Sharkwatch SA Blog

For Marine Dynamics in conjunction with Dyer Island Cruises, International Marine Volunteers, as well as owner established Dyer Island Conservation Trust, our mission is to discover, protect and educate. All companies are Fair Trade Certified and aim to reduce our environmental impacts in various ways.

Education

-   DEEP Programme
The Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT) has always been involved with local school groups and launched the project DEEP (DICT Environmental Education Programme). The programme runs for 3 years so as to monitor and evaluate the impact and growth of each and every individual learner. The aim is to expose these young learners to the field of science and conservation and to help them realize that if they continue their education, they can do anything they put their minds to! This programme will be serving as a forerunner for future skills training.

-   Educating guests
The fragile and critically important Dyer Island marine eco-system is interlinked and while we study and research the Great Whites and their natural habitats, we also teach and educate our guests about ways to look after and cherish nature!

Local is Lekker

-   Local Purchasing
The Great White House is the meeting hotspot for our guest. The spacious establishment houses a trendy restaurant, bar and gift shop and provides accommodation as well. The restaurant buys locally wherever possible; wines, fish, fynbos and curious, thereby supporting the local communities through tourism.

-   Employment – Local Community Upliftment
We are providing training and job opportunities for people from the local communities to become involved in the booming tourism industry. As one of only two BEE level 1 companies in the Gansbaai area, we employ a majority of previously disadvantaged people from the local community, and we encourage them to further their education and training.

Conservation & Environmental Focus
The Dyer Island Conservation Trust was founded in 2006 by Wilfred Chivell.  Operating in the incredible marine environment of Gansbaai in the Overstrand area of the Western Cape, this area is home to the Marine Big 5™ – a hotspot for the great white shark; the breeding ground of Southern right whales; home of the endangered African penguin; a breeding colony of Cape Fur seals and dolphin species that visit these shores, as well as plenty of incredible seabirds. Our main projects are the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary; homes for the endangered African penguin; great white shark research; marine pollution efforts through our fishing line bins; dolphin and whale studies. The International Marine Volunteers has also been a huge part in assisting with conservation projects and other activities such as beach clean-ups, recycling and even volunteering at the local animal shelter.

This is how we are making a difference Watch it here