Marion Part 1

Marion Island: stranded approximately halfway between South Africa and Antarctica, and one of two Prince Edward Islands in the southern Indian Ocean. With a mean annual temperature of 4 degrees and constant strong winds, these islands are inhospitable and only a few are adapted to survive here. Groups of dedicated scientists from the University of Pretoria brave the stormy seas aboard The SA Aghulhas ll to reach these isolated volcanic protrusions of rock. Once there, it will be their home for 13 months. Their mission: The Marion Island Marine Mammal Programme - the longest running marine mammal research initiative in the world - which studies (amongst others) the 2 seal species found on the island, as well as the groups of majestic Killer whales that hunt in these frigid waters. The data collected here is invaluable not only to the marine researchers, but the changes occurring here in this isolated part of the ocean acts as a global early warning system for the climate change that we can no longer ignore. Although these tiny dots on the map seem worlds away from civilization, there is a raw beauty here that is found no-where else on earth. Join us for a breath-taking look at the wonders of this forgotten world.

Видео Marion Part 1 канала 5050 Community