CapeNature’s marine conservation work showcased in new kykNET adventure series ‘Hey Skipper’
The beauty, biodiversity and conservation value of the Western Cape’s coastline will be shown to audiences across South Africa when CapeNature features in the new primetime Afrikaans series, Hey Skipper, premiering on DStv Channel 144 kykNET on Saturday, 4 July 2026 at 18:00. Produced and presented by adventurer, filmmaker and outdoor enthusiast Dewald Visser, Hey Skipper takes viewers on a journey across some of the world’s most spectacular marine environments, exploring the relationship between people, water and conservation.
Dewald Visser, kykNET Hey Skipper Producer and Presenter.
As part of the 13-episode series, The Western Cape’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) will feature prominently as Visser explores the unique coastal landscapes, marine biodiversity and conservation initiatives that make the Province’s coastline of global conservation importance.
CapeNature manages six MPAs, namely Robberg, Goukamma, Stilbaai, De Hoop, Betty’s Bay and Rocherpan. All will feature in the series while other nature reserves including Lambert’s Bay Bird Island, Walker Bay, De Mond, Dyer Island, Keerbooms and Geelkrans will also be included.
Robberg Nature Reserve and MPA features in the Hey Skipper series.
The episodes will highlight the important work taking place to conserve marine ecosystems, including efforts to protect vulnerable species, maintain healthy marine environments, and promote responsible interaction within these areas.
Storytelling has the ability to connect people with nature and through Hey Skipper, viewers will get to experience the coastlines of the Western Cape while learning more about the conservation work that takes place to conserve these ecosystems. Our Marine Protected Areas play an important role in maintaining healthy oceans, supporting biodiversity and creating opportunities for sustainable nature-based tourism. We are proud to share the work of our teams and partners through this exciting series.
Visser said the series aims to inspire viewers by showcasing the adventure, beauty and conservation stories found along coastlines around the world.
Every destination has a story to tell, and our oceans are filled with incredible people, places and conservation efforts. CapeNature’s MPAs are examples of how protecting these environments can create opportunities for exploration, education and appreciation.
The series will feature a variety of marine adventures, from exploring local coastlines and waterways to showcasing global marine conservation projects. Each episode will highlight the importance of understanding and protecting the ocean environments that sustain both nature and surrounding communities.
ABOUT CapeNature
CapeNature is a public institution mandated to promote and ensure biodiversity conservation within the Western Cape and is the custodian of the Cape Floristic Region. The Entity manages most of the mountain catchments and reserves that supply ecosystem services to the citizens of the Western Cape. This requires good scientific data, a sound understanding of fynbos ecology and commitment to the principles of integrated biodiversity management and planning. Most of this work is in remote areas out of the public eye but has a direct bearing on the quality of life of millions of people in the province.
ABOUT Hey Skipper
Hey Skipper is a new kind of TV production where the presenter makes the viewer feel part of the show and allows them to travel with him on water adventures unlike anything seen before on TV screens. Viewers can watch Hey Skipper every Saturday at 18:00 from 4 July 2026 on kykNET (DStv Channel 144).
MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
CapeNature
General Manager: Advocacy
Petro van Rhyn
pvrhyn@capenature.co.za
071 231 7576
Related News
Picking a wildflower? Everyday choices can amount to biodiversity crime in Protected Areas
Biodiversity crime is often associated with poaching or illegal wildlife trafficking, but some of the most common offences threatening the Western Cape's environment stem from the everyday actions of ordinary visitors to Protected Areas. Entering Protected Areas without a valid permit, fishing without the required licence, leaving designated hiking trails, picking wildflowers, removing rocks or shells as souvenirs, or disturbing wildlife may seem harmless, but
CapeNature Cubs Club celebrates Kai's second birthday with a day of fun, friendship and recognition
CapeNature's Cubs Club celebrated the second birthday of its beloved mascot, Kai the Leopard Cub, on Thursday, 16 July 2026, at Helderberg Nature Reserve, bringing together children, families, and partners for a day of fun and environmental celebration. The special occasion welcomed children from three orphanages – Goeie Hoop, Hope & Light, and Heartlands Baby Sanctuary – who were given the opportunity to join in the festivities and experience a day
World Seabird Day calls attention to public role in responding to ongoing avian influenza threat affecting birds
As the world marks World Seabird Day today, members of the public are urged to remain vigilant as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, continues to affect birds across South Africa, including seabirds along the Western Cape coastline. HPAI is a serious disease affecting birds and can result in significant mortality, particularly among wild bird populations. Members of the public are
The perfect time for a family escape into nature
Winter in the Western Cape is often misunderstood. While many people think of it as a season best spent indoors, it is actually one of the most rewarding times to slow down, reconnect, and take a short break close to home. For domestic travellers, especially families planning around the school holidays, winter offers the ideal opportunity to step away from routine without the stress of long travel or high-season crowds. It is a chance to rediscover what is right on your doorstep.
Newly discovered species named after CapeNature Ecologist, Dr Martine Jordaan
A newly described Paradiplozoon species has been named after CapeNature Fauna Ecologist, Dr Martine Jordaan, in recognition of her knowledge and passion for the aquatic life of the Cape Fold Ecoregion, continuous enthusiasm to study the region's fishes and understanding their parasitofauna. The newly identified species – Paradiplozoon jordaanae – is named after Dr Jordaan.