Each year, World Ocean Day provides a unique opportunity for a wide variety of diverse organizations, schools, businesses, and communities to honour and celebrate the ocean that connects us all. By uniting together, and with a special emphasis on engaging and connecting youth, we can significantly increase awareness and action, and generate the will needed to create a healthier ocean, stabilize our climate and ensure a better future for all. Whether you live on the coast or far inland, we all need a healthy ocean to survive and thrive.
The Dyer Island Conservation Trust does this 365 days a year, and celebrates each and every milestone we’ve made, in protecting the oceans and those who call the oceans “home”.
Wilfred Chivell Founder of Dyer Island Conservation Trust and Xolani Lawo a Senior Bird Rehabilitator at APSS.
African penguin conservation which includes a nest project providing critical protection during the penguin fledgling stage; and in 2015 we opened a rehabilitation facility, the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary with an effective release rate of 80%. The continued engagement and lobbying with the relevant government departments for the establishment of more Marine Protected Areas and Special no catch areas around penguin colonies to improve habitat conditions.
Penguin nest project
Kira Matiwane releasing penguins.
Because of the research work done and working closely with government, the Trust managed to declare the area between Kleinbaai and Pearly Beach a “NO SHARK CATCH ZONE”. “This is a big win for our sharks” says Wilfred Chivell, the Founder of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust.
Shark research boat Lwazi
Chivell echoes the theme of this year’s World Oceans Day – The tides Are Changing! “More focus is being placed on non-consumptive ways to economically gain from the oceans, whilst also protecting the oceans for generations to come, and that is exactly what Marine Dynamics, and their Dyer Island Conservation Trust is doing. Our aim is to DISCOVER, PROTECT and EDUCATE” says Chivell.
Alison Towner conducting her research on Great White Sharks
Learners enrolled in the Dyer Island Conservation Trust Environmental Education Programme known as DEEP, says that “they pride themselves in being the ocean ambassadors of the future by protecting them from pollution by cutting down on single use plastic items, discarding fishing line correctly, conducting beach clean-ups and raising awareness at their local school and community”.
DEEP Blue Ambassadors doing a beach clean-up.
Why do we need World Oceans Day?
Our ocean needs protection. Our ocean covers 70% of the planet and supports life as we know it.
Every second breath we take comes from the ocean. Our ocean feeds billions of people. Our ocean hosts 80% of the world’s biodiversity. However, our oceans are in crisis. They are being threatened by pollution such as abandoned fishing nets, overfishing. World Oceans Day is a day to take action and raise awareness.
The theme for World Ocean Day is Planet Ocean: Tides are Changing.
World Ocean Day’s goal is to raise awareness of the various ways the oceans sustain us, the various resources we obtain from them, the various challenges that the oceans face, and how NGOs and governments throughout the world can act to conserve the oceans.
“Pinkey Ngewu of Dyer Island Conservation Trust had to say that 60 to 90 per cent of the garbage that goes into the ocean is made of different plastic polymers, recycling and refusing single use plastic items can prevent pollution which is the major cause of ocean destruction. For a better earth and its future, it is important to protect the oceans.
Storm water net tackling litter from entering the ocean.
Calling all ocean enthusiasts and nature lovers! Join us for a special cleanup event to celebrate World Oceans Day. Join our team of dedicated individuals who are committed to protecting our planet’s most valuable resource. By lending a hand, you’ll be contributing to a cleaner, healthier ocean that sustains life and brings joy to all.
Let’s work together to make a positive impact and celebrate the beauty of our incredible oceans. Remember, change starts with you!
EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Saturday, 10 June 2023
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Uilenkraals Lagoon Bridge
RSVP: Facebook Event (https://fb.me/e/3HGj20aXC)
Together, we can turn the tide! See you there!
