The latest version of the Government of South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands Biosecurity Handbook is now available. The Handbook details the procedures which are in place to help reduce the risk of harmful non-native species and disease entering the Territory, along with the steps in place to detect them and limit their spread should they arrive.Biosecurity Handbook Update Released[...]
SGSSI Marine Protected Area 5-Year Review Science Symposium
July 20th, 2023In June, GSGSSI launched the second 5-year review of its Marine Protected Area with a two-day science symposium. Over 80 participants joined us at the Aurora Innovation Centre in Cambridge and hybrid access enabled many additional experts to join remotely.SGSSI Marine Protected Area 5-Year Review Science Symposium[...]
Regulated Activity Permits
June 7th, 2023The Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands is delighted to announce that applications for Regulated Activity Permits (RAP) for the 2023/24 season are now open.Regulated Activity Permits[...]
Darwin Plus Main: Round 12
April 26th, 2023GSGSSI is proud to promote and encourage science that contributes to developing and upholding best-practice environmental management and that supports the active management and good governance of the Territory. We are therefore delighted by the announcement of the latest round of Darwin Initiative funding and welcome applications that will contribute to the broader aims of the Government.Darwin Plus Main: Round 12[...]
Historic Former Whaling Building Has Opened For The First Time
February 16th, 2023Following sympathetic restoration, South Georgia’s ‘Main Store’ depicts what life on the subantarctic island was like during the mid-20th century. The original Main Store on the subantarctic island of South Georgia has opened to visitors for the very first time, after almost five years of sympathetic restoration and curation by GSGSSI and SGHT.Historic Former Whaling Building Has Opened For The First Time[...]
Invitation To Tender – Scientific Fisheries Observer Provision
January 30th, 2023The Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) manages sustainable fisheries for toothfish, icefish and krill in the SGSSI Maritime Zone. The Government takes an ecosystem-based precautionary approach to fisheries management, underpinned by scientific research and robust monitoring and enforcement, and demands high standards across all aspects of fisheries management.Invitation To Tender – Scientific Fisheries Observer Provision[...]
Steve Brown Awarded The Polar Medal
January 17th, 2023His Majesty King Charles III has been graciously pleased to approve the awarding of the Polar Medal to Mr Steven Brown, who until March 2022 was the GSGSSI Director of Operations. The medal is awarded for outstanding achievement and service to the United Kingdom in the field of polar research.Steve Brown Awarded The Polar Medal[...]
Darwin Plus Local: Round 1, 2023/24
January 11th, 2023The Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands is proud to promote and encourage science that contributes to developing and upholding best-practice environmental management and that supports the active management and good governance of the Territory. We are therefore delighted by the announcement of the new Darwin Local funding round to support small scale environmental projects within the Overseas Territories.Darwin Plus Local: Round 1, 2023/24[...]
South Sandwich Islands Stamp Release
October 14th, 2022Today GSGSSI are delighted to announce the release of the second in a four- part series of stamps set to celebrate the South Sandwich Islands. Parts 1 and 2 of this series were approved by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and printed together in 2021.South Sandwich Islands Stamp Release[...]
GSGSSI Policy Updates
October 4th, 2022As a part of the Government’s wide ranging policy review, serveral new policy positions have been issued.GSGSSI Policy Updates[...]
Biosecurity Handbook
September 23rd, 2022The latest version of the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands Biosecurity Handbook is now available. The Handbook details the procedures which are in place to help reduce the risk of harmful non-native species and disease entering the Territory and steps in place to detect them and limit their spread should they arriveBiosecurity Handbook[...]
Her Excellency the Commissioner Deepest Condolences
September 9th, 2022Her Excellency the Commissioner expresses her deepest condolences, and those of all the members of the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands, to His Majesty the King and the Royal Family on the sad passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.Her Excellency the Commissioner Deepest Condolences[...]
Successful Provider For Yacht Charter To Support Albatross Survey Announced
August 17th, 2022Following a thorough tendering process, the Government of South Georgia has announced that the vessel Vinson of Antarctica has been selected to support a wandering albatross survey planned for 2024.Successful Provider For Yacht Charter To Support Albatross Survey Announced[...]
Consultation On Terrestrial Protected Area Management Plan And Supporting Regulations
August 2nd, 2022The Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands is pleased to announce the opening of the consultation period for the Specially Protected Area Management Plan and Regulations.Consultation On Terrestrial Protected Area Management Plan And Supporting Regulations[...]
Invitation To Tender Yacht Charter To Support Wandering Albatross Surveys
July 20th, 2022GSGSSI wishes to update the specification as follows: The yacht/operator should be registered with IAATO, or demonstrate equivalent standards of vessel management and crew education, and have all necessary safety systems and insurances for operating in South Georgia. A revised closing date for applications is 29th July.Invitation To Tender Yacht Charter To Support Wandering Albatross Surveys[...]
Government Declares Protected Area Covering South Georgia & The South Sandwich Islands
July 5th, 2022Today, 5th July, the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) announced the designation of the entire landmass of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (SGSSI) as Specially Protected Areas, fulfilling the commitment it made in the ‘Pathway to Protection’.Government Declares Protected Area Covering South Georgia & The South Sandwich Islands[...]
Invitation To Tender - Yacht Charter To Support Wandering Albatross Surveys
June 24th, 2022In 2024, the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) will be undertaking a census of wandering albatross on South Georgia alongside various complementary terrestrial monitoring activities. To support this, GSGSSI requires to charter a yacht. We invite operators to tender for the provision of this service.Invitation To Tender - Yacht Charter To Support Wandering Albatross Surveys[...]
Launch of a new Data Portal to support the Marine Protected Area
June 10th, 2022A new Data Portal is being launched today by the British Antarctic Survey and the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI), which will help to enhance the management of one of the world’s largest Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).Launch of a new Data Portal to support the Marine Protected Area[...]
Updated Non-Native Plant Management Strategy Released
June 8th, 2022The control and management of non-native species is a key factor in ensuring that South Georgia continues to be an ecosystem in recovery. Under the Protect, Sustain, Inspire framework, GSGSSI has committed to comprehensive invasive plant management. We are delighted to launch our updated Non-Native Plant Management Strategy to deliver that goal.Updated Non-Native Plant Management Strategy Released[...]
Regulated Activity Permit applications for 2022/23
June 6th, 2022Updated Regulated Activity Permit application forms for the 2022/23 season are now available. The application portal should be used by anyone wishing to visit South Georgia to conduct science or media activities. We are anticipating a high volume of applications in the coming austral summer so anyone planning a project is advised to begin the application process asap.Regulated Activity Permit applications for 2022/23[...]
Darwin Plus Main Initiative: Round 11, 2022/23
May 17th, 2022GSGSSI is proud to promote and encourage science that contributes to developing and upholding best-practice environmental management that supports the active management and good governance of the Territory.Darwin Plus Main Initiative: Round 11, 2022/23[...]
Short Film Celebrating 40 Years Since Liberation
April 29th, 2022In 1982, the island of South Georgia experienced the only armed conflict in its history. Forty years on, the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands commemorates the liberation with the following video.Short Film Celebrating 40 Years Since Liberation[...]
40th Anniversary Of Liberation Stamp Set
April 25th, 2022In 1982, the island of South Georgia experienced the only armed conflict in its history. Forty years on, the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands commemorates the conflict and reflects on the progress of the island since that time.40th Anniversary Of Liberation Stamp Set[...]
Abundance, Exploitation, Recovery: A Portrait of South Georgia
April 19th, 2022SGSSI has been featured in the New York Times as a shining example of world-leading conservation with measurable positive impact. Charting the visible return of biodiversity within the territory during the lifetime of those who have worked there, the article showcases the role humans have to play in improving the natural environment whilst still living and working in it, underlining how governments can be a force for positive change.Abundance, Exploitation, Recovery: A Portrait of South Georgia[...]
Allison Kean - Visitor Management Officer
April 14th, 2022After a thorough recruitment and selection process, GSGSSI are proud to announce the appointment of Allison Kean as the our new Visitor Management Officer.Allison Kean - Visitor Management Officer[...]
New Director of Operations – Steve Winn
March 23rd, 2022Following a highly competitive recruitment process, GSGSSI are pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Winn as our new Director of Operations.New Director of Operations – Steve Winn[...]
Toothfish Licence Application Round
March 22nd, 2022GSGSSI are pleased to announce the opening of the licence application round for the 2022 South Georgia toothfish fishery. For details on how to apply please contact the Director of Fisheries by email - dof@gov.gsToothfish Licence Application Round[...]
Robert ‘Bob’ Burton - Commemoration and Celebration
March 15th, 2022Commemoration and celebration of the life and achievements of Robert ‘Bob’ Burton (1941-2022) will be held at the British Antarctic Survey, Cambridge, at 1130-1500 on Saturday 9 April 2022. Restrictions in force mean that only a limited number of people can be accommodated in person at the venue.Robert ‘Bob’ Burton - Commemoration and Celebration[...]
Public Consultation On A Proposed New Entry Control Ordinance
March 14th, 2022The Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands is seeking your views on the proposed new Entry Control Ordinance. This Ordinance will replace the current Immigration legislation to put in place modern legislation to control the entry of persons in the South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands.Public Consultation On A Proposed New Entry Control Ordinance[...]