South Africa’s 5th class afloat voyage, SEAmester V, is currently on the final leg home. On this last day on board the vessel, students are finishing up all deck work, and completing all projects and project presentations. There will be an art exhibition and farewell gathering later this evening.
This year, there were 21 lecturers involved in the SEAmester program.
Meet the lecturers of SEAmester V (2022)
The S.A. Agulhas II is getting ready for departure on the 5th SEAmester cruise. The expected time of departure is today, 27 July 2022.
37 students from 14 national higher education institutions and 1 international institution, were selected for SA’s class afloat which is an 11-day marine science winter school onboard the S.A. Agulhas II. The cruise will take part along the South African coast and across the Agulhas current to the sub-Antarctic Prince Edward Islands. Students will be exposed to hands-on ship-based deck activities, as well as traditional classroom lectures.
Places of origin – 31 of the 37 students indicated where they originally come from.
* Note that only students presenting a negative Covid-19 PCR test will be permitted to board the vessel.
Rudzani Silima (Rudzi) have from a young age, always known that she would pursue a career in environmental conservation and science. “I grew up in the very small town of Louis Trichardt, surrounded by nature. Having a great attitude in subjects such as science, math, biology and geography. It was a no brainer to start my undergrad career in Marine Science at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. CPUT not only provided the academic expertise that I would need in the future but also, in 2017, I was placed at the SAEON Egagasini node for my work integrated learning. This opened the floodgates to more networking and career building opportunities.
(l-r: Rudzi and Nompumelelo(DEFF),weighing my luggage, Ria Olivier(ALSA) sent me on my trip, during transit I said goodbye to my family) To date I have attained a collection of prizes from my university and conferences, further validating my determination to advocate for the oceans and our planet. As the best Seamester student I was chosen to be the champion for the Gateway to Antarctica City of Cape Town Earlier this year, with the help of the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa , the National Research Foundation and the Department of Environment Forestry and Fisheries, I was able to make my first trip to Antarctica.
The Antarctic Cities Youth Expedition, a collaboration between 5 cities, an expedition with five young and vibrant individuals, who share a common passion for the Antarctic environment. A product of the expedition was the founding of the Antarctic Youth Coalition, which aims to connect the five gateway cities, and to encourage sustainable consumption and practises within the cities for the sake of the Antarctic landscape. (image left waiting for our flight at Punta Arenas to Antarctica. Right: Visiting the Uruguay Station on Antarctica
There are many controversies related to climate change today, however, in Antarctica there is physical evidence that climate change is happening right now and not in some distant future. Therefore, the formation of the Antarctic Youth Coalition couldn’t be more perfectly timed. The AYC, hence from now on aims to make accessible the very important science done in the Southern Ocean to everyday citizens in the five gateway cities but also all around the world. Listen to Rudzi while being part of ACYE, video made by project leader Prof Juan Salazar
“Therefore, all of us, common or otherwise, share the responsibility for a healthy, thriving Antarctica and our whole planet! My parting word, specifically to us young people is to never give up on yourself and never give up on your dreams. All of us have the potential to change the world in our own very unique and exciting ways”
(Images by ACYE group and text supplied by Rudzi Silima and ALSA)
The SEAmester programme is a marine science winter school founded by Prof. Isabelle Ansorge of UCT which takes place at sea and provides the perfect platform for coupling both academic research and learning. Every year approximately 100 students, lecturers and scientists from over 15 different institutions (both local and international) come together for approximately 10 days at sea onboard the SA Agulhas II. SEAmester exposes postgraduate students to multiple different marine science disciplines through daily lectures, practicals, and regular interaction with many professionals conducting their research onboard South Africa’s state of the art research vessel.
3 of the 4 previous SEAmester cruises have sampled the Agulhas System Climate Array (ASCA) transect. ASCA was an array of moorings deployed across the Agulhas Current from April 2016 to May 2018, in order to better understand the physical properties and dynamics of the Agulhas Current. The ASCA project extended the research undertaken along this array during the Agulhas Current Time-series project by continuing to sample the same 20 hydrographic stations. In-situ data in the Agulhas Current is very rare, and the collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach adopted during SEAmester has greatly improved our understanding of the complex Agulhas Current System. More information in paper by Morris et al., 2017 Above: Location of the stations sampled during SEAmester. Figure by James Maitland.
Left: Last year during SEAmester IV we experienced 3 consecutive cold fronts with resulting waves of up to 10m in size. This rough weather meant we were only able to sample 16 out of 20 of our planned stations. Photo credit: Thando Mazomba
Sampling during SEAmester IV has included physical oceanography, biogeochemistry, phytoplankton, zooplankton, ichthyoplankton, microplastics, marine parasites, marine bacteria, marine seabirds and mammals, meteorology, benthic dredge sampling and more. SEAmester has provided an incredible opportunity for scientists from different disciples to work together and at the same time providing students with invaluable seagoing experience. The 5th SEAmester cruise which was due to take place this week has unfortunately been postponed until next year due to COVID-19.
SEAmester has changed the lives of students! “Department of Science and Innovation’s 10-year Global Change Grand Challenge programme requires platforms to ‘attract young researchers and retain them by exciting their interest in aspects of global change; while developing their capacity and professional skills in the relevant fields of investigation.” – Isabelle Ansorge
Text Supplied by Laura Braby – SAEON- Egagasini Node. Student Comments supplied by Isabelle Ansorge. Images available on Antarctic Legacy of South Africa Archive. More videos and images available at www.seamester.co.za
Where did it all started for Tahlia: “From an early age I have had an unbridled passion for the ocean and understanding technology, which led me to pursue my studies in Oceanography at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). I chose to study here as it provided a platform to not only gain academic experience within an oceanographic context, but to also gain field experience. In my third year (2014) I was placed at Bayworld Centre of Research and Education (BCRE) in order to complete a number of research projects which spanned across an array of oceanographic disciplines, namely: Marine Instrumentation, Marine Resource Management, Ocean Sciences and Marine Outreach. This placement exposed me to the different aspects of oceanography and allowed me to find my particular field of interest. It was there, at BCRE, that I was exposed to physical oceanography, data processing and development of marine instrumentation. I knew that I had found my niche within the oceanographic community and would strive to further my education, work experience and continue to learn and grow within this sector. After earning a National Diploma, I completed a BTech degree where I continued to work part-time at BCRE and develop my final research project. This project focused on the development of two sub-sea moorings, each housing a 75 kHz Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP), which I was fortunate enough to deploy between two sub-Antarctic Islands—Marion Island and Prince Edward Island—while aboard the research vessel, SA Agulhas II.
Following the completion of my BTech degree, I continued to work on this mooring data over the next four years, returning to Marion Island and ensuring the safe retrieval and re-deployment of the sub-sea moorings. The data collected formulated the basis of my MSc research project, entitled Impact of ocean variability on Shelf-Seas surrounding the sub-Antarctic Prince Edward Islands.
In conjunction with my studies I’ve had the opportunity to take part in numerous oceanographic research cruises and expeditions. My first cruise, on board the RV Algoa with the operational oceanographic team from BCRE, exposed me to deep-sea mooring operations, in-situ data collection and hydrographic measurements. After this I joined the SA Agulhas II on its annual expedition to Gough Island and Tristan da Cunha, thereafter opening the door for numerous further excursions to sea. My subsequent extensive seagoing experience of over 20 cruises, from the North Sea, to sub-Antarctic islands, to Antarctica, has seen my responsibilities range from regularly being an oceanographic technician to acting as chief scientist on multiple occasions. In 2016 I was appointed as the co-ordinator of SEAmester, South Africa’s Class Afloat, which revealed a very different aspect of seagoing work, mainly from a logistic point of view and stepping into a teaching role. It has been truly rewarding to watch this programme grow over the last 5 years while working closely with Prof. Isabelle Ansorge, the Head of Department of Oceanography at the University of Cape Town. Together, we were able to mimic this programme on an international multi-disciplinary research cruise, the Antarctic Circumpolar Expedition (ACE), on board the RV Akademik Tryoshnikov as Leg Zero of a three-legged voyage.
More recently I have been exposed to the commercial oceanographic industry by working as a marine technician for Lwandle Marine Technologies. Albeit a brief time spent with Lwandle, I have experienced a very different aspect of oceanography in practice. I worked on a variety of contracts utilising skills I’ve gained over the years such as commercial diving operations, in situ data collection and hands-on instrumentation repairs/maintenance. These contracts also opened the door to innovative ways of thinking, problem solving and team work. I was also involved in equipment sales, field trip logistics and ‘meet and greets’ with clients which have been a great learning opportunity.
In December 2018 I was hired by the Flotilla Foundation and Weddell Sea Expedition (WSE) to serve on board the SA Agulhas II for the WSE chartered voyage. I was employed as the CTD technician, CTD data analyst, laboratory manager and winch driver for all tethered instruments. It was truly a great privilege to form part of this prestigious voyage, conducting science around the Larsen ice-shelf, Weddell Sea basin and finally hunting for Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Endurance.
In September 2019, I was accepted into the Hydrography MSc (taught Masters) programme offered at Plymouth University in England. Moving away from my family to a new country and starting a new masters seemed a daunting task. However, it was made easier by the amazing friends I made abroad. Plymouth became my home away from home and my friends became family. I gained an incredible amount of hands on experience within the Hydrographic industry and gained invaluable skills as a junior surveyor. Our lecturers are extremely dedicated and ensured that we were saturated in hydrographic literature and at the fore front of cutting edge hydrographic technology used within the industry. I am currently completing my dissertation in volumetric analysis of sediment transport over a prestigious ship wreck site. This is to aid the conservation, management of the wreck site and to provide first pass description of the sedimentology of the area. I am so excited about what the future may hold and look forward to blazing a path within the hydrographic industry and grow as a hydrographic surveyor.
I love my career as it is ever changing and growing with the current climate or latest technological advances. I have been able to see the world, visit remote and beautiful locations, sail the high seas and build incredible bonds with fellow scientists. It isn’t always an easy journey, but conquering the challenge of this lifestyle and career choice is what makes it worthwhile. The sense of adventure is never ending and I’m always learning along the way. Madame Curie once said that nothing in life is to be fear but rather understood, so that we understand more and fear less. I think this gives us a great sense of pride in what we do and to strive to be curious about our world, to best understand, preserve it and pass the torch on to future generations.
To future researchers, be diligent, work hard and persevere throughout your career. There will be challenging days but there will also be days that out shadow the challenges and fuel your passion for science. Always be teachable no matter your age, and always willing to learn and lend a hand to your fellow scientists. The work you do throughout your career will not only impact and improve your life but will pave the way for those coming up behind you. So take pride in what your work, rise up to the challenges and enjoy the journey! (Right: Photo credit:Alexander Oelofse during SEAmester)
Links to follow Tahlia or read more
Text and Images supplied by Tahlia Henry
Stephen involvement in SANAP started back in 2016 when he was a student at UCT. He was working towards his Honours degree in Environmental Management when he came across the SEAmester programme and the opportunity to go to sea. “I applied and successfully made it into the programme. This was a huge moment as Antarctica and the South Africa’s prized research vessel, the SA Agulhas II, have always fascinated me. I loved every minute of the SEAmester programme, so much so that I spent every moment of extra time learning about all the science instruments used on the expeditions to Antarctica. Later that year I was granted the opportunity to participate in the SANAE 56 take over expedition. As expected, I did indeed fall in love with Antarctica.
Throughout my university career I had been very involved in home-brewing and the brewing industry. I was virtually brewing as much as I was studying and started a nano brewery in the back of a local Cape Town pub. I would bounce between classes and the brewery daily spending most of my time forging relationships with bars and brewers. Before I knew it, this hobby had turned into a functioning business. I had a small range of beers that I would sell before I’d even brewed the beer. As a student, cash and cash flow are always a difficulty and this sales approach (which is very unusual) worked for my situation.
The SANAE 56 take over expedition was an experience that changed my life for the better. I learnt the importance of science and exploration as a fundamental duty to better protect our planet. I was amazed by the commitment of the scientists and researchers involved in ocean and Antarctic studies. It was also on this expedition that I read and learnt about the great Sir Ernest Shackleton, whose unrivaled story of leadership, exploration and survival had an impact on me. So much so that upon returning from Antarctica I decided to name our brewery Shackleton Brewing Company. Our goal as a brand is to inspire people through Shackleton’s endeavor and acknowledge the value of research in ocean and Antarctic studies. This has always been a focus on the brand and translating this through our products.
My biggest life decision came after the SANAE 56 take over expedition. I had to choose whether to continue my studies or work in the field that I had studied or to pursue the brewing business. At the time the business did not feel like a sustainable option, but I saw it as an experience that I could learn from. It all fell into place when I secured an investor that funded a proposal, I put forward to purchase a brewery from the UK. Signed, sealed and my brewing path had been decided. I spent two months in the UK packing up a brewery into a container to send back to Cape Town. The equipment was in perfect condition when it landed after a long cruise from Bristol port. Over the next few years, the business grew, and the brand has become established in the brewing industry.
It had always been a goal to collaborate with Univeristy of Cape Town and the Oceanography department, which has given me so much. Our idea came into fruition as we set out to celebrate science and sustainability in the form of a beer. Using the discarded Antarctic sea ice cores as the primary ingredient (water), we made a beer that embodied the message of science and sustainability. The beer used organic malt, sensibly harvested hops and packaged in a handmade wooden box with the story about the project. We partnered with institutions and organisations who played an important role in making this product possible. Shackleton has committed 10% of all the beer sales to be donated to the SEAmester programme in the hopes of funding 1 extra student to have the experience I did. It was a brilliant launch night with Antarctic Legacy of South Africa (a partner in the project) displaying books, info packs etc for the guests to read. Many people don’t know the value of the research done in Antarctica and this night was an experience that educated and celebrated science to our beer community.
Why you love your career in science?I have a huge obsession with business and the many ways to make success out of it. That said, it’s incredibly difficult to actually succeed. Where I feel my true expertise, lie is in the science of brewing. I love the care and attention to all variables that create the outcome. Small slip ups in brewing have exponential knock on effects in the end product. There is science in controlling these variables to consistently producing the same product. There is a saying which I really appreciate – “brewing beer is a science but brewing great beer is an art”. I believe if you can marry the two, you’ll have success in the quality of the product.
My message to future scientists and researchers: “I believe that science and exploration is a noble pursuit but undoubtedly a rewarding one. It is also our duty to better understand the world and how best to preserve nature its beauty. There is also infinite amount of problems to solve and hypothesize to prove. By becoming a scientist, I believe you are an explorer with intrigue and wonder. I have had the privilege of working with ground-breaking scientists and researchers who have dedicated their life contributing to our collective knowledge about the world.”
Images: Herman Luyt, Stephen Peel, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa. Text by Stephen Peel.
East Pier Shed, East Pier Lane,
V&A Waterfront, Cape Town,
South Africa
