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 [...]
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 [...]
The Ambitious Mission of the Mouse-Free Marion Project Our recent Marine Evening welcomed guest speaker, Dr Anton Wolfaardt, Project Manager of the Mouse-Free Marion Project, who presented a powerful vision for Marion Island—a South African sub-Antarctic treasure—united by a common goal: to restore its ecosystem by eradicating invasive house mice. This ambitious conservation initiative aims to address the devastating impact of [...]
On Thursday 10 October 2024, the Marine Dynamics team received a report of a stranded dolphin at the Walker Bay Nature Reserve, just before the iconic Klipgat Caves. The team, consisting of biologists and guides, Amy Webber, Sandra Hörbst, Sonja Fleck and Marine Dynamics Academy scientific intern Erika, drove to the site before descending to the beach where the dolphin could [...]
Through the Dyer Island Conservation Trust and Marine Dynamics Academy, baited remote underwater videos, otherwise known as BRUVs are deployed within the wider Dyer Island ecosystem on board research vessel, Lwazi. The deployment rigs consist of a metal structure, on which bait canisters are attached. These bait canisters are made utilising PVC pipe, with drilled holes allowing the scent of the [...]
On Friday 13th of September, a Shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) was retrieved by the Dyer Island Conservation Trust and Marine Dynamics Academy team from Die Dam. Local residents alerted the team of the stranding the evening of 12 September, where the Mako could be seen in good condition. Operations manager, Hennie Otto, marine biologist, Amy Webber and Marine Dynamics Academy [...]
In celebration of International Coastal Clean-up Day, a project of Ocean Conservancy, the team at Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT), in partnership with Marine Dynamics Shark & Whale Tours, Marine Dynamics Academy, African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary, and a host of other dedicated organisations and volunteers, came together to make a tangible difference to our coastal environment at Danger Point. #Seathechange [...]
At the Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT), our mission is to protect and preserve the remarkable marine environment of Gansbaai, South Africa. Founded in 2006 by Marine Dynamics CEO Wilfred Chivell, the Trust is dedicated to ensuring the long-term future of the species and habitats within the Great Dyer Island area. The Importance of Declaring the Great Dyer Island Area an [...]
Have you ever stopped to marvel at the speed of light? For our March Marine Evening, Guest Speaker, Kos Coronaios, an esteemed amateur astronomer, Founder of the Southern Cape Astronomy Club and member of the Astronomical Society of Southern Africa (ASSA), the audience was taken on an enlightening journey through the wonders of light and its remarkable properties. Coronaios, drawing on [...]
We arrived at our destination, Potberg, which is part of the Greater De Hoop Nature Reserve Complex in the Overberg region. The camp far exceeded the kids' expectations, looking truly amazing. We were warmly greeted by the friendly staff of CapeNature. The Dyer Island Conservation Trust has long been involved with local school groups. In 2016, the Dyer Island Conservation Trust [...]
