The South African Polar Research Infrastructure’s (SAPRI) first team of Marion Island overwinterers was appointed in March 2024. The team comprises marine mammal and seabird field researchers as part of the Marion Island Top Predator Long-Term Observations being run under SAPRI. This work continues the top predator monitoring initially undertaken by South African university research groups that is now managed by SAPRI to ensure long-term continuity beyond the limitations of three-year funding cycles.
Meet the SAPRI – Marion Island Expedition 81, 2024/2025, Overwinterers
Megan Clarkson
Killer whale / Seal Field Researcher
Born and raised in KwaZulu-Natal, Megan Clarkson grew up fishing and camping with her family. Fascinated by marine mammals, particularly cetaceans, and her time spent on and in the ocean inspired a passion for Marine Biology. Megan graduated with a Bachelor of Science Honours from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She has worked as a swimming teacher, a laboratory assistant, and a research intern with both the Sea Watch Foundation in Wales and the Shannon Dolphin Project at the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group in Ireland. Additionally, she assisted with Finfish aquaculture sampling for South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment.
Megan enjoys listening to music, reading, painting, photography, and swimming. She is honoured to be part of the Marion Island expedition, and considers it a once in a lifetime adventure, where she will be able to study and observe marine mammals as large, graceful and powerful as killer whales and southern elephant seals. “Immersed in breathtaking scenery and surrounded by abundant wildlife, this experience is both humbling and an incredible privilege”, says Megan.
Dylan Manyoka
Seal Field Researcher
Dylan Manyoka is an Environmental Scientist with a deep passion for Marine Science and Geography. Originally from Soweto, Johannesburg, he was based in Cape Town before embarking on his overwintering journey to Marion Island. His decision to overwinter was inspired by educational and inspirational interactions with over ten previous sealers, whose vivid descriptions of Marion Island’s pristine and undisturbed natural environment captivated him. Motivated by their experiences, Dylan now embraces the gusty winds and wet arms of Marion Island, where he will spend several months working as a Seal Field Researcher.
Rhiannon Gill
Seabird Field Researcher
Born and raised in Pretoria, South Africa, where I spent my childhood and adolescent years, I developed a passion for the natural world, dreaming of exploring remote regions. I was inspired by wonderful teachers who had a love for the natural world and encouraged me to follow my dreams. I pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife Biology in South Wales, UK, and began my journey in the conservation sector. After graduating, I returned to South Africa for an internship at the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), rehabilitating seabirds. It was then when I discovered my passion for working with birds and gained valuable fieldwork experience.
In 2021, I joined the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) as an aviculturist for the Gough Island Restoration Programme. This role taught me a great deal about living in remote locations and deepened my appreciation for the unique species inhabiting these areas. Now, I am thrilled to realise my long-standing dream of working on Marion Island as a Seabird Researcher with SAPRI. Observing Wandering Albatrosses from my window and standing amidst a king penguin colony feels like a dream come true. I look forward to contributing to Marion Island’s long-term observation programmes and hope we can continue to conserve this unique and beautiful island with all the life it supports.
Peter Cunningham
Seal Field Researcher
Peter Cunningham hails from southern Namibia and has a passion for conservation and exploration. He recently completed his MSc thesis in Conservation Ecology at Stellenbosch University. With experience as a researcher on private nature reserves in Namibia, Peter has now joined SAPRI as a Seal Field Researcher, for the unique opportunity to overwinter on Marlon Island.
Text supplied by the SAPRI M81 Overwinterers.
Rabia Mathakutha, South African Polar Research Infrastructure, 04 July 2024
