In February 2025, a Rockhopper penguin was found stranded on a beach in Arniston, South Africa, thousands of kilometres from home. Injured and severely underweight, likely as a result of a dog bite, and, was immediately transported to the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS). From the moment he arrived, it was clear that he had already endured a long and [...]
“For 21 years, it’s been incredible to see the same hump cutting through the waves,” says Wilfred Chivell, CEO of Marine Dynamics and Founder of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust. “Each humpback dolphin we encounter is not just a fleeting glimpse of the wild; it is an individual with a story, a life, and a place in our coastal ecosystem — [...]
We are so grateful to Cape Town City Toyota for sponsoring us with a brand-new Hilux for another season of marine animal rescues. Your support helps us respond quickly along the Overstrand Coast — from Pringle Bay to Agulhas — and care for critically endangered African Penguins, and so many seabirds and marine creatures in need. Just this past Friday evening, [...]
Gansbaai, South Africa – The Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT) and its African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary are thrilled to extend heartfelt thanks to the veterinary students of Onderstepoort (OP Village RAG) for their incredible support during 2025. Despite their rigorous academic schedules, these passionate students dedicated their time and energy to a series of fun and informative fundraising events, raising [...]
In these very uncertain times for the critically endangered African Penguin, of which only 1% of the population remains, teetering on the brink of total extinction, there are occasionally glimmers of hope for those who fight daily to save the species. This December, such a glimmer shone for the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS) in Kleinbaai, Gansbaai. The safe haven [...]
The future of our ocean lives in the hearts and imaginations of young people — and this year, those voices rose proudly across the Overstrand. The 2025 Marine Month School Art Competition, hosted by the Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT) in partnership with Marine Dynamics, once again ignited creativity, curiosity, and conservation awareness among learners aged 10 to 13. Finalists [...]
As the final tides of 2025 roll in, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to every friend, colleague, agent, journalist, and visitor who has supported us this year. Each of you has played a meaningful role in helping us protect our oceans, strengthen the Greater Dyer Island ecosystem, and continue vital research and rescue work. This year has been extraordinary. [...]
Marine Dynamics, a leading eco-tourism and marine conservation company, has been awarded the prestigious Business of the Year 2025 by the Hermanus Business Chamber. The accolade recognises the company’s outstanding contribution to tourism, conservation, and the local community in the Overstrand region. Marine Dynamics, founded by Wilfred Chivell, has been a pioneer in responsible marine tourism for over 25 years. Offering [...]
On Wednesday 12 November, it was time for another 12 African penguin chicks and one adult to be released back on Dyer Island, their home colony. These little ones had been removed from the island by conservation partners, CapeNature and the Dyer Island Conservation Trust/APSS teams, because their parents were moulting and unable to care for them. With the dire situation [...]
The announcement was made during the WESSA Blue Flag and Green Coast Annual Awards Ceremony, held this year in Port Alfred, celebrating municipalities, partners, and organisations committed to upholding South Africa’s highest standards of environmental management and sustainable coastal tourism. Representing Marine Dynamics were Wilfred Chivell, CEO of Marine Dynamics; Skipper Dickie Chivell; and Marine Guide Susy Alexandersen. The Blue Flag [...]
