On 10 May, under stormy skies and at the southernmost golf course in Africa, Marine Dynamics marked its 25th anniversary in style. Guests braved the first winter gale to join us at Gansbaai Golf Course for a celebration overflowing with pride, gratitude—and, truly, “a sea of emotion.”
From 25 years of boat-based whale watching to 20 years of diving with and protecting sharks, and from the founding of the Great White House and the Dyer Island Conservation Trust to the creation of the African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary, every milestone represents our unwavering commitment to protecting South Africa’s unique marine heritage.
Christine Wessels, PR and Personal Assistant to the CEO of Marine Dynamics and Founder of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, served as master of ceremonies. She opened the morning by thanking every partner, scientist, guest, and government representative who has shaped Marine Dynamics’ journey. “This celebration is as much yours as it is ours,” she reminded the audience, before introducing Alderman James Vos of Cape Town’s Economic Growth Committee. Alderman Vos’s keynote underscored the vital link between the Western Cape’s economic success and marine tourism.
Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth for the City of Cape Town.
Wilfred’s Story: From One Boat to Eight
Next, our founder Wilfred Chivell took the stage via a moving video. He recounted how, after losing everything in the late-’90s financial crisis, he borrowed vehicles and scraped together funds to launch boat-based whale watching. Today, Marine Dynamics employs 130 people and sails a fleet of eight vessels. His heartfelt thanks to everyone who believed in him left not a dry eye in the crowd.
Wilfred Chivell with his personal assistant and MC of the event, Christine Wessels.
Conservation Milestones & Fearless Advocacy
Christine then highlighted Wilfred’s pivotal fight against a proposed nuclear power station at Bantamsklip in 2010—where his “Save Bantamsklip” campaign helped protect irreplaceable marine life. “A powerful example of how science—and fearless advocacy—can safeguard our heritage,” she said, introducing the marketing team whose purposeful campaigns amplify that message worldwide.
Marketing with Purpose
Executive Marketing Manager Zile de Kock and Marketing Manager Cari Roets shared insights into their award-winning international campaigns. Their work, Christine explained, doesn’t simply sell tours; it connects people with conservation, inspires responsible travel, and ensures every visitor makes a real impact.
The Marine Dynamics Family!
Culinary & Cultural Interludes
Susan Visagie (CFO and owner of the Great White House Restaurant) treated us to time-lapse footage of Susy the Whale—the skeleton of an adult Southern Right Whale now suspended in the restaurant’s ceiling. She spoke of Wilfred’s seemingly impossible dreams and how, after 25 years by his side, she’s learned that with hard work, any dream can come true. Susan then introduced Chef Chris Pead, whose foraging-inspired menu exemplifies the region’s deep culinary roots. A short break followed, accompanied by Renate Riedemann’s evocative violin, perfectly capturing the natural beauty of Gansbaai.
Susan Visagie, CFO of Marine Dynamics, Owner of the Great Whitehouse Restaurant, and Wilfred’s life partner.
Science in Action: Spotlight on DICT Alumni
After the break, Christine celebrated six Dyer Island Conservation Trust alumni whose doctoral research continues to shape marine science. “Through the Dyer Island Conservation Trust and Marine Dynamics, our teams have contributed to over 30 scientific papers on marine megafauna and the tourism industry—helping to shape policy both locally and globally. Today, we honour six DICT alumni whose doctoral work drives marine science forward,” she said.
- Dr Alison Towner
From guiding shark-cage boats at Marine Dynamics to earning her PhD at Rhodes University, Alison now leads shark biology research—unravelling great white shark behaviour, documenting orca-shark interactions, and sharing her findings on Shark Week and in major documentaries. - Dr Oliver Jewell
After completing his MSc on white shark foraging with DICT, Oliver pursued a PhD in Conservation Ecology at the University of Western Australia. His work tracking shark migrations informs the design of effective marine protected areas. - Dr Michelle Wcisel
Michelle began her career as a predator–prey ecologist at DICT before earning her PhD on climate-change impacts. Now a Communications Specialist in Applied Ecology at North Carolina State University, she translates complex marine and climate research into compelling outreach. - Dr Ralph Watson
Ralph’s scientific journey launched at Marine Dynamics and DICT. His PhD on South Africa’s lesser-known catsharks laid the groundwork for new insights into benthic shark ecology. As a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Cape Town, he continues to deepen our understanding of these elusive species. - Dr Toby Rogers
Joining DICT as a student in 2012, Toby’s doctoral work on Bronze Whaler shark movement—and his leadership in internship and community outreach programmes—ensures the next generation of marine scientists is well equipped for the challenges ahead. - Dr Petra Neveceralova
Originally from the Czech Republic, Petra fulfilled a childhood dream at DICT by pursuing a PhD on southern right whales. Her innovative, non-invasive genetic sampling techniques now inform conservation strategies for this iconic species.
Each of these scientists honed their expertise here and now carries our legacy of science-based conservation into the future, turning data into action to protect our oceans for generations to come.
Helen Turnbull, Specialist Advisor and Development Support at the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, spoke passionately about the Trust’s education and community development initiatives, highlighting how targeted programmes are inspiring the next generation of marine stewards. Sandiselwe Mabeni, Head of Education at DICT, followed with moving examples of school outreach and hands-on workshops that are bringing seabird conservation alive for local children.
Globally renowned shark photographer and expert, Chris Fallows—long-time colleague and friend of Wilfred Chivell—delivered a powerful presentation reminding us why apex predators deserve both our awe and our protection.
A Decade of the African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary
As the celebration shifted to honour the Sanctuary’s 10th anniversary, Christine thanked Former Minister of Tourism Derek Hanekom, who attended Saturday’s event, and who visited Gansbaai a decade ago to cut the ribbon on what would become a lifeline for injured, orphaned, and oiled seabirds. Today, the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary admits well over two hundred penguins each year.
Senior Bird Ranger Lwando Baleni shared what life on Dyer Island truly entails. He spends three weeks at a time in the field—patrolling breeding sites at dawn, checking nest boxes, weighing chicks, and noting any signs of disease or malnutrition. When parent birds are unable to feed their moulting chicks, he embarks on carefully timed boat trips to collect orphans, ensuring each journey is as stress-free as possible. Back at the Sanctuary, Lwando records over a thousand bird-handling events each year and submits critical data to CapeNature and our academic partners. Even on his days off, he trains local school groups in seabird identification and rescue techniques, empowering the community to become active stewards of these endangered species.
Celebrating the Next Generation
Another wave of emotion washed over the audience when Wilfred’s son, Dickie Chivell, took the stage to share his fondest memories of growing up in the seas off Gansbaai. As a renowned conservationist and Shark Week personality, Dickie spoke candidly about the lessons he learned from his father—both on the boat and in life. Applauding his dad for the contribution he has made in safeguarding our oceans and their inhabitants.
Dickie Chivell
Following him, Sanchia Chivell—Wilfred’s daughter—shared her own cherished recollections of time at sea and on land. With gratitude and warmth, she thanked her father for his unwavering dedication to marine conservation and for every lesson he has taught her. Their tributes underscored the profound legacy Wilfred continues to build—not just through Marine Dynamics and the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, but within his own family as well.
Sanchia Chivell
Closing Tribute & a Vision for Tomorrow
In her closing remarks, Christine reflected on the “ecosystem of change” that Wilfred and CFO Susan Visagie have built—a business that’s a force for good, a conservation trust, and a sanctuary all rolled into one. She thanked every team member, scientist, supplier, and supporter, then invited Wilfred and Susan back on stage to receive a photograph and flowers.
As the crowd dispersed, one thing was clear: while we toasted 25 years, this was only the beginning. With every boat trip, every research paper, and every rescued penguin, Marine Dynamics and the Dyer Island Conservation Trust are charting a course toward even greater impact in the decades to come.
Watch this space: the full event video—complete with all speeches, interviews, and moving tributes—will be shared soon. You won’t want to miss a single moment of this sea of emotion!
