In the vast expanse of our planet, one element stands out for its sheer majesty and mystery: the ocean. Covering over 70% of Earth's surface, oceans are not just bodies of water; they are the lifeblood of our planet, influencing climate, sustaining biodiversity, and providing resources essential for human survival. Yet, despite their immense significance, oceans often remain out of sight [...]
Children's Day is not just a day of fun and games; it's also an opportunity to educate and inspire the next generation about important issues, such as marine ecology. As we celebrate this special day dedicated to the well-being and happiness of children, let's delve into the fascinating world of marine ecology and discover how we can instill a love for [...]
World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) is celebrated in May and October to celebrate the cyclic nature of bird migration in the different hemispheres. The theme for this year WMBD is the importance of insects for migratory birds. Our dwindling insect populations are impacting migratory birds. At the Dyer Island Conservation Trust we deal mainly with shore and seabirds and the marine [...]
25 April is “celebrated” as World Penguin Day, a day to raise awareness about penguins. Sadly, for the African penguin if we do not act now, we will in future be commemorating the day. The African penguin population is crashing. On Dyer Island the numbers dropped from 36 000 pairs in 1976 to 903 pairs in 2023. The South African population [...]
The Dyer Island Conservation Trust was very fortunate to receive a call from South African surfer, Natasha van Greunen, to film at our African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary, as part of her Shining Light Series. We invited her to also be our speaker at the monthly Marine Evenings at the Great White House Restaurant. Natasha shared her passion for ocean conservation [...]
Exploring rocky shores and rock pools sounds like a fascinating adventure, even on a misty day! It's incredible how such seemingly ordinary places can harbor such a diverse array of life forms and serve as excellent educational tools. DEEP embarked on an exciting journey to explore the hidden treasures of rock pools and unravel the mysteries of their unique adaptations. From [...]
Have you ever stopped to marvel at the speed of light? For our March Marine Evening, Guest Speaker, Kos Coronaios, an esteemed amateur astronomer, Founder of the Southern Cape Astronomy Club and member of the Astronomical Society of Southern Africa (ASSA), the audience was taken on an enlightening journey through the wonders of light and its remarkable properties. Coronaios, drawing on [...]
We arrived at our destination, Potberg, which is part of the Greater De Hoop Nature Reserve Complex in the Overberg region. The camp far exceeded the kids' expectations, looking truly amazing. We were warmly greeted by the friendly staff of CapeNature. The Dyer Island Conservation Trust has long been involved with local school groups. In 2016, the Dyer Island Conservation Trust [...]
There is no doubt recycling is on the front line in the war to save the future of our planet and humanity. The theme of Global Recycling Day 2024 is #RecyclingHeroes. This day will recognise the people, places and activities that showcase what an important role recycling plays in contributing to an environmentally stable planet and a greener future which will benefit [...]
Marine Dynamics and the Dyer Island Conservation Trust support the findings in the below, recently published, paper. As an ecotourism operator working in the Gansbaai area for more than 20 years, we acknowledge that there is much more to the decline in white shark numbers than previously suggested by marine biologists. The KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board’s “lethal shark control program” as well [...]
