Blog

Understanding Whale Protection Regulations and UAV Impact on Marine Mammals

The National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) has clear regulations to protect marine species, particularly whales. According to the Threatened or Protected Marine Species (TOPS) regulations, all vessels (motorised or unmotorised) as well as drones, microlights, helicopters, and airplanes must maintain a minimum distance of 300 meters from the animal. This restriction applies both at sea and in the air, ensuring [...]

Social Workers for Sharks!

The month of March has been internationally declared a time to celebrate the vital work that social workers do every day, throughout the year. Social Workers having fun! On Friday, 28 March 2025, the Marine Dynamics team welcomed Minister Jaco Londt and the Western Cape Government Department of Social Development to the Great White House restaurant, giving them an [...]

Eagle Ray Dissection – March 2025

On Tuesday 4 March, the Dyer Island Conservation Trust and Marine Dynamics team were alerted of a stranded eagle ray, Myliobatis aquila, at Franksraal beach. Upon arrival, marine guides Sandra Hörbst, Susy Alexandersen and skipper Hennie Odendaal identified an additional ray stranding of the same species. One individual appeared to be a recent stranding whilst the second was slightly degraded hinting [...]

Birkenhead Commemoration: Honouring a Legacy of Bravery 26 February 2025

The HMS Birkenhead is known worldwide for the bravery of the men who, under the captain’s command, stood back with the motto "women and children first." Also referred to as HM Troopship Birkenhead or Steam Frigate Birkenhead, she was one of the first iron-hulled ships built for the Royal Navy. Initially designed as a steam frigate, she was later converted into [...]

The African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary: Ten Years On – From Fledgling to Fully Feathered

    The African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary (APSS) opened its doors in February 2015, a vision that took flight from the pages of Wilfred Chivell’s little black notebook. As the founder of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, he dreamt of a facility that could rehabilitate endangered seabirds. What began as a drawing of single container with a porta pool grew [...]

February 26th, 2025|Uncategorized|

KruShan Foundation: A Lifeline for African Penguins and Seabirds in Gansbaai

The KruShan Foundation, led by Kruger and Shannon du Plessis, has been a crucial partner for the Dyer Island Conservation Trust and its African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary, in the fight to save the critically endangered African Penguin and support marine conservation efforts in the Overstrand region. From funding a Seabird Ranger on Dyer Island to supporting medical care at the [...]

Black Marlin Dissection – January 2025

An early morning departure from Kleinbaai Harbour on 20 January, with the initial goal of deploying underwater video systems, took a turn as news arrived that a large, deceased fish was found floating in Jouberstdam, brought to our attention by fisherman Johan Stoop. The team on board research vessel Lwazi, consisting of skippers Hennie Odendaal and Dickie Chivell, marine biologist Amy [...]

January 30th, 2025|Uncategorized|

To Infinity and Beyond: Birds, the Big Blue, and a Rockhopper’s Journey

On Wednesday, December 4th, the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, powered by Marine Dynamics, undertook an extraordinary six-hour, 180-kilometer expedition to release a Rockhopper penguin back into the Agulhas Current. Earlier this year, the penguin had stranded on our shores, underweight and bearing a few wounds. It was admitted to the African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary (APSS) for treatment, rest, and recovery. [...]

Saying Goodbye to the Legendary Dr. Leonard J.V. Compagno

On Sunday, November 17, 2024, Wilfred Chivell, CEO of Marine Dynamics and Founder of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, gathered close friends, colleagues, and family to honor Dr. Leonard Joseph Victor Compagno (1943–2024), a true pioneer in the field of shark, ray, and ghost shark research. Wilfred expressed that he felt deeply honored to know that Dr. Len’s final resting place [...]

Overstrand Learners showcase creativity during Marine Month.

The Dyer Island Conservation Trust Marine Month competition has become an eagerly anticipated event for Overstrand schoolchildren aged 7 to 14. They enter not only for a chance to win a Marine Dynamics Marine Safari but also to let their creativity shine, inspired by the beauty of our oceans! This was the 8th year the schools competition took place, raising awareness [...]