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 Thursday, 7 May, a collaborative necropsy of a ragged-tooth shark (Carcharias taurus) was performed by members of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust Team and the Two Oceans Aquarium. Stranded near Struisbaai, the individual was collected on 31 March by DICT’s Xolani Lawo and transported to the Marine Dynamics Academy lodge for storage. Ragged tooth sharks, commonly known as “raggies” in [...]
On Tuesday, 28 April, a stranded whale was reported near Die Dam by Mr Charl van Niekerk. The Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT) team was alerted, with the response team consisting of Dr Loraine Shuttleworth (Head of Research) and Wilfred Chivell (CEO of Marine Dynamics). The Marine Dynamics vehicle used to attend stranding events. Upon arrival, it was immediately [...]
On 4 May 2026, the Marine Dynamics and Dyer Island Conservation Trust attended a stranding of a deceased Broadnose sevengill shark (Notorynchus cepedianus). Research Coordinator, Dr Loraine Shuttleworth, Head Seabird Rehabilitator, Xolani Lawo and CEO, Wilfred Chivell formed the retrieval team at Pearly Beach. Broadnose sevengill sharks, commonly called cowsharks, are a species that hails from one of the oldest shark [...]
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 [...]
On Sunday, 5 April, a Bryde’s whale was reported stranded at Suiderstrand. Nearby residents confirmed that the animal had not been present the previous day, suggesting it washed ashore either late in the evening of Saturday, 4 April, or in the early hours of Sunday morning. The response team included Dyer Island Conservation Trust's Head of Research Dr Loraine Shuttleworth and [...]
On Tuesday, 31 March 2026, the DICT team was alerted to a stranded ragged tooth shark (Carcharias taurus) near Struisbaai. Ragged tooth sharks, also known locally as “raggies,” are among the most recognisable shark species along the South African coastline. Despite their intimidating appearance, characterised by protruding, needle-like teeth, they are generally slow-moving and non-aggressive toward humans. While any shark stranding [...]
This past weekend, the DEEP Blue Ambassadors embarked on an exciting and educational camp at the beautiful Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve, where they explored the powerful theme: “From Forest to Ocean – Everything is Connected.” Surrounded by ancient forests, clear streams, and diverse wildlife, the camp provided a unique opportunity for young environmental leaders to deepen their understanding of how ecosystems are [...]
The DICT is a member of the South African Strandings Network and serves as one of the primary responders in the Overstrand region. Over the past few months, the team has responded to a number of cetacean strandings. Although strandings are never easy to encounter, they provide valuable scientific information. Since September 2025, the team has attended strandings of baleen whales, [...]
