Got something to say? Marion Island in focus
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.
After many years of good service, the existing research base has reached the end of its usable life span and as a result a high tech new base is being constructed on the island. It is this that has brought me to this isolated place as doctor in support of the resident construction team.
Living on Marion is a different sort of life: far from the noise of traffic; free from crime; away from cellphones, malls and pollution. Instead, it is a place of harsh weather, pristine natural beauty and a staggering variety of wildlife. For those lucky enough to spend time in this other world, it is a time of challenges (both physical and psychological) and can thus be a time of immense personal growth. It is also an opportunity to witness and work according to the rhythms of environment and to be close to some of the most unusual animals on earth. Here are some images of this life less ordinary…
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.
