SA Agulhas II heads for Gough Island
The SA Agulhas II will embark on its annual voyage to Gough Island, on Thursday 7 September 2017, in Cape Town.
The Gough63 overwintering team will spend 14 months on the island and will conduct research on weather forecasts which impact South Africa, as well as increase the country’s understanding of climate change.
Other research that will be performed during the expedition include collecting diet and blood samples from the various bird species on the island and weather observation throughout the year. The oceanographers onboard will be conducting research using a Continuous Plankton Recorder which measures the distribution and concentration of plankton in the Atlantic basin which serves as an indicator of ocean health.
Members of the media are invited to cover the farewell ceremony and will have an opportunity to conduct interviews. Details of the farewell ceremony are as follows:
Date: Thursday, 7 September 2017
Time: 10h00
Venue: East Pier Quay, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
For all media enquiries, contact:
Zolile Nqayi
Cell: 082 898 6483
E-mail: znqayi@environment.gov.za
