Inspiring Ocean Ambassadors in the Overstrand: 500 Learners Experience Ocean Documentary Thanks to Marine Dynamics and the Dyer Island Conservation Trust.

In an effort to build the next generation of ocean ambassadors, the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, powered by Marine Dynamics Shark and Whale Tours, sponsored 500 learners, students and educators from the Overstrand to watch the acclaimed documentary David Attenborough’s Ocean — in partnership with Road House Cinemas at the Whale Coast Mall.

The idea came directly from Marine Dynamics CEO and Dyer Island Conservation Trust Founder, Wilfred Chivell, whose deep love and respect for the ocean drives his award-winning marine tourism and conservation work.

“Our crew watched Ocean in Cape Town, and I was so moved that when Ryan Waters from Road House Cinemas called, we jumped at the chance,” says Chivell. “You can’t care about something if you don’t know about it — this way we help our coastal communities understand what’s really happening in the ocean, and why they need to be its voice.” Marine Dynamics and the Dyer Island Conservation Trust are grateful to Road House Cinemas for offering the tickets at a reduced rate, helping ensure even more ocean ambassadors could see the film.

The Overstrand’s Mayor, Archie Klaas, generously offered each of the 500 attendees a complimentary drink and snack during the three-day screening. “We want to extend a big thank you to Mayor Klaas for backing this,” Chivell adds. “We look forward to working even closer together as guardians of our oceans.”

The Trust purchased just over 500 tickets to give young people a chance to see the threats facing marine life — from overfishing to pollution — and to inspire hope and action.

Feedback from schools and parents shows just how much this message resonated. “My students had so many feelings when they left — sad because of what is happening in our ocean but inspired to see that we can help change it,” said Sanya van den Heever of Smart Schools Hermanus.

Local parent Lauren Waller added: “The saddest part for my son was seeing the trawlers scraping the ocean floor and the sharks caught on longlines. But he was hopeful about no-take zones and how they help. He wants to watch it again!”

Harriet Saville, Deputy Head of Generation Schools Hermanus, echoed this impact: “Our students found the documentary both eye-opening and deeply moving. It sparked meaningful conversations about ocean conservation and the role we can all play in protecting marine life. We fully support your mission and will continue to share your message with our school community and beyond.”

This ocean awareness initiative is part of Marine Dynamics’ long-standing mission: combining responsible tourism, research and education to protect marine life for future generations.

“We are making waves — but we need our coastal communities to help us make them bigger,” Chivell says. “We can’t protect what we don’t understand. Together, we can ensure our oceans remain vibrant and thriving for years to come.”