Statement From Argos Georgia
The tragic events of Monday the 22nd of July leading to the loss of thirteen of our Officers and Crew have been well documented and communicated by the Falkland Island Government.
Argos Georgia Statement From The Acting Commissioner
The team at GSGSSI are profoundly saddened by the tragic loss of the fishing vessel Argos Georgia, which succumbed to the forces of the South Atlantic Ocean overnight on Monday 22nd July 2024, with the loss of many of those aboard.
Update: Incident involving FV ARGOS GEORGIA
Following an incident yesterday afternoon roughly 200 nautical miles east of Stanley that led to uncontrolled flooding, 27 crew members from the fishing vessel Argos Georgia were forced to abandon ship shortly after 4PM local time and crew members took to life rafts. The BFSAI A-400M ‘Atlas’ was the first asset on scene and was able to track and report the and position of the life rafts. Between the BFSAI ‘Atlas’ and A-330 ‘Voyager’ aircraft, overwatch has been maintained overnight and continues.
GSGSSI Stakeholder Meeting, July 2024.
GSGSSI Stakeholder Meeting, July 2024 July 15, 2024 On the 9th July 2024, GSGSSI welcomed friends and colleagues to the Fitzwilliam College in Cambridge for the annual South Georgia Stakeholder Meeting. Owing to global events, this was the first in-person stakeholder meeting since 2019 and it reinforced just how important it is for us to…
Visitor Related Fee Increases for South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
GSGSSI has published the fees and charges for the 24/25 austral summer season. These will take effect from 1 July 2024.
Darwin Plus Funding Schemes, 2024
The Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) 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 for Local, Main and Strategic proposals, and welcome applications that will contribute to the broader aims of the Government.
Invitation To Submit Proposals To Act As Mint For Commemorative Coins
An invitation from the Commissioner of the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands is to submit proposals to act as the Government’s Mint for the production of commemorative coins. The Commissioner is seeking to appoint a suitably competent and experienced Mint that can provide high quality commemorative coins in accordance with designs and specifications provided by the Government.
HPAI Confirmed In Penguin Populations On South Georgia
HPAI has now been confirmed from 23 sites across South Georgia. Species which have historically tested positive for HPAI H5N1 include: brown skua, kelp gul, wandering albatross, elephant seal and Antarctic fur seal. The most recent results from samples taken in early February have confirmed the presence of the disease in one colony of gentoo penguins and one colony of king penguins on South Georgia.
Plans To Introduce Significant Enhancements To Marine Protection In The Southern Ocean
Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands announces plans to introduce significant enhancements to marine protection in the Southern Ocean. The announcement of an additional 166,000km2 of ‘No Take Zones’, covering an area 8 times the size of Wales, will result in 449,000km2 of highly biodiverse marine habitat being closed to all fishing activity.
Toothfish Fishery Licence Application 2024
GSGSSI are pleased to announce the opening of the licence application round for the 2024 South Georgia toothfish fishery.
Avian Flu Now Detected In Albatrosses On South Georgia
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza has been confirmed in Wadnering Albatross populations on South Georgia.
GSGSSI Welcomes Mairi Macleod As The New Director of Operations.
After a thorough recruitment and selection process, are pleased to announce that Mairi will be joining the GSGSSI team in Stanley in March, following a handover with our departing Director of Operations Steve Winn.
Expressions Of Interest Invited – Specialist HR Services
The GSGSSI is seeking expressions of interest from those able to provide specialist HR services.
Avian Influenza Detected In Mammals In Sub-Antarctica For The First Time
The presence of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) has today (Thursday 11 January) been confirmed for the first time in mammals in sub-Antarctica. The disease was detected in elephant and fur seals on the island of South Georgia by experts from the UK’s world-leading Animal Plant Health Agency (APHA).
Opening of the toothfish licence application round
GSGSSI are pleased to announce the opening of the licence application round for the 2024/25 South Sandwich Islands toothfish fishery (CCAMLR Subarea 48.4).
United Front for UK Overseas Territories in the South Atlantic
In a significant step towards supporting marine conservation efforts in the South Atlantic, the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands is pleased to announce the successful transition of ownership of Pharos Marine Limited (part of the Falklands based Byron group) to Workboat Services Limited, ensuring the continued operational presence of the vessel MV Pharos SG in the South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands Maritime Zone.
SGSGSSI MPA Review – The Next Steps
The SGSSI Marine Protected Area is currently undergoing its second 5-year review. Following on from the highly successful science symposium held in June 2023 and an internal Protected Area Management Evaluation (PAME), GSGSSI will be hosting a review workshop in December.
Enhanced Measures for Terrestrial Protected Area Introduced For South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
Enhanced Measures for Terrestrial Protected Area Introduced For South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands (30th October 2023) Today the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) has introduced a comprehensive Management Plan and new regulations to further protect terrestrial habitats and the remarkable animals and plants found there. In 2022, the entire…
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed in brown skua populations on Bird Island, South Georgia
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed in brown skua populations on Bird Island, South Georgia (23rd October 2023) Following reports of several potentially symptomatic birds and unexplained mortality by British Antarctic Survey (BAS) staff, testing at the Animal and Plant Health Agency laboratories in Weybridge has been confirmed the presence of Highly Pathogenic…
Biosecurity Handbook Update Released
The latest version of the Government of South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands Biosecurity Handbook is now available online.
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.
SGSSI Marine Protected Area 5-Year Review Science Symposium
Search Generic filters SGSSI Marine Protected Area 5-Year Review Science Symposium On the 13-14 June 2023, GSGSSI launched the second 5-year review of its Marine Protected Area (MPA) 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.…
Regulated Activity Permits Season Open
Search Generic filters Regulated Activity Permits Season Open June 7, 2023 The 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. If you are planning to come to South Georgia, and your activities involve: collection of samples…
Marine Protected Area 5-Year Review Science Symposium: 13th – 14th June 2023
Search Generic filters Marine Protected Area 5-Year Review Science Symposium: 13th – 14th June 2023 June 1, 2023 We are pleased to announce that we will be holding a 2-day Science Symposium on the 13th and 14th June 2023 as part of the 5-year review of our Marine Protected Area. The symposium will be available…
Historic Former Whaling Building Has Opened For The First Time
Following 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.
Invitation To Tender – Scientific Fisheries Observer Provision
The Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands 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.
Steve Brown Awarded The Polar Medal
His 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.
South Sandwich Islands Stamp Release
Following 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.
GSGSSI Policy Updates
Following 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.
GSGSSI Biosecurity Handbook
Following 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
Following 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.
Government Declares Protected Area Covering South Georgia & The South Sandwich Islands
Today, 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’.
Launch of a new Data Portal to support the South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands Marine Protected Area
A new Data Portal is being launched today by the British Antarctic Survey and the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands, which will help to enhance the management of one of the world’s largest Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
Updated Non-Native Plant Management Strategy Released
The 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, the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) has committed to comprehensive invasive plant management.
South Georgia Museum Stamp Release
This week, the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) was delighted to release a stamp set to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of The South Georgia Museum. The South Georgia Museum at Grytviken is owned by GSGSSI, and operated by the South Georgia Heritage Trust, a charity registered in Scotland. The Museum plays a vital role in safeguarding the cultural and historical heritage of the UK Overseas Territory of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands.
Centenary of The Death of Sir Ernest Shackleton
Today it is 100 years since the death of Sir Ernest Shackleton. To mark this occasion, South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands, the British Antarctic Territory and the Falkland Islands, have joined together to release a series of stamps celebrating his life and achievements.
Amateur Radio Licensing – Update
Following a period of consultation, and subsequent review of responses, the GSGSSI have finalised and approved a policy for issuing Amateur Radio Licences using the Wireless Telegraphy Ordinance Cap 78.
The Blue Belt Programme Stamps Release
Today the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands releases a stamp set to celebrate its involvement in the UK Blue Belt Programme.
Ecosystems In Recovery – Whales
Today the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands are delighted to announce the release of a new stamp set to celebrate the recovering ecosystem of the Territory and in particular whales.
Amateur Radio Licences
The Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands has been working with the Attorney General’s Chambers and the Falkland Islands Communications Regulator to be able to re-issue amateur radio licences for the Territory.
Safeguarding South Georgia’s Blue Belt
Following a horizon scanning exercise which identified marine invasive species as a key threat, the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) is excited to embark on a marine biosecurity project with the South Atlantic Environmental Research Institute (SAERI).
Pathway to Protection for South Georgia & the South Sandwich Island
GSGSSI announces its intention today to designate Terrestrial Protected Areas that will cover the entire landmass of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands. This announcement is an important step to support the aspirational vision of ‘environmental recovery and resilience through world-leading evidence-based sustainable management’ as detailed in Protect Sustain Inspire, the new stewardship framework for the Islands published in January 2021.
Heavy Fuel Oil (Prohibition of Carriage and Use)
In December 2018, following the first 5 year independent review of our Marine Protected Area, a series of enhancements to the MPA were brought into legislation in mid-2019. We additionally committed to prohibiting the use and carriage of heavy fuel oil through our Maritime Zone by 31 December 2020.
RAF A400m Aircraft Conducts Reconnaissance On A68a Iceberg
Rebecca Honeybone accompanied the RAF on this flight as the representative for GSGSSI and was staggered by its beauty and size and that it seemed to appear out of the clouds from nowhere. There will be more information about the iceberg in the coming weeks as the British Antarctic Survey consider the potential impacts on wildlife and the ocean around South Georgia. There will also be the chance to see more of the incredible footage and images gathered during the flight.
South Georgia Congratulates Tristan da Cunha and Celebrates 4 Years of the Blue Belt Programme
GSGSSI would like to congratulate Tristan da Cunha on the establishment of their new Marine Protection Zone. With the establishment of this protected area, Tristan da Cunha joins South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands and other UK Overseas Territories, including Ascension, St Helena, Pitcairn and the British Indian Ocean Territory, in making a lasting commitment to protect the waters surrounding these incredible islands.
Duty And Sacrifice – Shackleton’s Unsung Heroes Stamp Release
Today the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands releases a new stamp set to honour the duty and sacrifice shown by Shackleton’s men during the First World War.
New Definitive Stamp Set Released
Today the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands is delighted to release its latest set of definitive stamps. Each of the stamps in the new definitive represents an iconic image for SGSSI and has a story of restoration and hope:
Amateur Radio Licences
Over the last 4 months the Falkland Islands Communication Regulator has been revalidating Falkland Islands Amateur Radio Licences. The key reason for this was to bring the Amateur Radio Licences into compliance with the Communication Ordinance 2019. However, this has thrown up that South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (and the British Antarctic Territory) is not covered by the provisions of the jurisdiction of the Falkland Island Communications Regulator.
‘From the Air’ Stamps Released
The Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands is delighted to announce the release of a new stamp set which gives a new perspective on the Territory…from the air.