ABOUT SAPRI
The SAPRI was established in 2021 to ensure coordination of South African marine and Antarctic research as a national Big Science programme, providing seamless access to existing and new research infrastructure required to develop and enhance long-term observations of South Africa’s polar region.
UPDATES
People Expert Database
Connect, collaborate, and showcase your expertise.
Discover leading experts in marine and polar research, find opportunities for collaboration, and gain visibility for future projects. Add your profile to our growing expert network.
Read moreMahlalela Mentorship Programme
Building the next generation of marine and polar professionals.
This programme links postgraduate students and early-career researchers with experienced mentors to foster growth, skills, and professional development. Join as a mentor or mentee.
Read moreSubmit Data
Contribute to and access vital research data.
The SAPRI Data Centre welcomes submissions of marine and polar datasets from South Africa’s research community. Share your data and support open science.
Read moreSAPRI Newsletter
Stay connected with the latest in marine and polar research and innovation.
Join the SAPRI mailing list and explore our latest newsletter for updates, opportunities, and insights from us and the community.
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INTEGRATED FACILITIES
Data, Products & Society (DPS)
Bringing together the SAPRI Data Centre, the various types of generated data and downstream products, including modelling and the societal outreach programme.
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Long-term Observations on Land (LTO-Land)
Ensuring the continuity of the established long-term observation networks in three different regions: the Prince Edward Island system (Marion and Prince Edward Islands), Gough Island; and, the Dronning Maud Land (DML) section of Antarctica where the South African Expedition Station (SANAE IV) is located.
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Long-term Observations of the Ocean (LTO-Ocean)
Ensuring the continuity of the established long-term observation networks in the oceans surrounding South Africa, including the Southern Ocean, the South-West Indian Ocean, and the South Atlantic Ocean.
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Polar Lab
Establishment of the first sub-zero, temperature-controlled laboratory in Africa, for the simulation of the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic environment for experimental and training purposes. This innovation will bring new opportunities for polar research in Africa.
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LATEST NEWS
The killer whales of Marion Island
Local and global importance of monitoring killer whales The monitoring of killer whales (Orcinus orca) at Marion Island is of great importance both locally and globally. The work done by the South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI) on Marion Island...
Gordy the southern elephant seal spotted on Marion Island
Gordy the southern elephant seal went viral in May 2025 after wandering more than 1 km inland into the residential area of Gordon’s Bay, which is where his name comes from. You might be wondering, where is Gordy now? Roughly halfway between South Africa and Antarctica...
SAPRI captivates learners during Minister Professor Blade Nzimande’s Pre-SONA Science Outreach Programme
The Ministerial Pre-State of the Nation Address (Pre-SONA) Science Outreach Programme, held on 12 February 2026 at the National Research Foundation-South African Astronomical Observatory (NRF-SAAO) in Cape Town, brought science to life for 80 learners and 50...
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