by Ria Olivier | Oct 6, 2023 | Announcement, Antarctica, Jobs, Marion Island, Meteorology, Overwintering Team, SANAP, Southern Ocean, Stations, sub-Antarctic
The following vacancies are advertised by The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) for positions based on Antarctica and Marion Island.
Antarctica, SANAE IV (the 4th South African National Antarctic Expedition Station):
The successful applicant will spend a full year (December 2023 to February 2025) at SANAE base. There is no option to return to South Africa before February 2025.
Marion Island:
The successful applicant will spend a full year (April 2024 to May 2025) at Marion Island. There is no option to return to South Africa before May 2025.
| Job Title | Station | Period | Closing Date | Job Advert |
| Mechanical Engineer | SANAE IV Antarctica | December 2025 to March 2027 | 03 November 2025 | Click here |
| Instrumentation Technician | SANAE IV Antarctica | December 2025 to March 2027 | 06 October 2025 | Click here |
| Environmental Officer | Marion Island | April 2026 - May 2027 | 06 October 2025 | Click here |
| Assistant Environmental Officer | Marion Island | April 2026 - May 2027 | 06 October 2025 | Click here |
| Medical Orderly | Marion Island | April 2026 - May 2027 | 06 October 2025 | Click here |
| Senior Meteorological Technician | Marion Island | April 2026 - May 2027 | 06 October2025 | Click here |
| Assistant Meteorological Technicians (2) | Marion Island | April 2026 - May 2027 | 06 October 2025 | Click here |
| Communications Engineer | Marion Island | April 2026 - May 2027 | 06 October 2025 | Click here |
| Diesel Mechanic | Marion Island | April 2026 - May 2027 | 06 October 2025 | Click here |
| Electrical Engineer | Marion Island | April 2026 - May 2027 | 06 October 2025 | Click here |
Anche Louw, Co-Principal Investigator of Antarctic Legacy of South Africa and Digital Marketing and Communications Manager of the South African Polar Research Infrastructure, 06 October 2023.
by Ria Olivier | May 5, 2023 | Invasion Biology, Marion Island, Mice Eradication, News, Prince Edward Islands, Research, SA Agulhas II, SANAP, Southern Ocean, Stations, sub-Antarctic, Team member
| TEAM | Mouse-Free Marion |
| Project Name | Longitudinal monitoring of terrestrial diversity to assess the effects of the planned mouse eradication on Marion Island, and bait and mouse trials to inform further planning for the Mouse-Free Marion Project |
| Project Manager | Dr Anton Wolfaardt |
| Collaborator | Prof. Michelle Greve |
| M79 Field Assistant | Elsa van Ginkel |
| M80 Field Assistant | Camilla Smyth |
The Mouse-Free Marion Project is a partnership between the Department of Forestry Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and BirdLife South Africa, working towards an operation to eradicate invasive mice from Marion Island.
The mice, which were introduced accidentally some 200 years ago, have caused great harm to the ecology of Marion Island. They feed on indigenous invertebrates, damage vegetation, and have more recently started eating seabird chicks. As a result, the mice are considered to be a major pest to the island. If they are not removed, the ecosystem of the island will continue to deteriorate, and they will likely cause most of the seabirds on the island to become locally extinct. These seabirds will be lost to the island forever.
In order to monitor how the island recovers after the mice have been removed, we are collecting data on aspects of the island that we expect to improve once the mice are gone. These include the vegetation and invertebrates. Colleagues working on other projects are collecting similar data on seabirds.
The reason why it is important to collect this data before the eradication operation is so that we can compare and monitor how the island changes (improves) as a result of the eradication operation – comparing the island’s vegetation and invertebrate features before and after the operation.
More about your plans for this takeover?
The project will make use of data that have already been collected over many years, primarily through the various long-term monitoring projects that have been undertaken at Marion Island over many years. The focus of our work currently is to fill some pre-eradication (baseline) data on vegetation and invertebrates. This particular work was initiated during the 2022/23 period, and will continue in 2023/24. The takeover period will be used to provide training and orientation to the new Marion80 overwintering team member (Camilla Smyth) and for the current Marion79 Mouse-Free Marion overwintering team member (Elsa van Ginkel) to hand over the field-work responsibilities to Camilla.
The work includes standard invertebrate and vegetation survey techniques to establish a baseline that can be used to monitor how these ecological parameters change following the eradication of invasive mice. These surveys will repeat and build on historical surveys that have been undertaken on the island previously.
We will also be undertaking further bait trials and weather monitoring to help inform the planning of the baiting operation.
Latest takeover update from the island (on 26 April 2023)
Check out the Mouse-Free Marion Website!
Follow MFM on social media for the latest updates:
Text and images supplied by Dr Anton Wolfaardt.
Featured image: The MFM takeover 2023 team. L-R: Dr Anton Wolfaardt (MFM Project Manager), Camilla Smyth (M80 MFM Field Assistant) and Elsa van Ginkel (M79 MFM Field Assistant). Photo taken on Marion Island, April 2023.
Anche Louw, South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI DPS Node), 05 May 2023
by Ria Olivier | Apr 19, 2023 | Marion Island, News, Overwintering Team, Prince Edward Islands, SA Agulhas II, SANAP, Science, Southern Ocean, Stations, Team Photo
The S.A. Agulhas II is on her final stretch of the first oceanographic leg to the sub-Antarctic Marion Island. The voyage has been overall calm, with easy and moderately sea and swells, reaching no more than 3 meters, in the past two days.
The 80th Marion Island overwintering team and land-based takeover personnel will soon reach their destination. The takeover is packed with scientific objectives, for both land and ship-based science groups, which will be shared over the next few weeks.
S.A. Agulhas II - Marion Island Voyage 057
| Departure: Port of Cape Town to Marion Island | Evening of 15 April 2023 |
| Expected time of arrival: Marion Island | Evening of 19 April 2023 |
| S.A. Agulhas II last communicated position (18 April 2023, 23:59) | LAT: 40° 40.6' S
LONG: 27° 45.5' E |
| Destination: Marion Island | LAT: 44° 9.1' S
LONG: 33° 22.7' E |
| Number of passengers on board | 89 passengers |
Message to the overwintering team:
May your team work hard together, take time for celebrations and grow together as a team. We wish you all the best. May you find plenty of happiness and fulfillment during your year in the sub-Antarctic!
80th Marion Island overwintering team
| Team Member | Position on M80 | Affiliation |
| Ndaedzo Nthulani | Assistant Meteorological Technician | SAWS |
| Dylan Seaton | Field Assistant: Sealer | MIMMP (UP) |
| Christopher Jones | Field Assistant: Birder | MAPRU (NMU) |
| Michelle Risi | Field Assistant: Birder | MAPRU (NMU) |
| Treasure Thobatsi | Communications Technician | DFFE |
| Gumede Mbekezeli | Electrical Technician | DFFE |
| Nikitha Fikizolo | Chef | DFFE |
| Tamara Eggeling | Field Assistant: Sealer/Killer Whaler | MIMMP (UP) |
| Zafar Monier | Field Assistant: Sealer | MIMMP (UP) |
| Kuhle Mbalane | Assistant Environmental Control Officer | DFFE |
| Mfezeko Rataza | Electronic Engineer | SANSA |
| Keith Odwa Obose | Assistant Meteorological Technician | SAWS |
| Kyle Maurer | Field Assistant: Birder | DFFE (Oceans & Coasts) |
| Mpumelelo Mabutyana | Field Assistant: Birder | DFFE (Oceans & Coasts) |
| Collen Nkadimeng | Diesel Mechanic | DFFE |
| Kelebogile Mogotsi | Senior Meteorological Technician | SAWS |
| Nkateko Maholobela | Environmental Control Officer | DFFE |
| Sandile Nkebe | Medical Orderly & Team Leader) | DFFE |
| Camilla Smyth | Field Assistant | Mouse-free Marion |
Photo caption: Marion80. Photo taken on the heli deck on board the S.A. Agulhas II. Back (L-R) Ndaedzo Nthulani, Dylan Seaton, Christopher Jones, Michelle Risi, Treasure Thobatsi, Gumede Mbekezeli, Nikitha Fikizolo, Tamara Eggeling, Zafar Monier, Kuhle Mbalane, Mfezeko Rataza; (front) Keith Odwa Obose, Kyle Maurer, Mpumelelo Mabutyana, Collen Nkadimeng, Kelebogile Mogotsi, Nkateko Maholobela, Sandile Nkebe and Camilla Smyth.
Photo credit: Christopher Jones and Michelle Risi
Anche Louw, South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI DPS Node), 19 April 2023
by Ria Olivier | Jun 2, 2022 | Marion Island, News, Overwintering Team, SA Agulhas II, Southern Ocean, Stations, sub-Antarctic, Team Photo
The 79th Marion Island Overwintering Team has arrived on the island 6 weeks ago. After a very busy take-over, where each team member was introduced to their new roles on the island, they are now settled in and ready for their sub-Antarctic overwintering expedition. Marion79 consist of 21 team members – check them out below.
Message from the Team Leader, Jufter Munyai:
“The Marion79 team is ready to look after the South African station on Marion Island, some will be conducting scientific fieldwork, whereas others have obligations in and around the station”.
Want to know more about the Marion Island 2022 take-over? Click here
We wish the team a successful expedition. See you back in Cape Town, in May 2023.
79th Marion Island Overwintering Team
Featured Image: Marion79 onboard the S.A. Agulhas II, about to depart to Marion Island on Sunday, 17 April 2022. Image supplied by Jufter Munyai (Team Leader).
Anche Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 02 June 2022
by Ria Olivier | Apr 21, 2022 | Current Event, Marion Island, News, Overwintering Team, Prince Edward Islands, Research, SA Agulhas II, SANAP, Science, Southern Ocean, Stations, sub-Antarctic, Take-Over Operations
The S.A. Agulhas II departed from East Pier, V&A Waterfront on her annual Marion Island relief voyage, Sunday 17 April 2022. The expected time of arrival at the island is today, 21 April 2022.
The first leg of the voyage, Oceanographic Leg 1, from Cape Town to Marion Island, was dedicated to underway sampling (the vessel did not stop for sampling to take place).
Once at the island, take-over operations will commence immediately (weather permitting) – all land-based scientists, National Department of Public Works (NDPW) personnel, and take-over personnel (DFFE) will disembark. Cargo will be slung with helicopters to the island and fuel will be pumped to the island. Hereafter, the vessel will depart from Marion Island on the 2nd Oceanographic leg (annual Research and Monitoring programme around the Prince Edward Islands). The 3rd Oceanographic leg will commence after take-over, on the way back to Cape Town.
What is planned for the 2022 take-over on Marion Island (land-based)
- base and hut maintenance (NDPW)
- base and hut restock
- take-over function
- 79th Marion Island overwintering team (meet the team in next article) to take over from 78th Marion Island overwintering team (M78 – click here).
- take-over projects – scientific fieldwork (see table below)
University of Fort Hare, Department of Geography
Landscape and climate Interactions In a changing sub-Antarctic Environment🔗 |
| Group Leader | Prof Werner Nel |
DFFE: Oceans and Coasts
Southern Ocean and Island Research Programme
|
| Group Leader | Dr Azwianewi Makhado |
BirdLife South Africa & University of Pretoria
Department of Plant and Soil Sciences🔗
Longitudinal monitoring of terrestrial diversity to assess the effects of mouse eradiction on Marion Island, and bait and mouse trials to inform further planning for the project |
| Group Leader | Mr Luis Alberto Rodriguez-Pertierra |
BirdLife South Africa, DFFE
Mouse-Free Marion (Project to Eradicate House Mica from Marlon Island)🔗 |
| Group Leader | Dr Anton Wolfaardt |
South African National Space Agency (SANSA)
Polar Space Weather Studies🔗 |
| Group Leader | Mr Matthew Spoor |
South African Weather Service (SAWS)
Atmosphere and Ocean Surface Research🔗 |
| Group Leader | Mr Vuyo Xelithole |
University of KwaZulu-Natal, School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science
Observing Dawn In the Cosmos🔗 |
| Group Leader | Mr Ronny Joseph |
University of Pretoria, Mammal Research Unit, Department of Zoology & Entomology
Marion Island Marine Mammal Programme (MIMMP)🔗
Marion Island Marine Mammals in Changing Environments: lndividual Heterogeneity and Population Processes |
| Group Leader | Prof Nico de Bruyn
|
Nelson Mandela University, Department of Zoology
Marine Apex Predator Research Unit (MAPRU)🔗
Avian scavengers as indicators of recovery of an island biota |
| Group Leader | Dr Maëlle Connan |
What is planned for the take-over onboard the S.A. Agulhas II (ship-based)
DFFE: Ocean & Coasts Research
DFFE Ship-based Southern Ocean and Islands Research Programme |
| Ocean Physics: Group Leader | Mr Gavin Tutt |
| Ocean Chemistry: Group Leader | Dr Thato Mtshali |
| Ocean Biological: Group Leader | Mr Henry Kakora |
DFFE:Ocean & Coasts, University of Cape Town, Bayworld Centre for Research & Education
SAMOC-SA |
| Group Leader | Mr. Grant van der Heever |
University of Pretoria
Enhanced insights regarding the ecology, evolution, and function of marine microbiomes |
| Group Leader | Mr Choaro Dithugoe |
Land-based DFFE and other take-over personnel
Department of Forestry Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)
Directorate: Southern Oceans & Antarctic Support
Management, logistics and support for this voyage |
| Departmental Co-ordinator (DCO) | Mr Errol Julies |
| Assistant DCO | Mr Mfundo Tima |
| Admin Officer | Ms Pozisa Matshoba |
| General/Waste Technician | Mr Sabata Setona |
| General/Waste Technician | Mr Mazizi Salmani |
DFFE
Directorate: Oceans, Coasts & Biosecurity Compliance |
| Environmental Control Officer | Mr Thomas Mufanadzo |
DFFE
Directorate: Earth Systems Strategies
Prince Edward Islands Management Authority (Oversight Management Functions) |
| Group Leader | Ms Ntombovuyo Madlokazi |
| Chief Scientists |
| Land-based | Prof Werner Nel |
| Ship-based | Mr Marcel van den Berg |
National Department of Public Works (NDPW)
Maintenance Support |
| Group Leader | Mr Takalani Mudau |
Featured Image: S.A. Agulhas II at Marion Island, May 2014 (Credit: Anche Louw).
Anche Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 21 April 2022
