South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands
South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands is a British Overseas Territory in the southern Atlantic Ocean. Stunningly beautiful and rugged, this island wildlife sanctuary, once visited, is not easily forgotten. Its snow covered peaks, blue glacier ice and emerald green bays are breathtaking sights.
It is a real “oasis” in the stormy southern oceans and is home to amazing wildlife like penguins, albatrosses, seals, whales and petrels.
The South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands Laws site can be accessed here.
Latest News
Read the past Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands’ (GSGSSI) latest news and updates here.
Toothfish Fisheries
January 28, 2026
GSGSSI are pleased to announce the opening of the licence application round for the 2026 South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands toothfish fisheries.
For details on how to apply please contact the Director of Fisheries by email – dof(at)gov.gs
Chief Executive Officer – Recruitment
January 20, 2026
GSGSSI are recruiting for their next Chief Executive Officer – to be based in Government House, Stanley, Falkland Islands.
Discovery Investigations – 100 Years Of Marine Science Stamp Release
December 18, 2025
Today, the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands is delighted to release a stamp set to commemorate the Discovery Investigations. Two-hundred and fifty years ago Captain James Cook landed at Possession Bay and took possession of South Georgia, in the name of King George III and his heirs. In this anniversary year we celebrate South Georgia and its change from a little known and little valued island to a thriving UK Overseas Territory which is globally renowned for championing science, conservation and sustainable management. Each set of stamps will focus on a different element of South Georgia and shine a light on both its history and its future.
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Publication Of The UK Overseas Territories Biodiversity Strategy
November 28, 2025
GSGSSI welcomes today’s publication of the UK OT biodiversity strategy which reaffirms the commitment of the UK government to work with OT territory governments to conserve, protect, and restore biodiversity in the Overseas Territories and to champion the benefits of nature. The GSGSSI was pleased to work with UK Government and its agencies to develop the OT biodiversity strategy and looks forward to working closely with them to achieve the strategy’s goals.

Annual Visitor Report
November 19, 2025
The GSGSSI Annual Visitor Report has been published. This report covers the period from July 2024 to June 2025. This season saw 40 expedition cruise ships make 110 visits, and 7 yachts make 8 visits to South Georgia. A total of 15,853 passengers visited, and including all staff and crew on both cruise ships and yachts there was an overall total of 30,037 visitors.

South Georgia Heritage Stamp Release
November 13, 2025
Today, the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands is delighted to release a stamp set to commemorate South Georgia Heritage. Two-hundred and fifty years ago Captain James Cook landed at Possession Bay and took possession of the island, in the name of King George III and his heirs. In this anniversary year we celebrate South Georgia and its change from a little known and little valued island to a thriving UK Overseas Territory which is globally renowned for championing science, conservation and sustainable management.
