Dyer Island Conservation Trust

Dyer Island Conservation Trust DICT delivers unique conservation and research programmes in the fragile and critically important marine eco-system at the southern-most tip of Africa.
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08/06/2026

World Oceans Day 2026: Our Ocean, Our Future

The 2026 World Oceans Day theme, "Reimagine: Beyond the World We Know, A New Relationship with Our Ocean," calls on us to rethink how we connect with the ocean. It reminds us that the ocean is not separate from our daily lives; it influences our climate, provides food and livelihoods, supports biodiversity, and sustains life on Earth. The theme also highlights important global conservation efforts, including the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement and the 30x30 initiative, which aims to protect at least 30% of the world's oceans by 2030.

In celebration of World Oceans Day, the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, in collaboration with Gansbaai Tourism, Marine Dynamics Academy, Astron Energy Gansbaai, the Overstrand Municipality, Gansbaai Stoeiklub and members of the De Kelders community, hosted two beach clean-ups at Stanford's Cove and the Perlemoenbaai Tidal Pools.

A total of 40 dedicated volunteers joined the effort, collecting approximately 105 kg of litter from our coastline. Every piece of rubbish removed helps protect marine life, preserve natural habitats, and create a cleaner, healthier ocean for future generations.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who gave their time and energy to make this clean-up a success. Your commitment demonstrates that positive change happens when communities come together for a common purpose.

We would also like to extend a special thank you to Astron Energy Gansbaai for generously sponsoring lunch for the children who participated in the event.

Together, we are reimagining our relationship with the ocean, one action, one beach, and one community at a time.

Small Creatures, Big Impact Krill may be tiny, but they are one of the most important species in the Southern Ocean. The...
05/06/2026

Small Creatures, Big Impact

Krill may be tiny, but they are one of the most important species in the Southern Ocean. These small crustaceans form the foundation of the Antarctic food web, providing vital nutrition for whales, penguins, seals, seabirds, and countless other marine animals.

Yet millions of tonnes of krill are harvested every year for products such as omega-3 supplements, aquaculture feed, health products, and pet food. As industrial fishing pressure increases, so do concerns about the long-term impacts on Antarctic ecosystems and the wildlife that depends on krill-rich waters.

As consumers, we have the power to make informed choices. Check product labels, avoid krill oil where possible, and consider plant-based or certified sustainable omega-3 alternatives. Every choice matters.

At the Dyer Island Conservation Trust and Marine Dynamics, we support efforts to strengthen protection for Antarctic krill and the incredible wildlife that relies on them.

Add your voice and help protect the future of the Southern Ocean by signing the petition:

Take Action for Antarctic Krill Protection
Sign the petition: https://swissekrills.org/take-action/

Our Ocean. Our Future. Our Responsibility.

05/06/2026

World Environment Day 2026

Inspired by Nature, for Climate, for Our Future

Nature inspires us every day.

From the majestic whales that migrate along our coastline to the sharks, African penguins, seals, dolphins, and seabirds that call our oceans home, these remarkable animals remind us of the beauty, resilience, and importance of a healthy marine environment.

At Marine Dynamics, together with the Dyer Island Conservation Trust and the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary, we are committed to protecting and understanding the marine ecosystems that sustain these species for generations to come.

This World Environment Day, take a moment to be inspired by nature and remember that every action, no matter how small, can help create a more sustainable future.

đź’™ For our oceans. For our climate. For our future.

04/06/2026

African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary Film Named ITFFA 2026 Finalist

We’re proud to share that the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary short film, produced by Rockpool Media for the Dyer Island Conservation Trust and Marine Dynamics, has been selected as a finalist at the 2026 International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA).

From 438 entries across 47 countries, the film was recognised in the Tourism Products: Marine Tourism category, celebrating stories that showcase exceptional tourism experiences and destinations.

The film highlights the critical conservation work being undertaken at the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary in Gansbaai, where teams work tirelessly to protect one of South Africa’s most iconic and endangered species.

To see this important conservation story recognised among tourism films from around the world is a testament to the power of purpose-driven storytelling and the people dedicated to safeguarding our natural heritage.

Winners will be announced at the ITFFA Awards Ceremony in Johannesburg on 5 June.

Last week, we celebrated International Biodiversity Day with the Grade 4 learners at Masakhane Primary School!We had an ...
30/05/2026

Last week, we celebrated International Biodiversity Day with the Grade 4 learners at Masakhane Primary School!

We had an exciting and interactive environmental education session where learners explored the meaning of biodiversity and discovered how all living and non-living things work together to keep ecosystems healthy and balanced.

Through fun discussions and activities, learners learned about food chains and food webs, and how even one disturbance in an ecosystem can create an imbalance that affects many species. From tiny organisms to top predators, every part of nature plays an important role.

Most importantly, learners were reminded that small actions can make a big difference. Simple changes such as not littering, saving water, and caring for nature can help protect biodiversity for future generations.

This perfectly connected with this year’s International Biodiversity Day theme:
“Acting locally for global impact.”

By making positive choices in our own communities, we can all contribute to a healthier planet.

Last night at around 18:00, Xolani Lawu, Senior Bird Rehabilitator at the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS), ...
29/05/2026

Last night at around 18:00, Xolani Lawu, Senior Bird Rehabilitator at the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS), received a call from concerned Sandbaai resident and retired CapeNature Area Manager, Tierck Hoekstra.
Tierck had spotted a dishevelled Southern Fulmar (Silwerstormvoël), a rare ocean wanderer from the icy southern seas. Xolani immediately jumped into action, meeting Tierck halfway as the rescue response began.
The beautiful bird survived the night and was ready for a hearty breakfast this morning, although Xolani had a few close encounters with the Fulmar’s impressive “super shark beak”!
Upon close inspection by the APSS team, no serious injuries or illnesses were detected. We believe the bird may have been affected by the heavy winds and stormy conditions experienced along our coastline two weeks ago. Hopefully, with some rest and care, this magnificent seabird will soon be ready for release back into the wild.
Southern Fulmars breed around Antarctica and travel vast distances across the Southern Ocean. Along the Western Cape coastline, sightings are rare and always special. With their silver-grey feathers, striking pink-and-blue tubenose bill and incredible endurance, they are true masters of the open ocean.
A huge thank you to Tierck for acting so quickly and contacting APSS immediately.
We urge Overberg residents to save our seabird and marine wildlife rescue line: 072 598 7117.
And a special thank you to CFAO Mobility Toyota Cape Town City for our rescue and retrieve Hilux, helping us respond when marine wildlife needs us most.
Christine Wessels

The Future Of Our oceans Starts With The Next GenerationThe DEEP Kids programme is more than just an environmental educa...
26/05/2026

The Future Of Our oceans Starts With The Next Generation

The DEEP Kids programme is more than just an environmental education initiative, it is a space where young minds grow into confident ocean ambassadors and conservation leaders.

Through hands-on activities, beach explorations, interactive lessons, creative projects, and real-world conservation experiences, DEEP Kids learn about:
- Marine life and biodiversity
- Environmental responsibility
- Waste management and recycling
- Ocean conservation and climate action
- The importance of protecting marine ecosystems
- Teamwork, leadership, and community action

The programme encourages children to connect with nature, ask questions, think critically, and understand how their everyday choices can help protect our planet.

Our DEEP Kids are curious, passionate young learners who are becoming voices for the ocean in their schools, homes, and communities. By nurturing environmental awareness from a young age, we are helping build a future generation that cares deeply for the natural world.

Because when children understand the ocean… they protect it for life.

Today, on International Day for Biological Diversity 2026, we celebrate the extraordinary biodiversity of the Dyer Islan...
22/05/2026

Today, on International Day for Biological Diversity 2026, we celebrate the extraordinary biodiversity of the Dyer Island ecosystem within the nutrient-rich Agulhas Bank off South Africa’s southern coastline.

This year’s theme, “Acting Locally for Global Impact”, reflects the importance of partnerships between communities, conservation organisations, scientists, government and businesses in protecting biodiversity for future generations.

At Marine Dynamics Shark and Whale Tours, DyerIsland Conservation Trust and African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary, we have the privilege of working in one of the most productive marine ecosystems in the world.

Dyer Island acts as a critical ecological anchor where the cold Benguela Current meets the warm Agulhas Current, creating nutrient-rich waters that support an incredible diversity of marine life.

This unique ecosystem links the Atlantic and Indian Ocean ecoregions and is home to the Marine Big 5: whales, dolphins, seals, sharks and the endangered African penguin.

The rich waters of the Agulhas Bank sustain vast food webs, while the famous Shark Alley channel between Dyer Island and Geyser Rock is home to approximately 15,000 Cape fur seals, supporting one of the ocean’s most remarkable predator-prey ecosystems.

Dyer Island is also a globally Important Bird Area, providing critical breeding habitat for the critically endangered African penguin, bank cormorant and roseate tern, while the bays serve as one of the world’s most important calving grounds for Southern Right Whales.

Protecting this biodiversity is both a privilege and a responsibility. Through conservation, research, education, rehabilitation and responsible ecotourism, we, together with our conservation & tourism partners, continue working to protect these ecosystems for future generations.

Because when we act locally, we create global impact.

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5 Geelbek Street
Gansbaai
7220

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+27829075607

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