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 [...]
At the Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT), we believe that protecting our marine environment begins with collective action and community spirit. This week, we were thrilled to join forces with Save a Fishie, Marine Dynamics, and our passionate DEEP Blue Ambassadors for a spontaneous yet impactful harbour cleanup in Gansbaai — reminding us that small actions can create powerful waves of [...]
The DEEP Kids recently enjoyed an exciting and educational trip to the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town — a day filled with discovery, fun, and a deeper understanding of the ocean and its incredible creatures. From the moment they stepped through the aquarium doors, the children were captivated by the wonders of the underwater world. Their visit began with an [...]
Gansbaai, South Africa – At this time of year, adult African Penguins on Dyer Island undergo their annual moult, a natural process in which they shed and regrow their feathers. During moulting, adults are not waterproof and cannot swim to find fresh fish for their chicks, leaving them unable to feed their young. The penguin life cycle is essentially divided into [...]
On an exciting educational outing, 30 DEEP Blue Ambassadors had the opportunity to visit Stony Point Nature Reserve in Betty’s Bay – one of only two mainland colonies of the endangered African Penguin in South Africa. This visit was not only a chance to see these charismatic seabirds up close on land, but also an opportunity for the ambassadors to build [...]
On Saturday, 20 September 2025, the shores of Gansbaai came alive with the sound of teamwork, determination, and community pride as we joined millions around the world for the International Coastal Clean-Up 2025. This year’s theme, “Clean Seas Against the Climate Crisis,” reminds us that every piece of waste collected is a step towards protecting our oceans and addressing the global [...]
Arbour Week is a time for South Africans to celebrate the importance of trees and forests in our environment and communities. This year, the Dyer Island Conservation Trust partnered with the Grootbos Foundation to mark the occasion with a meaningful initiative: planting 25 trees for 2025 under the theme “Our Forest – Our Future.” Together with learners and educators from Gansbaai [...]
The Dyer Island Conservation Trust is proud to announce that the Royal Portfolio Foundation Lookout Tower has finally been completed on Dyer Island, marking a critical step forward in protecting the critically endangered African Penguin. This project was made possible thanks to the Royal Portfolio Foundation’s full funding of the initiative. “Their generosity turned an ambitious idea into a working reality, [...]
On the 08th of August, a southern right whale calf washed ashore near Struisbaai, prompting an immediate response from a dedicated team from Marine Dynamics and the Dyer Island Conservation Trust. The stranding was reported via the local marine stranding group, and with the tide rising quickly, the team had only a narrow window to act. Despite the time constraints, they [...]
Kleinbaai, South Africa – 8 August 2025 – This year, our celebration of World Ranger Day came with a splash – quite literally! While the official day falls on 31 July, rough seas postponed our plans, so we marked this special occasion on 8 August with calmer waters and brighter skies. Marine Dynamics and the Dyer Island Conservation Trust were honoured [...]
