As the new school year begins, we are proud to support our DEEP Blue Ambassadors as they step into their 2026 academic journey with confidence and enthusiasm. To help set them up for success, we have donated stationery packs to each ambassador, ensuring they have the essential tools they need for learning and growth. This stationery represents more than just pens, [...]
At the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, the new year began with an early morning call to Franskraal beach, where the team attended a stranding of a spotted ragged-tooth shark (Carcharias taurus). Members of the DICT and Marine Dynamics team were alerted to the stranding by Natasha van Greunen, who was waiting on site with her father, Richard. Upon arrival, senior shark [...]
In these very uncertain times for the critically endangered African Penguin, of which only 1% of the population remains, teetering on the brink of total extinction, there are occasionally glimmers of hope for those who fight daily to save the species. This December, such a glimmer shone for the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS) in Kleinbaai, Gansbaai. The safe haven [...]
The future of our ocean lives in the hearts and imaginations of young people — and this year, those voices rose proudly across the Overstrand. The 2025 Marine Month School Art Competition, hosted by the Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT) in partnership with Marine Dynamics, once again ignited creativity, curiosity, and conservation awareness among learners aged 10 to 13. Finalists [...]
As the final tides of 2025 roll in, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to every friend, colleague, agent, journalist, and visitor who has supported us this year. Each of you has played a meaningful role in helping us protect our oceans, strengthen the Greater Dyer Island ecosystem, and continue vital research and rescue work. This year has been extraordinary. [...]
Marine Dynamics, a leading eco-tourism and marine conservation company, has been awarded the prestigious Business of the Year 2025 by the Hermanus Business Chamber. The accolade recognises the company’s outstanding contribution to tourism, conservation, and the local community in the Overstrand region. Marine Dynamics, founded by Wilfred Chivell, has been a pioneer in responsible marine tourism for over 25 years. Offering [...]
On Wednesday 12 November, it was time for another 12 African penguin chicks and one adult to be released back on Dyer Island, their home colony. These little ones had been removed from the island by conservation partners, CapeNature and the Dyer Island Conservation Trust/APSS teams, because their parents were moulting and unable to care for them. With the dire situation [...]
The announcement was made during the WESSA Blue Flag and Green Coast Annual Awards Ceremony, held this year in Port Alfred, celebrating municipalities, partners, and organisations committed to upholding South Africa’s highest standards of environmental management and sustainable coastal tourism. Representing Marine Dynamics were Wilfred Chivell, CEO of Marine Dynamics; Skipper Dickie Chivell; and Marine Guide Susy Alexandersen. The Blue Flag [...]
Dr Pat Garratt is a distinguished South African marine biologist and conservationist, renowned for his contributions to fish biology research, public education, and aquarium leadership. Over the years, he has bridged the worlds of rigorous scientific inquiry and large-scale public engagement with marine ecosystems. Dr Pat, ready to go fishing! From his early work at the Oceanographic Research Institute [...]
For the past ten years, Gerhard van der Merwe has driven from Hermanus to Kleinbaai every week to volunteer at the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS). At this Sanctuary, the Dyer Island Conservation Trust cares for injured, sick, and “retired” African Penguins. The young and strong are released on Dyer Island to help boost the dwindling population of this critically [...]
