On May 24th, 2025, a team from the Dyer Island Conservation Trust and Marine Dynamics responded to a sperm whale stranding in Struisbaai, near the southernmost tip of Africa. The team conducted measurements and collected blubber samples for further analysis. No obvious signs of injury or cause of death were observed. Sperm whales typically inhabit deeper waters near underwater canyons or [...]
The Dyer Island Conservation Trust had the pleasure of delivering a meaningful gesture of warmth and support to the learners of Masakhane Primary School and Gansbaai Primer. Thanks to our incredible partners at Sexy Socks, we proudly donated over 700 pairs of school socks to students in need. Sexy Socks, known for their vibrant and comfortable socks, operate with a mission [...]
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 [...]
In celebration of World Penguin Day, the Dyer Island Conservation Trust proudly joined hands with Marine Coastal Conservation for a collaborative beach clean-up at Hermanus New Harbour. With the theme “Celebrating and Safeguarding South Africa’s Penguins”, the event focused on raising awareness and taking action to protect the endangered African Penguin and its marine environment. The clean-up, which aimed to reduce [...]
The Marine Dynamics and Dyer Island Conservation Trust team had the honour of hosting our third meeting with Minister Dion George, Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, since his appointment in July 2024. In just 10 months as minister, Minister George has demonstrated a strong interest in the work being done in our region. During his recent visit, he enjoyed the [...]
This Rockhopper Penguin, typically found on remote Southern Ocean islands, made an unexpected stop on a beach in Arniston, South Africa – thousands of kilometers from home! Found injured and underweight (likely from a dog bite), Rocky was brought to the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS) on 1 February. Thanks to the expert care of our team, led by penguin [...]
The Marine Dynamics and Dyer Island Conservation Trust teams were thrilled to host three teams from the DARWIN200 planetary conservation initiative, a project aiming to change the world for the better by reconnecting people with nature and building a more sustainable future. DARWIN200 centres around the 2023–2025 Global Voyage, retracing Charles Darwin’s historic journey aboard HMS Beagle. The initiative focuses on [...]
In celebration of Earth Day 2025, the Dyer Island Conservation Trust joined forces with Gansbaai Tourism to host a beach clean-up at the Gansbaai Harbour—and what a successful day it turned out to be! With the global Earth Day theme “Our Power, Our Planet”, which also encourages community engagement and inspiring collective action to care for our planet. Our beach clean-up [...]
Marine Dynamics and the Dyer Island Conservation Trust were excited to welcome our second DARWIN200 group to Kleinbaai, Gansbaai. DARWIN200 is a planetary conservation initiative that aims to change the world for the better. They are sailing a historic tall ship around the world, retracing Charles Darwin’s voyage aboard HMS Beagle two centuries ago. “Using our ship as a floating laboratory [...]
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 [...]
