3 August 2026 For the past 20 years, since Wilfred Chivell founded the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, invaluable partnerships have been built not only with scientists from around the world, but also with dedicated individuals who play a vital role in protecting our marine wildlife. One such partnership is with Niel- and Pamela Falck, who live in Struisbaai, just over 80 [...]
On Friday, 24 July, a message popped up on our Whale Whisperer whale watching vessel group chat: "Possible diving petrel." The excitement was immediate. For avid birders like Marine Dynamics CEO Wilfred Chivell, marine biologist Sandra Hoerbst, and skippers Hennie Odendal and Hennie Otto, the message sparked instant excitement. The four of them were absolutely elated, immediately making plans to photograph [...]
The Marine Dynamics and Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT) teams were alerted on Wednesday, 1 July, by Jason Stafford of Ivanhoe Sea Safaris, who reported a deceased whale close to Gansbaai Harbour. The whale later washed up at Die Plaat, and our team immediately responded to assess the animal and begin documenting the stranding. Upon arrival, the team confirmed that the [...]
"What do we do with all the old penguin homes?" It sounds like a simple question, but finding the answer led to a wonderful community initiative. For almost 20 years, the Dyer Island Conservation Trust has been building artificial nests for the Critically Endangered African Penguin, not only for the colony that the Trust works with on Dyer Island, alongside conservation [...]
Last night at around 18:00, Xolani Lawu, Senior Bird Rehabilitator at the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS), received a call from concerned Sandbaai resident and retired CapeNature Area Manager, Tierck Hoekstra. Tierck had spotted a dishevelled Southern Fulmar (Silwerstormvoël) a rare ocean wanderer from the icy southern seas. Xolani immediately jumped into action, meeting Tierck halfway as the rescue response [...]
With heavy storms and winds of up to 125 km/h sweeping through the Overstrand, our hearts go out to everyone who lost their homes and are now beginning the difficult task of rebuilding. We also think of those who stocked up on food and winter supplies in the freezer, only to lose everything after four days without electricity, with power restored [...]
On 25 April, community members gathered at Gansbaai Caravan Park to celebrate Earth Day under the global theme “Our Power, Our Planet,” while also marking World Penguin Day—a day dedicated to renewing our commitment to protecting all 19 penguin species found across the Southern Hemisphere. The event highlighted the urgent need to take action against habitat degradation, climate change, and the [...]
Marine Dynamics – Dyer Island Conservation Trust Team Completes Whale Disentanglement Training The Marine Dynamics – Dyer Island Conservation Trust team has completed an intensive two-day whale disentanglement training course with Mike Meyer from the South African Whale Disentanglement Network (SAWDN). The organisation is immensely proud of the team members who undertook the rigorous training to prepare themselves to assist in [...]
From 16 to 23 February, the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Turtle Conservation Centre team embarked on their 2026 Turtle Road Trip along the Garden Route and Southern Cape coastlines — connecting with key role players in turtle rescue and raising awareness ahead of the annual turtle hatchling stranding season. Siyolise Bezu, one of the passionate Turtle Rescue Team members. [...]
It’s been a year since the KruShan X-Ray Room opened at the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary in Kleinbaai, Gansbaai — a transformative donation from Shannon and Kruger du Plessis of the KruShan Foundation. In just one year, the X-Ray Room has become a hive of activity, providing immediate, on-site diagnostics for African Penguins, seabirds, and even birds of prey. "This [...]
