Science Month – Guardians of the Southern Ocean
How Seabirds Reveal a Changing Climate. The skies above the Southern Ocean are home to some of the world’s most remarkable travellers. Wandering albatrosses soar effortlessly across thousands of kilometres, while penguins, petrels and skuas brave some of the harshest weather conditions on Earth. These seabirds are not only iconic symbols of Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic—they are also important indicators of the health of our oceans. One of the research projects supported by the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP), “Interactive Effects of Multiple Stressors and Environmental Change on Seabird Breeding Performance,” investigates how environmental changes are affecting seabird populations. Scientists study breeding success, chick growth, feeding behaviour and survival to better understand how birds respond to changing conditions in the Southern Ocean.
Seabirds depend on healthy marine ecosystems to find food. Changes in sea surface temperatures, ocean currents and sea ice influence where fish, squid and krill can be found. At the same time, seabirds face additional pressures from pollution, invasive species, fisheries interactions and increasingly unpredictable weather. These multiple stressors can combine to affect breeding colonies in ways that are often difficult to predict. Many of SANAP’s long-term studies take place on Marion Island, where researchers monitor nesting birds year after year. By returning to the same colonies over decades, scientists can detect gradual changes that would otherwise go unnoticed. Long-term monitoring provides valuable information about population trends and helps distinguish between natural fluctuations and the effects of climate change.
The findings from this research extend far beyond Antarctica. Because seabirds occupy the top of the marine food web, changes in their behaviour often reflect broader changes occurring throughout the Southern Ocean ecosystem. Their health can provide early warning signs of shifts in ocean productivity that may ultimately influence global climate systems and marine biodiversity. By understanding how seabirds respond to environmental change today, researchers can help guide conservation efforts for tomorrow. The knowledge gained through SANAP supports international agreements that protect vulnerable species and contributes to global efforts to conserve the Southern Ocean for future generations.
Did You Know? The wandering albatross has the largest wingspan of any living bird—reaching up to 3.5 metres. Using powerful ocean winds, it can travel thousands of kilometres without flapping its wings for extended periods.
Why This Matters –Healthy seabird populations indicate healthy oceans. By monitoring these remarkable birds, SANAP scientists gain valuable insights into the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems, helping policymakers and conservation organisations make informed decisions to protect biodiversity.
Call to Action –Every seabird has a story to tell about the health of our oceans. Follow the SANAP National Science Month series as we continue exploring the incredible science taking place across Antarctica, the sub-Antarctic islands and the Southern Ocean.
This edition features a warm welcome and introduction from Mndeni Hlatshwayo (Team Leader & Medical Orderly) and Andile Kuzwayo (Editor-in-Chief), followed by a “Meet the Team” section introducing the overwintering members. Richly illustrated with striking photographs, the newsletter also highlights the team’s daily activities, captures the unique island environment, and presents insightful weather statistics that reflect the challenging conditions of Marion Island. Together, these stories offer an engaging look at the people, science, and experiences shaping the Marion 82 overwintering year.
Drifters: The Invisible Forest: At the heart of the installation is Drifters: The Invisible Forest, a large-scale mural painted by Cape Town artist Joh Del on one of the Sea Point promenade’s ablution blocks. The mural celebrates phytoplankton — microscopic, single-celled organisms that drift through the sunlit surface of the ocean. Though invisible to the naked eye, phytoplankton are foundational to life on Earth. Like plants on land, they photosynthesise, forming the base of marine food webs. They are responsible for producing roughly half of the oxygen we breathe and play a critical role in regulating Earth’s climate by absorbing vast amounts of carbon dioxide through the biological carbon pump. Their seasonal blooms drive ocean productivity, influence global carbon cycles, and ultimately support marine ecosystems and human food security. Structurally diverse and visually striking, phytoplankton are also unexpectedly beautiful. The mural brings this hidden world to life through flowing forms and vivid colour, inviting passers-by to appreciate both the aesthetic wonder and ecological importance of these tiny ocean drifters.
Pole to Promenade: An Outdoor Image Exhibition – Alongside the mural, the Pole to Promenade image exhibition features more than 20 powerful photographs and data visualisations captured by South African polar researchers. These images offer a rare glimpse into the remote and fragile environments of the Southern Ocean and Antarctic region — places central to global climate regulation, yet far removed from daily experience. The exhibition blends field photography, satellite imagery, microscopic views, and creative data visualisations to showcase the breadth of SANAP-supported research. Together, the images highlight South Africa’s long-standing leadership in polar science and underscore the importance of sustained research in understanding climate change, ocean processes, and Earth system dynamics. A huge thank you to all the contributors of these images
The South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) is calling on individuals to apply for positions at the SANAE IV Station in Antarctica for the 2025–2027 overwintering season. This is a rare opportunity to live and work in one of the most remote and extreme environments on Earth, supporting essential scientific research and operations.
