Research conducted through the department of forestry, fisheries and the environment (DFFE) shows that from 2018 to 2024, waters in the vicinity of the Prince Edward Islands have been warmer, as higher temperature currents intrude more southerly and more frequently.
If the warmer water trend continues more often and for longer periods, the consequences for the island’s biodiversity and climate will be concerning.
The DFFE coordinates the logistics and scientific support to scientists undertaking critical research around the two small subantarctic islands, namely Marion Island and Prince Edward Island, which together are known as the Prince Edward Islands.
South Africa’s icebreaking polar supply and research vessel, the SA Agulhas II, not only plays a vital role in transporting people, equipment and supplies to the research base on Marion Island but also conducts valuable research in the ocean surrounding the islands. The research ranges from ocean physics, chemistry, biodiversity as it relates to ecosystem health and pressures from climate change.
The recent exhibition cruise on the Agulhas II from Durban to Cape Town on May 24, brought into focus the intricate but important work our scientists do, highlighting government’s commitment to elevating this work to not only reach the farthest ends of our country but also of the world. Guests were exposed to some of the research processes from beginning to end while also being educated about the importance of ocean research and how it fits into the conversations on climate change.
It is fitting that these preliminary findings come as the world commemorates World Environment Day on June 5 and World Oceans Day on June 8, as much of the research informs our climate action and oceans and coastal conservation efforts. It is more imperative than ever that we continue to invest in this research and innovation while also thriving to scale and support it.
The data collection process and findings
Two instrument packs were deployed in the ocean between Prince Edward Island and Marion Island since 2014 to provide year-round measurements of bottom temperature and water column current speed and direction. The purpose, as outlined by DFFE scientists, was to collect important data and information throughout the year to be able to better monitor environmental changes at the Prince Edward Islands.
Together with satellite observations, the data collected has proven useful for characterising the environmental variations in the vicinity of the islands, while the deployed instrument packs have dramatically increased our understanding and monitoring of how these variations affect the shallow Prince Edward Islands shelf.
The ocean surrounding Antarctica, called the Southern Ocean, is one of the least understood and studied environments in the world, yet it plays a crucial role in controlling many climate processes.
One such process is the absorption of excess carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere into the ocean, to try to restore the balance required. However, due to humans emitting too much CO2 the ocean is struggling to bring about the balance.
One unintended consequence of this higher absorption is that the ocean is becoming more acidic and that will influence many animals and plants that require calcium during their life cycles as acidic water will limit its availability.
According to our scientists, research indicates that some CO2 outgasses south of 50°S, and none has been reported around the sub-Antarctic Islands situated at about 47°S.
New DFFE observations from under way sea surface water measurements of CO2 and pH (acidity) measurements conducted during Marion cruise 2025 (on-board SA Agulhas II), showed that this region also act as a source of CO2 to the atmosphere and pH was lower than the average seawater pH of 8.1, making it more acidic (Right Figure).
Preliminary results (Left Figure) indicate high CO2 levels exceeding the atmospheric CO2 of 435 ppm south of 45°S, suggesting that the area served as a source of CO2 to the atmosphere. This has not been observed before.
DFFE research has begun implementing remote monitoring in some bird colonies on these remote islands to minimise seabird disturbances and handling and improve our monitoring.
During the 2025 Marion Island takeover, we introduce the use of drones to survey the two largest king penguin colonies at King Penguins Bay (40,000) and Kildalkey Bay (20,000), which are typically done through traditional surveys of counting using binoculars, as well as a number of additional methods that supplement the standard way that has previously been used.
This is a critical step towards improving our monitoring, which is part of the camera monitoring system South Africa is implementing as required by the international convention area known as CCAMLR (Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources) under the Antarctic Treaty System, where South Africa is the only African member state.
The quality of insights provided by the scientific results and information that is gathered by these South African scientists makes our scientific research world-class and crucial in the climate change space. It is important for us to cultivate an interest in science and research so that we get more young people into this kind of work, which the DFFE will continue to lead and advocate for.
• Dr Dion George is the minister of forestry, fisheries and the environment
For opinion and analysis consideration, e-mail Opinions@timeslive.co.za
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