ADVENTURE
My Marion Island
Dr Joe Starke
Tue, 11 Sep 2007

Life on Marion Island

Miles of coastline: Marion has a visually spectacular coastline filled with rocky outcrops and secluded bays. This is a feature known (not surprisingly) as 'Archway'.

Five days by ship from Cape Town, in the wildness of the southern ocean, lies Marion Island. Situated on its rocky shore is one of the three remote research and weather stations operated by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Directorate Antarctic and Islands (the others being on Gough Island and mainland Antarctica).

All the stations are manned by diverse teams of South African scientists and support staff undertaking a variety of research projects on aspects of the local environment including biology, ecology, geomorphology and climate change.

Throughout the 18 and early 1900’s, Marion was a major site of sealing and whaling operations. Sealers set up camp on the island and the seal population was almost obliterated. The island has also seen its share of shipwrecks and at one stage a group of sailors lived on the island for several years before they were rescued. Annexed by South Africa in 1947 (having previously been under the control of the British), the island is now an environmental reserve dedicated to research and has been home to rotating groups of adventurous South Africans for the past 60 years.

(read the rest of the article HERE)

For more information about Marion Island, including opportunities to work with the South African National Antarctic Program, please visit www.sanap.org.za or email the team at marion@sanap.org.za.

Life on Marion Island

Chilly swimming pool: scattered through the hilly landscape are several volcanic craters – Marion was formed by volcano activity – and when filled with water, they provide a lovely, though breathtakingly cold, place for a dip.

Life on Marion Island

The dating game: the Wandering Albatross is one of Marion’s most well known residents. Mating pairs, who often bond for life, are regularly separated from their partners for long periods and celebrate their reunion with an elaborate dance