Eggshells, fluff and feathers

by Anne Treasure | Apr 15, 2026 | Environment, Long-term observations, LTO-Land, Marion Island, Prince Edward Islands, SANAP, SAPRI, Southern Ocean, Sub-Antarctic

Every year from August to April, Marion Island transforms into a bustling seabird nursery. This remote volcanic island in the sub-Antarctic provides a critical breeding refuge for thousands of pelagic seabirds that spend most of their lives roaming the open ocean. The...

The killer whales of Marion Island

by Anne Treasure | Mar 18, 2026 | Environment, Long-term observations, LTO-Land, Marion Island, NRF-SAEON, Prince Edward Islands, SANAP, SAPRI, Southern Ocean, Sub-Antarctic

Local and global importance of monitoring killer whales The monitoring of killer whales (Orcinus orca) at Marion Island is of great importance both locally and globally. The work done by the South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI) on Marion Island...

Gordy the southern elephant seal spotted on Marion Island

by Anne Treasure | Mar 13, 2026 | Environment, Long-term observations, LTO-Land, Marion Island, NRF-SAEON, Prince Edward Islands, SANAP, SAPRI, Southern Ocean, Sub-Antarctic

Gordy the southern elephant seal went viral in May 2025 after wandering more than 1 km inland into the residential area of Gordon’s Bay, which is where his name comes from. You might be wondering, where is Gordy now? Roughly halfway between South Africa and Antarctica...

Job Alert: Marion Island Overwintering Positions

by Rabia Mathakutha | Aug 26, 2025 | Environment, Jobs, Long-term observations, LTO-Land, Marion Island, NRF-SAEON, Prince Edward Islands, SANAP, SAPRI, Southern Ocean, Sub-Antarctic, Uncategorized

Applications open for: Overwintering Seabird Field Researcher (Birder) (2x positions) Overwintering Seal Field Researcher (Sealer) (2x positions) Overwintering Killer Whale Field Researcher (Killer Whaler) (1x positions) The South African Environmental Observation...

International Day of the Seal

by Rabia Mathakutha | Mar 22, 2025 | Antarctica, Antarctica (SANAE IV), Commemorative Day, Environment, Long-term observations, LTO-Land, Marion Island, Prince Edward Islands, SANAP, SAPRI, Southern Ocean, Sub-Antarctic, Uncategorized

The 22nd of March marks the International Day of the Seal or International Seal Day, a day dedicated to raising global awareness about seal species and their conservation. First declared Day of the Seal in 1982, this day highlights the importance of protecting seals...