A Journey to One of the Remotest Islands
On Thursday, January 30th, the Conservation Department, Marine Protection Zone Officer, and local community members set off on an exciting trip to Gough Island, part of the Tristan da Cunha Group. This amazing journey, funded by the Atlantic Guardians Project, was a rare chance to visit this World Heritage Site and one of the most untouched places on Earth. It also provided some Tristanians an opportunity to visit the island for the first time.
After a full day of sailing from Tristan, Gough Island appeared in front of us as a misty peak rising from the sea. It was a breath taking sight, reinforcing just how remote and special this place is.
A Beautiful and Wild Place
When we arrived we were greeted by a bright green and mountainous landscape. Seabirds were calling all around and seals were playing in the water or resting on the beaches.
Thanks to the conservation team’s expertise, we successfully landed at The Glen. This beach hosted the first scientific survey in 1955/56, led by a team from the United Kingdom and supported by Tristanians. South African meteorologist also joined the expedition and established the first meteorological station on the island. The Glen is well-sheltered from Gough’s infamous rough waters, making the stony beach one of the best places to land and launch a boat from. However, the real challenge was navigating anywhere else on the island due to the steep, densely vegetated terrain. As soon as we stepped onto the island, we saw an amazing sight—a King Penguin! For many of us, it was the first time seeing such a large and impressive penguin up close. It was truly unforgettable.
Exploring Gough Island’s History
After landing, we hiked to the old station, the first research base ever built on the island in 1955. Along the way, we saw seals lounging in the sun, penguins making loud calls, and seabirds flying high above. As we walked up to the main penguin rookery, we looked up towards Hag’s Tooth, a striking landmark named for its distinctive shape. The peacefulness of the island made us feel deeply connected to nature.
Conservation and Scientific Research
As part of the expedition, the conservation team successfully deployed pelagic cameras to monitor marine life in Gough’s pristine waters. This research is vital for understanding and protecting the unique species that inhabit Tristan’s Marine Protection Zone (MPZ). The pelagic camera deployment scheme is funded by Blue Abacas and the UK Government’s Blue Belt Programme, further highlighting the collaborative efforts to preserve this natural treasure.
Bad Weather Changes Our Plans
Sadly, the weather wasn’t favourable enough for us to land at the main base where the current weather station is now situated. The base is also home to an overwintering team of ten who are fortunate enough to spend a year on the island. Instead, we returned North to Nightingale Island, where we were lucky to see thousands of Great Shearwaters sitting on the water and flying in an incredible display.
We continued on to Tristan da Cunha, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences we had had on this trip and the importance of protecting these special places.
Protecting Gough Island for the Future
This trip truly showed how beautiful and important Gough Island is. Thanks to the support of the Atlantic Guardians Project and the hard work of partner organisations, these ‘Mountains in the Sea’ and the array of wildlife they are home to will continue to be protected for future generations.
Posted in: Outreach, Tristan News
From Tristan to Gough: Come on a Voyage to This Hidden Gem in the South Atlantic
Posted in: Outreach, Tristan News