Saving Marion Island's Seabirds: The MFM Project

An eradication operation is not simply conducted without extensive preparation, and we are currently progressing with the most time-consuming stage of eradication: the preparatory and planning phase. We have learnt valuable lessons from the hundreds of operations that have preceded ours. However, it remains beneficial to continue to share ideas with other similar projects and other experts in the field of island eradications. To this end, several members of the MFM Project team headed to New Zealand in February to attend the Island Invasives 2026 “Charting the Future” conference in Auckland. The conference was a valuable opportunity to engage with island eradication experts from around the world and learn lessons from other eradication operations, both completed and planned.

Fieldwork on Marion Island continues in 2026, supported by the appointment of two new Field Assistants. Santjie du Toit and Lola Singo have joined the MFM Team as overwintering Field Assistants and will spend the next year on Marion Island. Lola and Santjie will relieve Vonica Perold and Roelf Daling (M82), who have spent the last 12 months on the island. The relief voyage provides the opportunity to resupply the research base and train incoming Field Assistants.

The MFM Project team has continued to make significant progress across multiple fronts this year, with notable fundraising successes. In February, we received the highly encouraging news that the project has secured a transformational pledge of US$10 million from a Swiss-based international foundation. This commitment represents the largest contribution received to date and marks a major milestone in the journey towards restoring Marion Island to its former ecological condition. With this pledge, the MFM Project has now secured approximately 60% of its overall funding target.

This incredible news followed a generous ZAR 1 million donation from the Lewis Foundation. The foundation was amongst the project’s earliest supporters, and it is fantastic to have their ongoing support as we move closer to our goal. Public support is critical to our project’s success, and we remain incredibly grateful for the continued support we have received from South African bird clubs and the wider public.

This year is critical for the MFM Project as we progress preparations for the 2027 aerial baiting trial on Marion Island, while progressing our fundraising efforts to secure the remaining funds needed to conduct the eradication operation. The aerial baiting trial builds on the smaller-scale field trial completed in 2025 and will contribute towards the final eradication design.

While we continue to advance project planning and fundraising, our central goal remains firmly in focus: a resilient mouse-free Marion Island. We look forward to sharing further progress throughout the year. With your support, we can help secure a profound and lasting global conservation legacy. By safeguarding iconic seabirds, restoring a rare wilderness, and demonstrating the power of national and international commitment and collaboration, the MFM Project has the potential to deliver enduring ecological renewal and inspire hope for generations to come.

Read the full newsletter attached.

• MouseFreeMarionProjectQuarterlyNewsletter_Issue17April2026.pdf (PDF)