Dyer Island Conservation Trust

Ragged Tooth Shark Stranding Near Struisbaai: A Bittersweet Outcome

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 [...]

From Forest to Ocean – Everything is Connected: DEEP Blue Ambassadors Camp at Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve

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 [...]

Cetacean strandings over the past few months

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, [...]

Welcoming the 2026 DEEP Blue Ambassadors: A New Wave of Ocean Leaders

The DEEP Blue community is excited to welcome 13 new DEEP Blue Ambassadors who have officially begun their first year in the programme. These young individuals have stepped forward with passion and dedication to become champions for the ocean, sustainability, and positive environmental change within their communities. The DEEP Blue Ambassadors programme is designed to empower youth by equipping them with [...]

Marine Dynamics, Saving Whales for 25 Years!

Marine Dynamics – Dyer Island Conservation Trust Team Completes Whale Disentanglement Training The Marine Dynamics – Dyer Island Conservation Trust team has completed an intensive two-day whale disentanglement training course with Mike Meyer from the South African Whale Disentanglement Network (SAWDN). The organisation is immensely proud of the team members who undertook the rigorous training to prepare themselves to assist in [...]

Two Oceans Aquarium Turtle Road Trip 2026 Reaches Gansbaai

From 16 to 23 February, the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Turtle Conservation Centre team embarked on their 2026 Turtle Road Trip along the Garden Route and Southern Cape coastlines — connecting with key role players in turtle rescue and raising awareness ahead of the annual turtle hatchling stranding season. Siyolise Bezu, one of the passionate Turtle Rescue Team members. [...]

Celebrating a Year of the KruShan X-Ray Room with Limp Bisket!

It’s been a year since the KruShan X-Ray Room opened at the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary in Kleinbaai, Gansbaai — a transformative donation from Shannon and Kruger du Plessis of the KruShan Foundation. In just one year, the X-Ray Room has become a hive of activity, providing immediate, on-site diagnostics for African Penguins, seabirds, and even birds of prey. "This [...]

Splash – the African Penguin

On Sunday, 15 February, a solitary African Penguin was spotted at the Old Harbour in Hermanus. A message was shared on the Overberg Stranding Network group about the penguin sitting quietly at the water’s edge. Ash Appleby from Southern Right Charters immediately went to assess the situation. He reported no visible injuries, but as he approached, the penguin slipped back into [...]

From Rocky to Winifred — To Infinity and Beyond

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 [...]

Two decades of protecting our endangered humpback dolphins

“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 — [...]