South African research in the Southern Ocean: New opportunities but serious challenges

• DOI: 10.1590/sajs.2013/a009
• Publication Date: 2013-03-27T07:30:04Z
• Authors: Anne M. Treasure; Coleen L. Moloney; Marthán N. Bester; Christopher D. Mc...; Ken P. Findlay; Peter B. Best; Don A. Cowan; P. J. Nico De Bruyn; Rosemary A. Dorri...; Ake Fagereng; P. William Froneman; Geoff H. Grantham; Brian P. V. Hunt; K. Ian Meiklejohn; Evgeny A. Pakhomov; Alakendra N. Royc...; Peter G. Ryan; Valdon R. Smith; Steven L. Chown; Isabelle J. Ansor...
• Keywords: Confusion; Field research; Investment; Research program

South Africa has a long track record in Southern Ocean and Antarctic research recently invested considerable funds acquiring new infrastructure for ongoing support of this research. This includes base at Marion Island purpose-built ice capable vessel, which greatly expand opportunities. Despite investment, Africa’s standing as participant critical field is threatened by confusion, lack funding, consultation transparency. The endeavour presently bedevilled political manoeuvring among groups with divergent interests that too often have little to do science, while past present contributors are excluded from discussions aim formulate strategy. state affairs detrimental the country’s aims developing leadership role climate change squanders both financial human capital.