Image related to website content

Marine Dynamics Wins ATTA® Award

1 Jul 2025

Marine Dynamics Shark and Whale Tours has been honoured with the ATTA® Marine Impact Award during the Experience Africa Travel Conference in London on 23 June 2025. The award recognises organisations making a tangible difference in protecting Africa’s marine and coastal environments while fostering long-term community benefits.

Accepting the award on behalf of Marine Dynamics was Fern Montgomery, Sales Director in London at 3Sixty Luxury Marketing, a valued tourism partner and friend.

Now in its inaugural year, the ATTA® Marine Impact Award shines a spotlight on organisations whose marine or coastal initiatives have measurable impacts on conservation, education and community engagement along Africa’s coastlines.

Marine Dynamics is a leader in marine eco‑tourism in Gansbaai, South Africa. Over the past 25 years, the organisation has seamlessly combined shark cage diving and whale-watching with marine science, education, pollution initiatives, and community empowerment. Its ecosystem includes the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, the African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary (APSS), the Marine Dynamics Academy volunteer programme, and a tourism hub at the Great White House.

CapeNature CEO Dr Ashley Naidoo congratulated Marine Dynamics on receiving the ATTA® Marine Impact Award.

As a long-standing partner through their work on Dyer Island and with the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, Marine Dynamics play an important role in supporting our conservation efforts along the Overberg coastline. Their work contributes to the protection of marine species and habitats, while also creating opportunities for education, skills development, and scientific research. This international recognition highlights the value of consistent work over many years

Dr Ashley Naidoo, CEO of CapeNature

By leveraging tour-based marine observations and partnerships with marine biologists, Marine Dynamics has contributed to over 30 peer-reviewed scientific papers—advancing understanding of key species and informing conservation policy.

Judges of the ATTA® Marine Impact Award praised the finalists, noting the importance of initiatives that both preserve ocean ecosystems and empower local coastal communities.

This award is a testament to what’s possible when conservation and tourism are united with purpose. Over 25 years, our team’s commitment to scientific research, local upliftment, and marine stewardship has established a new model for sustainable tourism. We are honoured to receive this international recognition and inspired to continue protecting our ocean heritage.

Wilfred Chivell, CEO of Marine Dynamics and Founder of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust
Share:

Related News

Whats App Image 2025 04 25 at 19 14 07 2
9 Jul 2025
DARWIN200 Young Leaders Collaborate with CapeNature to Produce awe-inspiring Documentaries

Three DARWIN200 young leaders worked hand in hand with CapeNature to produce awe-inspiring and heartwarming videos on the Cape vulture colony of Potberg, the bontebok at De Hoop Nature Reserve and the invasive carp at Groenvlei. Click read more to watch the videos.

White rhino
9 Jul 2025
Three Arrested for Illegal Rhino Horn Trade

On Wednesday, 2 July 2025, the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigations (Hawks) assisted by SAPS K9 Unit, Overberg and Stock Theft and Endangered Species based in Swellendam, executed an undercover operation at Buffeljags River, N2 route outside of Swellendam.

Three suspects were arrested after being found in possession of the rhino horn and engaged in a transaction to sell the rhino horn during an undercover operation. CapeNature officials were contacted to assist in the further investigation of the case, which was subsequently registered at the Swellendam Police Station.

BOCMA Capacity building Rhett Smart
3 Jul 2025 by Rhett Smart
BOCMA & CapeNature Boost Water Sustainability

On 8 May 2025 a capacity building event was held at the Barn Owl Conference Venue in Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve provided by the Breede Olifants Catchment Management Agency (BOCMA) to CapeNature staff from Landscape South and Central. BOCMA are responsible for implementing the National Water Act (NWA) within the Breede and Gouritz catchments, which regulates water use. A similar event was held in Oudtshoorn with the Landscape East staff on 23 May 2025. Water is an essential natural resource that requires responsible management to ensure the sustainability of the resource both for human use and ecological function.

Conservation Review 2025 Group Image
27 Jun 2025
2025 Conservation Review Highlights Biodiversity

CapeNature showcased its significant achievements in conservation operations and exceptional biodiversity protection over the past year.

The central message throughout the event and central to the theme was an emphasis on the successful partnerships the Entity has cultivated with stakeholders. Many of these partners were also in attendance, showcasing delivery on collaborative projects. The Entity relies on the productive co-operation of many partners to successfully execute its mandate in the Western Cape.

De Hoop Nature Reserve Bontebok
26 Jun 2025
State of Conservation 2025: Progress & Priorities

CapeNature launched the 2025 State of Conservation Report this morning at its annual Conservation Review, offering a clear, evidence-based view of the Western Cape’s biodiversity and how conservation efforts are measuring up.

Key themes emerging from the report include sustained efforts to build biodiversity resilience in the face of climate change, the value of strategic partnerships, and the growing integration of monitoring data into planning and policy.