSe Ecology (MISE)
- Ecogenomics
- SANAE HF radar
- South African Antarctic Artists and Writers Programme (AWP) Pilot
- Polar Space Weather Studies
- Interactive effects of multiple stressors and environmental change on seabird breeding performance
- Decoding the mercury cycle in the Southern Ocean: in situ observations and advanced modeling
- Landscape and Climate Interactions in the sub-Antarctic
- Marion Island Top Predator Long-Term Observations
- Southern Ocean Carbon-Heat Nexus: mixed-layer processes & feedbacks for improved climate projections
- Growth dynamics of sea ice and how they affect sea-ice mechanics
- ECOSOPHY – Emergent constraints on Southern Ocean phytoplankton physiology
- Structural Glaciological Analysis of North-Western Antarctic Ice Shelf (SANAS)
- Provenance and paleomagnetics of the rocks of the Grunehogna Craton in Western Dronning Maud Land
- Antarctic MIZ Observations: interdisciplinary approaches to resolve seasonal sea-ice variability
Acknowledgements: We extend our sincere thanks to all visitors, partners, collaborators, and supporters who stopped by the ALSA exhibit. Your interest and engagement help strengthen South Africa’s ongoing commitment to polar science. Thank you to DSTI and NRF making the exhibit possible.
SANAP remains dedicated to advancing research, supporting our scientists, and preserving our legacy in the Antarctic region.
Through mid- and late January, the team balanced demanding science with the realities of Antarctic fieldwork. GNSS stations positioned around major basal crevasses provided precise measurements of ice motion and fracture growth, helping assess the risk of large calving events. Complementary radar surveys quantified changes in ice thickness, supplying key inputs for ice-shelf flow models.
Monitoring Antarctic Ice Shelf Stability. Antarctic ice shelves play a critical role in controlling future sea-level rise.
Applications are still open for the following positions on the sub-Antarctic, Marion Island for the overwintering period (April 2026 to May 2027)
The Science Forum South Africa (SFSA) 2025 brought together researchers, policy leaders, students, and science enthusiasts from across the globe—and once again, SANAP- ALSA proudly showcased South Africa’s vital role in Antarctic and climate-change research. This year, the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa (ALSA) exhibit drew significant attention from delegates and exhibitors eager to learn more about the scientific, cultural, and environmental contributions South Africa makes in the Antarctic region. ALSA highlighted its mission to preserve, promote, and communicate South Africa’s polar heritage, while also reflecting the essential research being conducted by institutions across the country under SANAP.
Ministerial Engagement and Public Interaction: We were honoured to welcome the Honorable Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, to the ALSA exhibition. During his visit, he participated in an interview with SABC at the ALSA stall and added his fingerprint to a large map of Antarctica—a symbolic gesture celebrating South Africa’s commitment to protecting the region. The full fingerprint map, once completed by visitors during SFSA, will be delivered to the Minister.
Many attendees followed suit, placing their fingerprints on Antarctica maps to show solidarity in protecting the polar environment. This interactive activity reminded visitors of the fragility of polar ecosystems and the importance of ongoing conservation and research.
Delegates also enjoyed creating their own Antarctic animal-themed badges—an engaging way to spark conversation about biodiversity in the Southern Ocean and sub-Antarctic islands.
Showcasing SANAP Research: Among the highlights of the SANAP presence was the showcase by Prof Michelle Greve and Nicola Marnewick representing the Marion Island mouSe Ecology (MISE) Project. Their exhibit included research photographs, a project banner, and lively discussions with attendees about the ecological impacts of invasive house mice on Marion Island and ongoing efforts to understand and mitigate these effects.
