Penguins from across the world were at the heart of the 12th International Penguin Conference (IPC12), held on Phillip Island, Australia, bringing together scientists, conservationists, environmentalists, students and communities under the theme “Advancing global research, conservation and action.” Among those attending were Marine Dynamics CEO and Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT) founder, Wilfred Chivell, and Marine Dynamics and DICT Head of [...]
There is something special about planting a tree. You place a young tree into the earth, nurture it, and watch as it grows into something that can provide shade, shelter, oxygen and life for generations to come. This Arbour Week, the Dyer Island Conservation Trust’s DEEP Kids Juniors and Seniors put these values into action. South Africa’s Arbor Week takes place [...]
On 2 July 2026, a fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) stranded at Die Plaat. At approximately 23 metres long, the female fin whale was an extraordinary sight and one of the rarest whale strandings encountered in the Greater Dyer Island Ecosystem. Vertebrae from the stranded fin whale ahead of a Marine Dynamics vehicle that makes attending beach strandings possible. Following [...]
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 [...]
