This article was written by Wilfred Chivell, CEO of Marine Dynamics & Founder, Dyer Island Conservation Trust. It was first published by the Trust.
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.
In May, we celebrated a Quarter Century of Excellence—marking 25 years of whale watching, 20 years of diving with and protecting sharks, 20 years of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, 20 years of the Great Whitehouse Restaurant, and 10 years of the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary. It was a moment to reflect on the journeys, milestones, and incredible people who make it all possible.
We were humbled to receive the ATTA Marine Impact Award, recognising our commitment to responsible and sustainable marine tourism. We were also honoured to be named Business of the Year by the Hermanus Business Chamber, a recognition that reflects not only our operational success, but also the social, economic, and environmental impact we strive to create in our local community.
We also engaged with government, meeting with Minister Dion George and the DFFE, and we look forward to continuing these vital relationships under Minister Aucamp, to better protect our now critically endangered African Penguins and sharks, whose populations are being decimated by outdated bather safety measures and permitted inshore longline and demersal fishing. This must stop, and we will continue the fight in 2026!
One of the highlights of the year was taking our entire Marine Dynamics team to the Labia Theatre in Cape Town to watch David Attenborough’s Ocean—an experience that moved most of us to tears. Inspired by this, we also sponsored 500 local schoolchildren to watch Oceanfor free at the Roadhouse Cinema, Whale Coast Mall, Hermanus. Their enthusiasm and feedback reminded us why our work matters.
Our reach continues to grow, with marketing campaigns spanning from India to Mexico and everywhere in between. We also introduced a new, ethical swimming-with-seals experience, led by the same dedicated teams who have rescued injured and entangled seals at Geyser Rock for years—ensuring our guests are in safe, experienced hands.
2025 has been a year of celebration, impact, and inspiration—but the best is yet to come. Every choice you make, whether visiting, supporting, or advocating for our oceans, makes a real difference.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Watch this space—together, we can continue to protect, conserve, and celebrate our oceans.
Picture: Supplied