#03 2026
Athi Mfikii; Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, SAEON Elwandle Node, Gqeberha
Brishan Kalyan; PhD Candidate, SAEON Elwandle Node and Department of Atmospheric and Oceanographic Sciences, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha
Tommy Bornman; SAEON Elwandle Node and Shallow Marine and Coastal Research Infrastructure Manager, Gqeberha
Scientists from the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) recently participated in the international Climate of the Holocene Recorded in the Inner Shelf Mud-belt (CHARM) expedition onboard the French research vessel (R/V) Marion Dufresne between 4 May and 13 June 2026. The six-week voyage brought together more than 80 scientists and technical specialists from over 20 institutions across more than 10 countries.
The main purpose of the research voyage was to investigate the climatic and environmental history of southern Africa’s two most significant continental shelf systems, i.e., Mozambique channel on the Indian Ocean and west coast of South Africa on the southeast Atlantic Ocean. These continental shelf systems are influenced by the region’s largest riverine inputs: the Zambezi River, the largest river discharging into the Indian Ocean, and the Orange River, the largest river draining into the southeast Atlantic Ocean. These rivers play a critical role in delivering sediments and organic matter to the continental shelf, providing a unique opportunity to reconstruct climate variability over the Holocene period.
Research Vessel (R/V) Marion Dufresne at the Port of Maputo, Mozambique.
Group photo showing scientific and technical participants of CHARM 2. (Photo credit: Winny)
Photo showing SAEON participants infront of the R/V Marion Dufresne at the Port of Maputo, Mozambique. (Left to right: Dr Athi Mfikili, Prof Tommy Bornman and Brishan Kalyan)
South African participants in the CHARM voyage expedition. From left to right: Prof Tommy Bornman, Dr. Athi Mfikili, Prof Eugene Bergh (North-West University), Brishan Kalyan and Bradley (North-West University MSc student).
The primary goal of the CHARM expedition was to recover and analyse sedimentary records that preserve evidence of past climate and environmental change. To achieve this, an extensive sampling programme was undertaken across 49 sites, including the collection of short and long sediment cores, water-column samples, and biological specimens including modern and ancient microfossils such as diatoms and foraminifera. These activities were complemented by bathymetric and seismic surveys designed to improve understanding of continental shelf processes and sediment distribution.
The samples and datasets collected during the expedition will contribute to research aimed at reconstructing Holocene climate variability, investigating ocean circulation patterns, quantifying continental shelf carbon storage, and developing high-resolution palaeoenvironmental records for southern Africa.
Multi instrument sampling deployment onboard R/V Marion Dufresne. A) multicore deployment for interface sediment cores, B) Tommy Bornman preparing rope for the microplastic bucket water sampling, C) CTD and D) Calypso deployment for long sediment cores.
Short sediment core are retrieved from multicore sampling instrument on the deck
Although the expedition included participants from around the world, only five scientists represented South Africa, with three of these researchers coming from SAEON. These included Prof Tommy Bornman, Dr Athi Mfikili and Brishan Kalyan. Tommy only joined the first leg of the expedition (CHARM 1) whereas Athi and Brishan participated for the entire expedition. Despite small representation, the participation in CHARM enabled SAEON researchers to contribute directly to the collection of high-quality scientific datasets while gaining valuable experience in shipboard operations, marine sampling techniques, and multidisciplinary research approaches. The expedition also provided opportunities to engage with leading international scientists and strengthen collaborative networks that will support future research initiatives.
One of the defining features of the CHARM expedition was its multidisciplinary nature. Researchers from fields including marine geology, sedimentology, micropalaeontology, physical oceanography, marine ecology, geochemistry, molecular ecology, environmental DNA (eDNA), and biogeochemistry worked together throughout the voyage. Beyond the scientific programme, CHARM placed a strong emphasis on science communication and public engagement. The expedition included an educational initiative connecting researchers with primary schools in Mozambique and France, allowing learners to engage directly with scientists and gain insight into marine research and climate science (some information from the Culture Biome team). In addition, the expedition formed part of a French radio programme documenting the scientific research and international collaboration taking place on board, helping to communicate the importance of marine science to a broader public audience (radio interview).
Regular scientific presentations and discussions facilitated knowledge exchange and encouraged collaboration among participants. The voyage also fostered closer engagement between SAEON and researchers from North-West University, creating opportunities for future collaborative projects, student training initiatives, and joint scientific publications.
Beyond data collection, the expedition served as an important platform for scientific capacity development. Researchers participated in a range of sampling activities, including multicore and long-core deployments, CTD water-column sampling, microplastic collection, and sediment processing. Working within multidisciplinary teams of this research voyage allowed us to develop specialised technical skills while contributing to large-scale international research efforts. Participation in the research voyage strengthened SAEON’s involvement in the internationally coordinated marine research which directly supports the organization’s strategic objectives of advancing ocean observation, environmental research, and scientific capacity development in South Africa.
Brishan Kalyan collecting water samples from the CTD niskin bottles for filtration. (Photo credit: Tommy Bornman)
Short core sediment slicing. From left to right Fatima Zohra Bouhdayad (Early-career researcher at the University of Cologne), Athi Mfikili and Brishan Kalyan. (Photo credit: Tommy Bornman)
A photo showing short sediment cores sectioning by multicore team
The scientific value of the CHARM expedition will extend well beyond the voyage itself. The collected samples and datasets are expected to support a range of future research activities, including:
These research outputs will contribute to peer-reviewed publications, postgraduate student projects, conference presentations, and a deeper understanding of the marine systems that influence southern Africa’s climate and environment.
SAEON’s Elwandle Coastal Node is gratefully acknowledged for supporting participation in the expedition. Additional thanks are extended to Chief Scientist Prof. Meryem Mojtahid, and all members of the CHARM scientific team and crew members of the R/V Marion Dufresne for making this collaborative international research effort possible.
