On Friday, 6 August, the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS), together with Marine Dynamics and the Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT), had the privilege of welcoming a very special group of visitors to Gansbaai. Mispah learners exploring APSS. Several weeks earlier, teacher Berryl Hess contacted the Trust to arrange a visit for 30 learners from Mispah School for [...]
At the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, we believe that conservation begins with knowledge, curiosity, and a love for learning. This year, our first-year DEEP Blue Ambassadors have embarked on an exciting literacy journey that combines reading with environmental education. The programme has started with Vusa the Penguin, an engaging conservation storybook generously sponsored by the Southern African Conservation Trust (SACT). The [...]
On 4 August 2026, the Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT) was notified of a stranded southern right whale calf along the Overberg coastline. Following the necessary arrangements to access the area, a joint DICT and Marine Dynamics team attended the stranding site on 5 August at the Denel Overberg Test Range. The response team included DICT Head of Research Dr Loraine [...]
On 2 August, during one of Marine Dynamics' Marine Big 5 trips in the Dyer Island ecosystem, our team encountered a deceased adult southern right whale floating offshore. The carcass was examined using underwater footage, revealing trauma to the head that was highly consistent with a ship strike. The injuries included the loss of the upper jaw ahead of the eye, [...]
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 [...]
Ocean Protection Needs Human Connection is the theme for this year's Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day, reminding us that the future of our oceans depends on the actions we take together as communities. As custodians of the Greater Dyer Island coastline, the Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT) and Marine Dynamics proudly collaborated with CapeNature to host a community beach clean-up bringing [...]
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 [...]
On the morning of Sunday, 5 July, the Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT) stranding response team attended to a stranded Risso's dolphin found at Die Plaat between Hermanus and De Kelders. The animal was reported by a local fisherman, whose prompt notification allowed the team to document and investigate the stranding. The response team included Dyer Island Conservation Trust Head of [...]
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 [...]
Earlier this year, two bronze whaler sharks (Carcharhinus brachyurus) were found washed ashore in Struisbaai, with clear signs of orca predation, lying only a few metres apart. As shark strandings are relatively uncommon and provide a valuable opportunity for research, the carcasses were recovered by Dickie Chivell, volunteer coordinator Ilizna du Plessis, and Marine Dynamics Academy volunteers before being placed into [...]
