08 April 2015

The Department of Environmental Affairs’ SA Agulhas II will be embarking on her third logistical /scientific voyage to Marion Island on Thursday 09 April 2015.

Aboard the ship will be a host of researchers and participants from Department of Environmental Affairs, Department of Public Works, the South African Weather Service and various tertiary institutions. The Marion 72 expedition team will be the fourth of its kind to inhabit the new base since its commission in March 2011 and will occupy it for a period of 14 months.

Various sampling and deployment of moorings will be undertaken during the Marion voyage. The type of Research conducted will be multi-disciplinary under the following disciplines: Physical, Chemical and Biological Oceanography, including Benthic Biodiversity and Top predator Biology.

Members of the media are invited to cover the farewell ceremony, and will have an opportunity for photos and interviews.

Details of the farewell ceremony are as follows:

Date: Thursday, 9 April 2015
Time: 12:00
Sailing time: 14:00
Venue:East Pier Quay, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

To RSVP, contact:

Sivuyile Ngaba
Tel: 021 405 9439
Cell: 071 403 5294
E-mail: sngaba@environment.gov.za

For media enquiries, contact:

Zolile Nqayi
Cell: 082 898 6483