South Georgia Newsletter, Dec 2015 – Jan 2016

This newsletter is not produced by GSGSSI; it does not necessarily reflect their views.
To subscribe to the SGIsland News Alerts list click here

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal Official Visit

During January, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal paid her first official visit to the Island of South Georgia.

After first staying and carrying out public engagements in Stanley, Falkland Islands, she travelled to South Georgia on board MV Pharos SG. She last visited South Georgia in March 2009 in her capacity as Patron of the South Georgia Heritage Trust (SGHT).

During the visit The Princess Royal had the opportunity to see at first-hand the unique environment and heritage of South Georgia, discuss the work of the Government and its partners on these and other issues, formally open the new Post Office in the restored ‘Slop Chest’ building and mark the centenary of Shackleton’s crossing of the island.

 

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal officially opens new Post Office.

The full report, published previously on this website, can be read here.

Grytviken ‘Enduring Eye’ Exhibition

To mark the 100th anniversary of Shackleton’s Imperial Trans Antarctic Expedition the Grytviken ‘Enduring Eye’ Exhibition was opened to the public as part of the formal opening of the restored ‘Slop Chest’ building at Grytviken by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.

The Grytviken Exhibition was developed with the assistance from the Royal Geographical Society (RGS) following GSGSSI’s support for the RGS’s current principal ‘Enduring Eye’ Exhibition in London, which features Frank Hurley’s original glass photographic plates from the 1914-16 expedition and his subsequent return to South Georgia. The Grytviken exhibition, which is located in an impressively refurbished new gallery to the rear of the ‘Slop Chest’ includes 10 replica glass photographic plates, with associated enlarged mounted prints and, most significantly, 12 original Hurley lantern slides, which are on temporary loan to GSGSSI from the RGS.

GSGSSI wishes to thank the RGS and the Stanley Print Shop for all their assistance in the development of this exhibition.

DSCN0209

Whaling Station Multimedia Interactive Kiosk

In conjunction with the opening of the  Grytviken ‘Enduring Eye’ exhibition, the Government’s Whaling Station multimedia interactive kiosk was commissioned in conjunction with the formal opening of the refurbished ‘Slop Chest’ by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.

Situated in the relocated Post Office, the multimedia kiosk utilises imagery recorded during the course of recent LIDAR laser surveys of the former whaling stations by Geometria Ltd of New Zealand. The laser surveys (and the refurbishment of the former ‘Slop Chest’) were funded by GSGSSI and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Directorate for Cultural Heritage as a means of creating a long-term visual archive of the historic whaling stations before their condition deteriorates any further.

Given that, with the exception of Grytviken, visitors are not permitted to enter the now-unsafe whaling stations, the interactive kiosk enables visitors to navigate visually through the stations and gain a real appreciation of the scale of the industrial heritage.  The kiosk operating system, which was developed by Bristol-based Shadow Industries Ltd, allows the user to select either Grytviken, Leith, Husvik or Stromness. In the case of the first two, the user is also able to view and watch integrated historical images, films and interviews with former Whalers both in English and Norwegian.

Two similar kiosks are delivered to the Fram Museum in Oslo and the Sandefjord Whaling Museum. The Norwegian Government’s contribution and support to this project have been appreciated greatly by GSGSSI.

 

National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP)

National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP)The Strategy for SGSSI 2016-2020 sets out a commitment to produce a National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) detailing how GSGSSI propose to meet environmental objectives and obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity.

GSGSSI has been consulting on the draft NBAP. While the main objectives set out within the NBAP stem from the Strategy and have, therefore, already been the subject of extensive consultation, the NBAP also sets out in detail how they will be implemented including by working with, and through, our stakeholders.

A final version of the NBAP is now being developed following the consultation phase. The consultation document can be downloaded here.

Convention on Biological Diversity SGSSI Stamp Set

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) aims to conserve biological diversity, promote sustainable use of its components and ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources. It was signed by the UK in 1992 and ratified in 1994. On the 27th March 2015, GSGSSI announced that the CBD would be extended to South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands.

The extension of the CBD is a demonstration of the commitment of the GSGSSI and the UK Government to the conservation and sustainable management of the Territory’s environment, which is home to an array of marine and terrestrial wildlife.  It builds on recent work to protect biodiversity including the designation of a Marine Protected Area and initiatives to eradicate invasive species. Achieving the extension of the CBD to SGSSI was facilitated by close collaboration between GSGSSI, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

To celebrate the extension of the CBD to South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands, GSGSSI has commissioned a stamp set that illustrates the richness of the Territory’s biodiversity.

Greater-burnetStampGreater Burnet – Aceana magellanica

This low growing shrub-like herb is abundant in the coastal regions of South Georgia and can form large swathes on sheltered moist slopes.  It is easily recognisable by its red-tinged prickly seed heads that stick to birds and seals as a dispersal mechanism.  A member of the rose family, this species is found throughout the sub-Antarctic region.

 

 

 

Tussa -Beetle StampTussac Beetle – Hydromedion sparsutum

South Georgia’s terrestrial habitats are home to almost 200 species of invertebrates and the tussac beetle is one of the largest and most conspicuous.  It is found in long vegetation where there is a layer of damp debris or leaf litter to live under and feed on. In recent years, populations appear to have declined due to increases in an introduced predatory ground beetle.

 

 

 

Macaroni penguin StampMacaroni Penguin – Eudyptes chrysolophus

South Georgia is home to around a million pairs of macaroni penguins.  There are numerous colonies around the coastline but the biggest are at Elsehul, Bird Island and the Willis Islands.  Easily identifiable by the golden plumes above its eyes, the macaroni penguin is known for its raucous braying and trumpet like call.  Colonies on South Georgia appear to be declining, which may be the result of changes in ocean dynamics or competition for food with fur seals.

 

 

Sea-spider StampSea Spider – Pycnogonida

This group of arthropods are found solely in the marine environment and live on the sea floor preying on soft-bodied colonial organisms. South Georgia is home to a diverse array of sea spider species, some of which can grow as large as a dinner plate.  Getting its name from its eight long legs, they are an enigmatic group having similarities with spiders, crustaceans, and even marine worms.

 

 

 

Crested-bigscale StampCrested bigscale – Poromitra crassiceps

Getting its name from the thick ridges on its head, the crested bigscale feeds on small crustaceans, especially on seamounts and knolls.  A rare visitor to South Georgia, it has a wide global distribution and typically lives at depths of more than 1000m.

 

 

 

Leopard-seal StampLeopard seal – Hydrurga leptonyx

A ferocious predator that spends most of its life in the pack ice, leopard seals are common visitors to South Georgia in the winter months.  Named for the black spots on the fur around their neck, these solitary animals feed on seals and penguins and can often been seen lurking off colonies on the look out for unwary prey.

 

 

.

This stamp set is available to order from www.falklandstamps.com

 

Convention on Biological Diversity SGSSI Stamp Set

Convention on Biological Diversity SGSSI Stamp Set

Henry Worsley

Henry WorsleyAntarctic Explorer Henry Worsley died on the 24th January after developing a serious infection as he tried to cross Antarctica unaided. Mr Worsley, 55, was following in the footsteps of his hero, Sir Ernest Shackleton, 100 years later.

A news release was issued on his expedition’s website:

“It is with great sadness that we can confirm Henry Worsley died on the 24th January 2016 in hospital in Punta Arenas, Chile.

Henry undertook his solo expedition in the spirit of his idol Sir Ernest Shackleton and was delighted to have exceeded his goal of raising over £100,000 for the Endeavour Fund, a charity founded to help the recovery of injured servicemen and women. He was fulfilling his dream of crossing the Antarctic continent, and after having walked 913 statute miles unsupported and unassisted, battling extreme weather conditions, he made the brave decision, in Shackleton’s words, to “shoot the bolt”, 30 miles short of his ultimate goal.

When Henry was picked up by Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions (ALE), he was suffering from exhaustion and dehydration. He was flown to a hospital in Punta Arenas where he was found to have bacterial peritonitis. This resulted in Henry undergoing surgery but in spite of all the efforts of ALE and medical staff, he succumbed.”

Full release and biography here: www.shackletonsolo.org

Donations can be made to the Endeavour Fund here.

Pipit Nest Found!

There has been a further sign that the South Georgia rat eradication project is showing real results. BAS Terrestrial Biologist, Jamie Coleman, has discovered a nest at Burnet Cove in Maiviken. Jamie reports that there are at least four pairs of pipits at Maiviken now.

 

Pipet

Photo: Jamie Coleman

 

The South Georgia Pipit, endemic to the island, is considered a significant indicator species for the success of the removal of rats. This area was baited in 2011 at the start of the South Georgia Heritage Trust multi-million pound project. Pipit recolonisation is exciting news for all involved.

Jamie Coleman’s blog here.

GSGSSI Policies

In line with its Strategy commitment GSGSSI is developing its policy library. GSGSSI’s latest policy statements have been published on the website. These cover Passenger Landing Fees Exclusion, Scattering of Ashes, Gifts and Hospitality, Fresh Produce Ordering and Biosecurity Checks.

They can be downloaded from the GSGSSI document section here.

Shackleton’s Endurance Expedition Centenary

Activities marking 100 years since Sir Ernest Shackleton’s epic Antarctic expedition continued apace through December and January. Shackleton is strongly associated with South Georgia and is buried at Grytviken. Here is a roundup:

  • During the course of her first official visit to South Georgia, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited Shackleton’s grave and memorial cross and took in the landing site of the James Caird in King Haakon Bay. Shackleton and his comrades landed there in May 1916 after their 16 day boat journey from Elephant Island. See report above.
  • Shackleton StampThe Royal Mail issued eight unique stamps of images taken by Shackleton’s official photographer, Frank Hurley.
    Included is a stamp showing Shackleton and crew-mates starting the 800-mile open boat journey in the tiny James Caird boat to South Georgia and safety.
    Royal Mail: Shackleton and the Endurance Expedition

.
.
.
.

  • Led by Royal Marines Mountain Leader Sergeant Matt Hoe, a team of 11 Royal Navy and Royal Marines are attempting to follow in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton overland from King Haakon Bay to Stromness.
    www.piratefm.co.uk
  • The Grytviken Enduring Eye exhibition, showing a selection of Hurley’s images and original lantern slides was officially opened in South Georgia in January (see above).
  • Enduring Eye: The Antarctic Legacy of Sir Ernest Shackleton and Frank Hurley – “One of the greatest ever photographic records of human survival on display in a remarkable new exhibition at the Society.”
    The Royal Geographical Society, Kensington, London.
    www.rgs.org
  • By Endurance We Conquer: Shackleton and his Men
    “This major centenary exhibition will commemorate all the men that sailed with Shackleton aboard the Endurance.”
    22 September 2015 – 18 June 2016
    Scott Polar Research Institute, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EP.
    www.spri.cam.ac.uk
  • Braving snow and seals: Irish adventurers retrace Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic expedition.
    www.thejournal.ie

SGSSI in the News

  • Congratulations go to Dr Kim Crosbie and Mr Jérôme Poncet, who have been awarded the Queen’s Polar Medal. Dr Crosbie received the Polar Medal for her outstanding contributions to the knowledge of Polar visitor management. Mr Poncet was awarded the Polar Medal for his pioneering efforts in supplying logistics in support of Polar science and wildlife documentaries for over 40 years.
    www.aeco.no
  • Reclaiming South Georgia from rats: a world leading project: a world leading project.
    www.en.mercopress.com

The GSGSSI newsletter will now be produced every two months. The February/March edition will be published in early April.