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, [...]
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 – 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 [...]
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. [...]
