Blog

Gansbaai, South Africa – The Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT) and its African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary are thrilled to extend heartfelt thanks to the veterinary students of Onderstepoort (OP Village RAG) for their incredible support during 2025. Despite their rigorous academic schedules, these passionate students dedicated their time and energy to a series of fun and informative fundraising events, raising [...]

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 [...]