Spring is also the time that the Southern Right Whales return to our shores around the Cape. Due to the protective shape of the bays surrounding the coastal towns of Hermanus and Gansbaai, these large and gracious ocean mammals feel particularly safe there to bear their calves there during this time. Claudia and her family had the opportunity to experience this marine adventure aboard the ‘Dream Catcher’. This boat is part of the Marine Dynamics fleet, who offer sustainable encounters of the so-called ‘Marine Big 5’.
The low-emission engines of their boats are part of a comprehensive sustainability strategy. Marine Dynamics not only offers exciting encounters with whales, dolphins, penguins, seals and sharks, but its dedicated team has made it its mission to protect the Marine Big 5 and preserve its fragile habitat. In co-operation with marine biologists, it researches the behaviour of sharks and has set up a conservation project for vulnerable penguins. This includes the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary, where sick or injured animals can be rehabilitated. At the same time, the team has announced the fight against sea pollution and has not only banned plastic bottles, straws and bags from boats, but also from its restaurant and souvenir shop. It also regularly organizes beach clean-ups and has so far gathered more than 350 waste-bins worth of washed-up old fishing lines, which no longer threaten the health of the marine population. A sustainability concept is great – but even better to inspire many others with the same idea! With its “Environmental Education Programme” for children and the involvement of many volunteers in its operations, Marine Dynamics does just that. Anyone who has been part of this innovative and forward-thinking team comes away with a fresh mindset on all things ecological. Claudia and her family were only on board for a few fascinating hours and left feeling a significant shift in the way they perceived the marine world.
We look forward to seeing you again soon!
