Pioneers of Change
Our Marine Biologists

Amy Webber
Marine Biologist
Amy, a marine biologist from South Africa, brings a wealth of knowledge in elasmobranch distribution and identification, having pursued Marine Biology at the undergraduate level and Tropical Marine Biology for her master’s in the UK. Joining us as a Marine Dynamics Academy Intern in 2022, exploring the use of photo-ID as a mark-recapture method for benthic catsharks in South Africa. Today, Amy not only contributes to our shark cage diving guiding team but also spearheads the coordination of intern activities within our skills-based scientific internship programme, nurturing the next generation of marine scientists.

Grainne Perryman
Visiting Marine Biologist
Grainne, a passionate Marine Scientist hailing from Ireland, embarked on her journey with us as a Marine Dynamics Academy Intern in 2022. For her Bachelor’s project, she focused on Baited Remote Underwater Videos (BRUVs), unravelling mysteries beneath the waves. Since 2023, Grainne has been guiding our shark cage diving boats, all the while collecting invaluable species data and capturing ID photography. But her thirst for knowledge doesn’t stop there; this year, she’ll be diving even deeper into the realm of Marine Top Predator Ecology, pursuing her Master’s Degree.

Alina Pryazhkina Rogers
Visiting Marine Biologist
Alina was a volunteer with the Marine Dynamics Academy in 2013. She returned in 2017 to do her Bachelor’s project on African penguins. Alina then joined the skills-based internship with the Marine Dynamics Academy and soon began to work as a guiding biologist on the shark cage diving vessel. Alina contributes to the observational database on sharks and other species sighted. She also assists with marketing to the Russian market.
Alumni Biologists

Alison Towner
Past Marine Biologist
Alison Towner began her journey as a guide for Marine Dynamics Shark Tours, where she spent five years collecting extensive data on white sharks. With a Master’s degree from the University of Cape Town and now holding a PhD from Rhodes University, Alison has led groundbreaking research on great white shark biology. Her work, including post-orca predation necropsies, has been featured in major media outlets like National Geographic and BBC. As a regular host on Shark Week, Alison reaches millions, sharing her passion for shark conservation. She also contributed to marine biodiversity assessments during an expedition to Jeddah, leaving a lasting impact on her.

Oliver Jewel
Past Marine Biologist
Born in London, England, Oliver has spent many years in South Africa since earning a BSc (Hons) in Oceanography from the University of Southampton. From there, he worked towards an MSc in Zoology from the University of Pretoria and finally obtained a PhD in Conservation Ecology from Murdoch University. His fascination with great white sharks began with a viewing of the film Jaws, sparking a lifelong dedication to understanding and protecting these majestic creatures. Oliver’s specialisations include spatial ecology, biologging, biotelemetry, oceanography, and conservation. He is deeply passionate about communication and education, with a broad interest in the natural world.

Michelle Jewel
Past Marine Biologist
Michelle, a born and bred Michigander, sees the ocean as a mysterious realm akin to an undiscovered planet within our own. She marvels at the abundance of intelligent “extra-terrestrial” beings and thriving ecosystems that exist in the depths, where neither oxygen nor sunlight penetrates. “We often gaze at the stars in awe, but we should be turning our attention to the mysteries of our oceans!” Michelle’s academic journey includes a BSc in Zoology/Neurobiology from Michigan State University and an MSc in Zoology from the University of Cape Town. She is not only an educator but also excels as a science communicator, passionately bridging the gap between complex scientific concepts and everyday life.


Toby Rogers
Past Marine Biologist
Toby’s journey began with Marine Dynamics in 2012 with a BSc Thesis Project studying Great White sharks. After completing his MSc in Marine Biology, he ventured into the Middle East as a Marine Consultant, focusing on seagrass, coral, and mangrove restoration projects. Returning to South Africa and Marine Dynamics in 2017, Toby took on a role in the commercial shark cage diving operation, educating clients and gathering observational data. He played a pivotal role in developing the skills-based internship programme at the Marine Dynamics Academy, creating practical and theoretical materials for university students. Toby also spearheaded marketing efforts, establishing partnerships with universities in the UK. Currently a PhD candidate at the University of Cape Town, Toby focuses on understanding the movement ecology of Bronze Whaler sharks using acoustic telemetry and dart tagging. He continues to consult on various projects, including Marine Protected Area monitoring and management, while maintaining his active involvement with Marine Dynamics.

Ralph Watson
Past Marine Biologist
Ralph Watson completed his PhD at Rhodes University in South Africa. His primary focus is shark ecology, with the topic of his thesis exploring the movement behaviour and trophic ecology of endemic catshark species of South Africa through the use of BRUVS, gastric lavage, and acoustic telemetry. Through the Dyer Island Conservation Trust and Marine Dynamics, Ralph was involved with various marine conservation issues, including white shark research, cetaceans, seabirds and marine pollution; marine biodiversity; environmental monitoring; mark-recapture; shark and whale strandings and dissections; and data analysis in R and GIS.


Kelly Baker
Past Marine Biologist
Kelly has lived near the ocean her entire life, and it has always held such a fascination for her. She believes it stems from the unknown of what lies beneath the surface, from tiny rock pools brimming with sea life to the dark depths inhabited by either rarely seen or undiscovered creatures. This love of the ocean and the species that inhabit it led Kelly to undertake a Bachelor of Biological Sciences at the University of Wollongong. After graduating, her aspirations to work with sharks were realised in 2014 when she joined as a volunteer and then became part of the biology team at Marine Dynamics.
Discover more about our shark tour
Conservation Partners

Dyer Island Conservation Trust

African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary

Department: Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

Cape Nature

Overstrand Municipality

Plastics SA
Tourism Partners

Fair Trade Tourism

SATSA

Cape Town Tourism

Cape Country Routes

Gansbaai Tourism
