(No DOI)
Raw SDS data from the Marion Island Relief Voyage on SA Agulhas II Voyage 011, April 2014

This is Scientific Data System (SDS) data from the Marion Island Relief Voyage on SA Agulhas II Voyage 011, 14 April to 14 May 2014. The 2014 Marion Relief Voyage on board South Africa’s polar research and supply vessel MV SA Agulhas II, offered another opportunity to conduct multi-disciplinary ship-based oceanographic research focusing on links and interactions between air and sea, ocean physics, chemistry, biogeochemistry and biology. The overall aim was to continue contributing to the establishment of an oceanographic observation and monitoring system directed by South African research institutions in support of South Africa’s needs – and where possible, the global requirements of GOOS, SOOS, CCAMLR, ACAP, etc.With the recent declaration in April 2013 of the Prince Edward Islands (PEIs) as South Africa’s first offshore Marine Protected Area (MPA), the outcomes of this cruise will further contribute toward an integrated view and a better understanding of the functioning of the...

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.07532023
Processed underway Thermosalinograph (TSG) observations from the Algoa Voyage 271, March 2021

Here we present the 6-second resolution processed Thermosalinograph (TSG) data collected, between 08 March and 15 March 2021, during Voyage 271 on the RS Algoa. A SeaBird SBE45 TSG is used to opportunistically collect underway near-surface temperature and conductivity measurements during research and monitoring cruises. Water is continuously pumped to the TSG from an intake located in the hull of the vessel, and the observations are continuously interfaced with navigational information. A temperature sensor close to the intake provides temperature measurements of the incoming water (T1). The temperature of the water inside the conductivity cell (T2) is used to accurately compute salinity (S) from the conductivity measurements (C).

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.11882023
Pelagic Fish Biomass Survey on the Africana Voyage 078, November 1989

The Pelagic Fish Biomass Survey was conducted on the Africana Voyage 078 from 7 - 30 November 1989. The objectives of the cruise were to conduct an estimation of the biomass and population structure of anchovy, pilchard and round herring off South Africa by means of echo-integration and midwater trawling; to conduct an estimation of anchovy biomass by means of the egg production method; to describe the distribution and behaviour patterns of commercially harvested epi-pelagic and meso-pelagic fish, and the influence of oceanographic variables on these; to collect biological data on reproduction, condition and diet of pelagic fish species; to conduct an examination of the distribution, abundance and production of zooplankton in relation to the environment and to pelagic fish distribution, condition, diet and spawning activity; and lastly to conduct a profiling of currents by means of the Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP).

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.11852023
South West African Pilchard and Anchovy Biomass Survey on the Africana Voyage 074, June 1989

The South West African Pilchard and Anchovy Biomass Survey was conducted on the Africana Voyage 074 from 22 June - 4 July 1989. The objectives of the survey were to undertake an acoustic / trawling survey of the pilchard stock off SWA and arrive at a stock estimate; to survey the horse-mackerel and anchovy stocks off South West Africa (SWA) and obtain stock estimates if possible and to collect the environmental information on the habitat of the above species primarily by means of Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) and U³ dips in the upper 200m.

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.10602023
Processed underway Thermosalinograph (TSG) observations from the South Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation Basin-wide Array (SAMBA) Monitoring Line cruise on the Algoa Voyage 291, March 2023

Here we present the 6-second resolution processed Thermosalinograph (TSG) data collected between 01 March and 09 March 2023 during the South Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation Basin-wide Array (SAMBA) Monitoring Line cruise on the RS Algoa Voyage 291. A SeaBird SBE45 TSG is used to opportunistically collect underway near-surface temperature and conductivity measurements during research and monitoring cruises. Water is continuously pumped to the TSG from an intake located in the hull of the vessel, and the observations are continuously interfaced with navigational information. A temperature sensor close to the intake provides temperature measurements of the incoming water (T1). The temperature of the water inside the conductivity cell (T2) is used to accurately compute salinity (S) from the conductivity measurements (C). The cruise operated from Slangkop, off Cape Town, westwards to 15° E, in the South Atlantic Ocean along the SAMBA transect. The objectives of the cruise...

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.11842023
Anchovy Recruitment Survey on the Africana Voyage 073, June 1989

The Anchovy Recruitment Survey was conducted on the Africana Voyage 073 from 8 - 22 June 1989. The survey objectives were to assess anchovy recruitment strength in South African waters in order to recommend a final quota for the 1989 RSA anchovy fishing season; to collect data for the determination of the target strength of anchovy and other pelagic and mesopelagic species; to collect data on shoaling behaviour of pelagic fish, specifically anchovy, pilchard and red-eye; to investigate relationships between the distribution of pelagic fish, zooplankton and water temperature; to determine standing stocks of phytoplankton and zooplankton in different regions and to estimate copepod secondary production in these regions through egg-production and moulting rate experiments.

(No DOI)
Raw SDS data from the Integrated Ecosystem Programme cruise: Southern Benguela (IEP:SB) on the Algoa Voyage 232, November 2016

This is raw Scientific Data System (SDS) data from the Integrated Ecosystem Programme (IEP) cruise: Southern Benguela on the Algoa V232, 15 - 26 November, 2016. The Integrated Ecosystem Programme is a multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional platform to undertake relevant science in the Southern Benguela; also functioning as a platform for collaboration and learning. All projects aim to develop an ecosystem indicator that can be used to effectively monitor and understand the Southern Benguela i.e physical, chemical, planktonic, microbial, seabird and benthic ecosystem indicators, used for ecosystem-based management.

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.11722023
Processed CTD discrete observations from the Physical-Chemical Oceanography Cruise on the Africana Voyage 077, September 1989

Here we present processed Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) discrete data from the upcast collected between 11 September and 22 September 1989 during Voyage 077 on the FRS Africana, in the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME) region on the west coast of Southern Africa. Neil Brown MK3 and MK4 CTD instruments were used to measure pressure, temperature and conductivity through the water column during research and monitoring cruises between 1983 and 2000. There were several objectives for the Physical-Chemical Oceanography Cruise, covering Physical Environment (PE), Sedimentation and Nutrient cycling (SN), Chemical Environment (CE), Shoal Ecology (SE), Plankton studies (P) and testing of the new AIDA acoustic system with possible estimates of biomass in specific places such as in the baroclinic jets. The objectives included identifying and documenting near-surface and mid-water baroclinic jets west of Cape Columbine and Cape Town using acoustic doppler profiling and...

(No DOI)
Raw Conductivity Temperature Depth (CTD) data from the African Coelecanth Ecology Programme (ACEP) Cruise on the Algoa Voyage 130, July 2004

This is raw Conductivity, Temperature, Depth (CTD) data from the African Coelecanth Ecology Programme (ACEP) Cruise on the Algoa Voyage 130, July 2004. The area covered includes the Western Indian Ocean; South African East Coast; Delago Bight - Mozambique; Tanzanian Coast; Comoros.

DOI: 10.15493/dea.mims.26052259
South African National Antarctic Expedition (SANAE) on the SA Agulhas II Voyage 014, December 2014

The South African National Antarctic Expedition (SANAE) is an annual cruise undertaken by the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) to change the overwintering teams in Antarctica and to replenish the supplies at the SANAE IV Research base. This voyage was to deliver the SANAE 54 team to the island and return with the SANAE 53 team. The cruise was undertaken between 14 December 2014 and 19 February 2015 with full scientific complement.

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.16052026
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Microplankton image observations for November 2018 on the Integrated Ecosystem Programme: Southern Benguela (IEP:SB)

Microplankton, comprising both phyto- and zooplankton in the 20-200μm size range, are a diverse and ecologically significant group. They form the foundation of the food web, are instrumental in carbon and nutrient cycling, generate at least 50% of global oxygen and facilitate the transfer of energy to higher trophic levels. Although microplankton occur throughout the world's oceans, their diversity and abundance varies spatially and temporally. Due to their high sensitivity and rapid response to changes in the environment, their biomass and diversity are considered Essential Ocean Variables (EOV's) for routine and sustained long term observations to assess global ocean changes. This dataset forms part of the routine monitoring along the west coast of South Africa under the Integrated Ecosystem Programme: Southern Benguela, which occurs biannually in February and August. This resource contains raw image data for November 2018 obtained from water samples processed using a FlowCam VS3...

DOI: 10.15493/dea.mims.26052248
Integrated Ecosystem Programme: Southern Benguela (IEP:SB) on Algoa Voyage 252, August 2018

The Integrated Ecosystem Programme: Southern Benguela (IEP:SB) Cruise was conducted on the Algoa Voyage 252 in August 2018. The Integrated Ecosystem Programme: Southern Benguela is a multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional platform to undertake relevant science in the Southern Benguela; also functioning as a platform for collaboration and learning. All projects aim to develop an ecosystem indicator that can be used to effectively monitor and understand the Southern Benguela i.e physical, chemical, planktonic, microbial, seabird and benthic ecosystem indicators, used for ecosystem-based management.

DOI: 10.15493/dea.mims.01022022
Processed CTD continuous observations from the Africana Voyage 007, March 1983

Neil Brown MK3 and MK4 Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) instruments were used to measure pressure, temperature and conductivity through the water column during research and monitoring cruises between 1983 and 2000. Here we present processed downcast CTD continuous data collected during Voyage 007 on the Africana, in the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME) region on the west coast of South Africa, between 16 March 1983 and 21 March 1983.

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.13382023
Processed underway Thermosalinograph (TSG) observations from the Integrated Ecosystem Programme: Southern Benguela (IEP:SB) on Algoa Voyage 242, August 2017

Here we present the 6-second resolution processed Thermosalinograph (TSG) data collected between 24 August and 30 August 2017 during the Integrated Ecosystem Programme: Southern Benguela (IEP:SB) on the RS Algoa Voyage 242. A SeaBird SBE45 TSG is used to opportunistically collect underway near-surface temperature and conductivity measurements during research and monitoring cruises. Water is continuously pumped to the TSG from an intake located in the hull of the vessel, and the observations are continuously interfaced with navigational information. A temperature sensor close to the intake provides temperature measurements of the incoming water (T1). The temperature of the water inside the conductivity cell (T2) is used to accurately compute salinity (S) from the conductivity measurements (C).

DOI: 10.15493/dea.mims.01022027
Processed CTD continuous observations from the Africana Voyage 009, May 1983

Neil Brown MK3 and MK4 Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) instruments were used to measure pressure, temperature and conductivity through the water column during research and monitoring cruises between 1983 and 2000. Here we present processed downcast CTD continuous data collected during Voyage 009 on the Africana, in the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME) region on the west coast of South Africa, between 5 May 1983 and 29 May 1983.

(No DOI)
Processed SADCP data from the Marion Island Annual Relief Voyage on the SA Agulhas II Voyage 024, April 2017

This is processed Shipboard Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (SADCP) data from the Marion Island Annual Relief Voyage on the MV SA Agulhas II Voyage 024, 06 April to 12 May 2017. The 2017 Marion Relief Voyage offered the fifth opportunity to conduct multi-disciplinary, shipbased marine research focusing on links and interactions between air and sea, ocean physics, chemistry, biogeochemistry and biology, including microbial, planktic and benthic communities on board South Africa’s polar research and supply vessel MV SA Agulhas II en route to, and around, the sub-Antarctic Prince Edward archipelago. The overall aim was to continue contributing to an oceanographic observation and monitoring system directed by South African research institutions in support of South Africa’s needs – and where possible, in support of global requirements of inter alia the Global Oceans Observing System (GOOS), the Southern Ocean Observing System (SOOS), the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic...

(No DOI)
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Processed Conductivity Temperature Depth (CTD) data from the International Indian Ocean Expedition 2 (IIOE2) cruise on SA Agulhas II Voyage 032, June 2018

The International Indian Ocean Expedition 2 (IIOE2) is a collaborative regional cruise to build capacity and strength within Africa. The focus will be on developing students in the region in the areas of physical oceanography, chemistry, biological oceanography, benthic biodiversity, marine top predators and marine plastics. This is processed Conductivity, Temperature, Depth (CTD) data from the IIOE2 cruise on SA Agulhas II Voyage 032, between the 10th June and 13th July 2018. This dataset was processed using older standards which may not align with international best practices and the standards currently adhered to by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). The Department is re-processing and replacing data to ensure everything has the same format and is of the same quality and datasets will be marked as obsoleted once that is done. As such the user assumes the entire risk related to the use of these data in its current state and format. DFFE disclaims...

(No DOI)
Raw SADCP data from the Integrated Ecosystem Programme: Southern Benguela (IEP:SB) on Algoa Voyage 239, May 2017

This is raw Shipboard Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (SADCP) data from the Integrated Ecosystem Programme: Southern Benguela (IEP:SB) onboard the Algoa Voyage 239 (ALG239) from 22 to 29 May 2017. This programme is a multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional platform to undertake relevant science in the Southern Benguela; also functioning as a platform for collaboration and learning. All projects aim to develop an ecosystem indicator that can be used to effectively monitor and understand the Southern Benguela i.e physical, chemical, planktonic, microbial, seabird and benthic ecosystem indicators, used for ecosystem-based management.

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.01312023
Processed near-surface underway temperature and salinity (TSG) observations from the Marion Island Relief Voyage on the SA Agulhas II Voyage 051, March 2022

Here we present the 6-second resolution processed Thermosalinograph (TSG) data collected between 16 April 2022 and 22 May 2022 on the Marion Island Relief Voyage was conducted on the SA Agulhas II Voyage 051. A SeaBird SBE45 Thermosalinograph (TSG) is used to opportunistically collect underway near-surface temperature and conductivity measurements during research and monitoring cruises. Water is continuously pumped to the TSG from an intake located in the hull of the vessel, and the observations are continuously interfaced with navigational information. A temperature sensor close to the intake provides temperature measurements of the incoming water (T1). The temperature of the water inside the conductivity cell (T2) is used to accurately compute salinity (S) from the conductivity measurements (C). The 2022 Marion Relief Voyage 051 offered the 10th opportunity to conduct multi-disciplinary, ship-based oceanographic research on board the SA Agulhas II en route to, from, and around,...

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.01272023
Processed underway Thermosalinograph (TSG) observations from the Integrated Ecosystem Programme: Southern Benguela (IEP:SB) on the Algoa Voyage 283, August 2022

Here we present the 6-second resolution processed Thermosalinograph (TSG) data collected on the Integrated Ecosystem Programme: Southern Benguela (IEP:SB) cruise on the Algoa Voyage 283 between 10 August and 17 August 2022. A SeaBird SBE45 Thermosalinograph (TSG) is used to opportunistically collect underway near-surface temperature and conductivity measurements during research and monitoring cruises. Water is continuously pumped to the TSG from an intake located in the hull of the vessel, and the observations are continuously interfaced with navigational information. A temperature sensor close to the intake provides temperature measurements of the incoming water (T1). The temperature of the water inside the conductivity cell (T2) is used to accurately compute salinity (S) from the conductivity measurements (C). The IEP:SB in 2013 consolidated a long-term, multi-decadal time-series (from 1951 onward) of information for this important region and has continued monitoring in the form...

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.67122022
Processed CTD continuous observations from the West Coast Hake Biomass on the Africana Voyage 046, July 1986

This is processed downcast Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) continuous data from the West Coast Hake Biomass on the Africana Voyage 046. The cruise operated in the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME) region on the west coast of South Africa. The West Coast Hake Biomass was carried out on the Africana Voyage 046 from 1 to 24 July 1986.

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.52122022
Processed CTD discrete observations from the West Coast Hake Biomass on the Africana Voyage 033, July 1985

This is processed Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) discrete data from the West Coast Hake Biomass on the Africana Voyage 033, collected between 1 and 21 July 1985. The cruise operated in the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME) region on the west coast of South Africa. The objectives of this cruise were to survey by means of trawling the abundance of adult and recruiting hake; to investigate the diurnal cycle of hake and other demersal species; to investigate the environment and ecological interrelationships of hake and other demersal species and to carry out acoustic target identification of mesopelagic species with RMT 8 nets.

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.17122022
Processed CTD discrete observations from the West Coast Physical Oceanography cruise on the Africana Voyage 019, May 1984

This is processed Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) discrete data from the West Coast Physical Oceanography cruise on the Africana Voyage 019 collected between 7 and 17 May 1984. The cruise operated in the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME) region on the west coast of South Africa. Africana Cruise 019 lasted from May 7 to May 17th 1984 and undertook several scientific tasks. The first part of the cruise was mostly devoted to bathymetric and geophysical (continuous reflection seismic) surveys in the region of the Cape Canyon of SW Cape. These surveys were the responsibility of personnel from the Marine Geoscience Unit of the University of Cape Town, and were done as part of a collaborative project with officers of the Sea Fisheries Research Institute who have an interest in the physiography of the Canyon and adjacent areas. The project received nominal financial support during 1984 from the SANCOR CSP Marine Sedimentology Programme.

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.21122022
Processed CTD discrete observations from the Plankton Shoal Ecology cruise on the Africana Voyage 020, May 1984

This is processed Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) discrete data from the Plankton Shoal Ecology cruise on the Africana Voyage 020 collected between 21 May and 29 May 1984. The cruise operated in the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME) region on the west coast of South Africa. This Plankton Shoal Ecology cruise is the second of two and comprised an extensive grid (stations E01-E14), an intensive grid (stations SH01-12 to SH05-24) and a 1x1 nautical mile box grid for time series sampling (stations TS01-18 to TS03-18). Sample data was only collected at the SH and TS stations.

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.48122022
Processed CTD discrete observations from the West Coast Hake Biomass on the Africana Voyage 028, January 1985

This is processed Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) discrete data from the West Coast Hake Biomass on the Africana Voyage 028, collected between 7 and 30 January 1985. The cruise operated in the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME) region on the west coast of South Africa. The objectives of this cruise were to survey by means of trawling the abundance of adult and recruiting hake; to investigate the diurnal cycle and the environment of hake and other demersal species; to compare trawling results of R.S. Africana with those of the Chicha Touza, the Spanish trawler used for similar surveys; to carry out acoustic target identification of mesopelagic species using RMT 8 nets and to retrieve two current meter arrays deployed during Voyage 025.

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