MIMMP student Sean Evans, also a member of the M76 team (2019-2020), was recently given the opportunity to visit his MSc co-supervisor Dr Marcel du Plessis at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden.

MIMMP MSc student Sean Evans (left) and Co-supervisor dr. Marcel du Plessis (right) enjoying a South African braai in a frozen Swedish park. Photo Credit: Sean Evans. — MIMMP MSc student *Sean Evans (left) and Co-supervisor dr. Marcel* du Plessis (right) enjoying a South African braai in a frozen Swedish park. Photo Credit: Sean Evans.

Sean’s MSc research focuses on the influence of upper ocean structure and variability on Sub-Antarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus tropicalis) diving behaviour and what seal-borne loggers can tell us about the submesoscale ocean landscape around Marion Island. During his three-week visit, Sean gained valuable input to his research by working with Dr. Marcel du Plessis in-person and presenting his work to some of the world’s leading researchers in the field of upper ocean dynamics from the University of Gothenburg.

Data loggers were deployed on Arctocephalus tropicalis seals at Marion Island from 2009-2015 to obtain dive profiles and physical ocean properties (e.g. temperature). Seals tended to forage directly to the west and east of Marion Island within the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, thereby allowing a case study of ocean dynamics within this region. A major aim of this research is to use the seals as ocean samplers in order to access the topographic influence of Marion Island on downstream submesoscale variability and vertical stratification. These upper ocean dynamics drive air-sea fluxes of carbon and heat, and understanding these processes is therefore critical for climate modelling and climate change predictions.

Well done to Sean on this incredible opportunity for showcasing the MIMMP’s research on the international stage… and having some fun along the way!