YOUR FUTURE BEGINS HERE - Volunteer Intern Guide PROGRAM PROSPECTUS - Marine Dynamics
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PRO G R A M PRO SP EC T US Volunteer Intern Guide YOUR FUTURE BEGINS HERE Fostering excellence in marine research, conservation and outreach for over a decade
M A R I N E DY N A M I C S AC A D E M Y P RO G R A M P RO S P EC T U S DYER ISLAND Close to the southern tip of Africa, Map of Africa Dyer Island and the surrounding ocean is a critically important eco-system and home to the Marine Big 5. Dyer Island is home to breeding colonies of the endangered African penguin and fifteen other seabirds. About 60 000 Cape Fur Seals are resident on Geyser Rock opposite the island and they attract a population of Great White Sharks. The many sheltered areas of the bay provide the 8.5km breeding ground for the Southern Right Whales that migrate here from the sub-Antarctic islands between June to December each year. The area is also visited by Bryde’s and Humpback Whales as well as various dolphin species – Dyer Island mostly common, Indo-pacific bottlenose and the Dyer Island endangered humpback dolphins. Geyser Rock South Africa MARINE BIG 5 SHARKS WHALES DOLPHINS SEALS PENGUINS Great White Southern Right Common Cape Fur Seal African Penguin Bronzer Whaler Humpback Humpback Bryde’s Bottlenose Orca
M A R I N E DY N A M I C S AC A D E M Y P RO G R A M P RO S P EC T U S THE MARINE DYNAMICS ACADEMY Marine Dynamics Academy is based in Each program has been designed to ensure that We provide logistical, marketing and financial Gansbaai, South Africa. We are part of the regardless of who you are and where you’re from, support to the Dyer Island Conservation Trust. we can help turn your passion for the marine award winning Marine Dynamics group. environment into measurable, employable skills Daily observational data by our onboard marine We utilise ecotourism to further marine research and knowledge. biologists is crucial to the scientific research and conservation goals. The overriding goal of objectives. Throughout our operation, we the Marine Dynamics Academy, is to give people Award winning Marine Dynamics Tours and sister company Dyer Island Cruises are leaders continually identify gaps in marine conservation who love the marine environment a chance to in responsible shark cage diving and whale watch knowledge, education and awareness in our area. immerse themselves within it, developing skills and experiences which they can use to enhance ing. Certified by Fair Trade Tourism since 2008, our companies are recognised worldwide for our As a volunteer or intern, you play a critical their own careers and life goals. commitment to sustainable tourism, winning role, helping us do this invaluable work We offer a series of initiatives which are awards for Responsible Tourism and best marine and protecting the Dyer Island ecosystem informed and continuously updated by the experience. We educate 35000 visitors every feedback we receive from our Alumni, Academic year and help change negative perceptions of and the marine world off the Cape coast, Institutes and our various commercial partners. the often-misunderstood white shark. for many years to come. FLEET TO U R S MARINE SCIENCE DAY T R I P S
M A R I N E DY N A M I C S AC A D E M Y P RO G R A M P RO S P EC T U S DYER ISLAND CONSERVATION TRUST PROJECTS The Dyer Island Conservation Trust was established in 2006 by Marine Dynamics owner, and passionate conservationist, Wilfred Chivell. The Trust’s mission is to: DISCOVER PROTECT EDUCATE Discover and understand this globally Protect the long-term future of the Educate our partners – local communities, important marine eco-system through species which live here, by translating legislators and visitors – by informing and world-class scientific research this knowledge into evidence-based actively involving them in achieving our conservation initiatives and legislation goals for the benefit of all
AFRICAN PENGUIN CONSERVATION – NESTS / APSS African penguin conservation includes a nest project providing critical protection to the penguins during their fledgling stage. South Africa’s endemic penguin species would normally burrow into their mass deposits of guano but sadly, this was stripped by man over many decades and used for agricultural fertiliser. GREAT WHITE SHARK RESEARCH We participate in all top level conversations related The seas around Dyer Island have one of the to the African Penguin Biodiversity Management most accessible populations of great white sharks Plan – this includes the habitat working group in the world, creating a rare opportunity for our and oil disaster strategy planning. APSS is visited marine biologists to conduct invaluable research by at least 20 000 people every year who observe from our eco-tourism vessels and dedicated feeding time on a screen with no disturbance to the research boats. birds in our care. In 2015 the Trust opened its own rehabilitation facility in Gansbaai – the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary, known as APSS. With a fully equipped lab and a vet on standby, injured, oiled or ill birds can immediately be treated thereby increasing their survival rate. Penguins are released on or close to their home colony of Dyer Island. Our studies include tagging and tracking, behavioural surveys, wound healing, environmental parameter monitoring as well as daily observational data – fin identification for population studies helps assess this vulnerable species. Our senior shark biologist, Alison Towner, is part of the White Shark Research Group in South Africa. We are the only group tagging and tracking great white sharks in Gansbaai and have an array of acoustic receivers in the Bay.
BRUV MARINE ANIMAL RESCUES (BAITED REMOTE UNDERWATER VIDEO SYSTEMS) The Trust is the first port of call for marine animal BRUVs are a non-invasive way to observe marine rescues in the area. We have an expert team and species in their natural habitat. This data helps dedicated recovery vessels. Necropsies are done on us to investigate the diversity, distribution, and site, and samples provided to various scientific studies. abundance of sharks around Dyer Island, and contributes to similar studies around South Africa helping drive decisions on marine protected areas. DEEP Our Education program, known as DEEP, works with dedicated groups of young learners and runs for three years to monitor and evaluate the impact and growth of each and every individual learner. These young learners are exposed to the field of science and conservation that serves as a forerunner for future skills training. Besides this, the Trust’s outreach programmes reach thousands more learners. MARK/RECAPTURE MARINE POLLUTION This is a long-term collaborative marine Marine pollution efforts include our unique fishing environmental project with the Oceanographic line bin project that is along the South African Research Institute (ORI). The overall aim is coastline, and monthly beach clean ups. We have ensuring the wise and sustainable use of southern collected thousands of kilometres of fishing line. Africa’s marine linefish resources. Tagging of fish species supports studies of stock identification, migrations, behaviour, age, and mortality rates.
ESTUARY MONITORING SEABIRD AND SHOREBIRD MONITORING A consistent monitoring programme of the Uilenkraalsmond Estuary helps in assessing the Assessing distribution and population to health of this important system and is essential support studies. A South African Seabird Centre is to our understanding of the important role in the planning phase. wetlands play in the ecosystem. CETACEAN STUDIES We monitor distribution of whales and dolphins in the area and support various studies, notably the South African humpback dolphin population count. Non-invasive samples are collected from southern right whales for genetic studies and diet. We support the annual aerial survey of southern right whales. SHARK EGG PROJECT The collection of shark egg cases on designated beaches helps identify species distribution and breeding timing of smaller shark species.
M A R I N E DY N A M I C S AC A D E M Y P RO G R A M P RO S P EC T U S PROGRAM OVERVIEW We offer three programs suited to all individuals MARINE VOLUNTEER Time: Minimum of 2 weeks or more. Starts on a and mutually beneficial relationship. Our volunteer program has been Fair Trade Monday (Recommended 4 weeks to experience all Tourism certified since 2016. We place a great the learnership has to offer) Assist with data collection across our broad deal of emphasis on community education and fleet of marine research and eco-tourism boats, participate in various expos and open days, Open to anyone with an interest in marine. Our gaining experience that can help you further your notably the Hermanus Whale Festival at the end mission is to inspire our volunteers to make a own interest in the marine environment. of September. difference in the world around them by providing them with life-changing opportunities and Many opportunities to get up close and personal experiences, and creating awareness that eco- with the great white shark and bronze whaler tourism, conservation, community, research sharks (copper sharks), as well as southern right and education can all dovetail into a sustainable and humpback whales in season.
M A R I N E DY N A M I C S AC A D E M Y P RO G R A M P RO S P EC T U S COMMUNITY EDUCATION BEACH CLEAN UPS Participate in SHARK Data capture BOAT / educational shows WHALE BOAT SNORKEL Shark cage diving, Support of guest Kelp dives experience, data capturing, operational support to team TALKS White Shark Biology and ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION Research, African penguins, Marine mammal species, Work with local students Company and conservation overview, Rocky shores ecology, Boat safety plus more OBSERVATIONAL AFRICAN PENGUIN DATA AND SANCTUARY Data capturing on board. Support of other research Cleaning, fish preparation, activities assisting at feeding times FISHING LINE SHARK EGG BINS COLLECTION Assembly, cleaning and monitoring
M A R I N E DY N A M I C S AC A D E M Y P RO G R A M P RO S P EC T U S SCIENTIFIC SKILLS BASED INTERNSHIP Time: 4 week skills based internship. First Monday of each month INTERN Monday’s to Friday - Intern specific tasks. Weekends - Interns help on A series of exclusive, high level academic and field-based skills the commercial vessels as assistant biologists with data collection and training modules for marine science undergraduates and recent photo ID responsibilities and assist at the African Penguin and Seabird graduates. It’s open for all students within the natural science, Sanctuary. We have a dedicated fleet of vessels from which we conduct biology fields. Between ecological studies and utilisation of research and handle animal rescues. upcoming technologies, our emphasis is on providing students with experiences that will help further them along their chosen career paths. We are affiliated with various Universities worldwide.
M A R I N E DY N A M I C S AC A D E M Y P RO G R A M P RO S P EC T U S PROJECT PLACEMENTS KEY SKILLS LECTURES Should your University require you to do a project, Oral presentations, Biology and ecology short courses are available upon request. scientific discussions, of SA marine species. peer review training, Research, methods, Ideally for students that have participated in our BOAT communication, sampling and data skills internship program. BASED DATA TAGGING AND scientific guiding, management. COLLECTION TRACKING These include but are not limited to: critical thinking Climate and Assist guiding biologist and team weather ID and acoustic (where work • BRUV with detailed data collection possible) of coastal shark on the daily shark dive and species. Data used for ongoing • Mark/Recapture whale watching boats. movement ecology studies • Intertidal • Estuary monitoring • Seabirds SEABIRD REHABILITATION VIDEOGRAPHY TRAINING • Marine pollution Assist expert staff on handling and Baited remote underwater • Cetaceans feeding injured birds at the African video (BRUV) Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary • Tourism (APSS). • Marketing PHOTOGRAPHIC SPECIES MEASUREMENTS IDENTIFICATION Introduction to laser stereo Methods and analytical STATISTICAL and 3D photogrammetry software training. TRAINING ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AT Introduction to THE LOCAL ESTUARY ‘R’. Applied data workshops. Introduction to sampling with a YSI combined with bird species surveys.
Time: 4 weeks Comprehensive training and development for prospective guides, wishing to conduct dedicated coastal and marine environment tours. or gain experience. Marine Dynamics Academy will administer your membership and qualification through the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA), providing you with an opportunity to qualify and register as a legal guide. All learning materials are provided including workbooks and manuals. Our highly qualified FGASA trainer, Grant Hine, will do the final practical assessment. During the course you are assessed on workbook, presentation, theory, practical and formative models. Coastal- Marine Historical Human Guiding Skills Habitation of the coastal environment, Marine Conservation The Coastal-Marine Environment, MARINE AND COASTAL GUIDING Management. Coastal Geology Astronomy, Weather and Climate Coastal-Marine Birds, Marine Mammals, Marine Marine Animal behaviour Ecology, Marine Taxonomy, Sea Plants, Coastal and Marine invertebrates, Amphibians, Marine Reptiles, Marine Fish
M A R I N E DY N A M I C S AC A D E M Y P RO G R A M P RO S P EC T U S THE TEAM We have over thirty scientific papers generated from our team of dedicated marine biologists. We have an expert crew of skippers, boat staff, diving instructors and dedicated programme coordinators who will ensure your stay is memorable. Together our team has tens of thousands of hours of scientific and practical experience over a wide selection of disciplines. MARINE BIOLOGISTS DICT/APSS TEAM VOLUNTEER/GUIDE TEAM SKIPPERS • Alison Towner • Theanette Staal • Marie Botha • Hennie Otto (Manager) • Kelly Baker • Xolani Lawo • Hennie Odendal • Jan du Toit • Ralph Watson • Mervin Visagie • Ettiene Roets • Francois Swart • Toby Rogers • Trudi Malan • Grant Hine • Shaun van Tonder • Pinkey Ngewu For our various projects, we work in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Affairs, CapeNature, Overstrand Municipality, and Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit, amongst others. We are affiliated with national and international Universities. We host many visiting biologists and have access to scientific advisors and experts in the field, some of who are listed below. • Dr Malcolm Smale • Dr Els Vermeulen • Michelle Bradshaw • Dr Krpasha Govindasamy • Prof. Susan Dippenaar • Meredith Thornton • Dr Judy Mann • David ‘Ed’ Edwards • Dr Simon Elwen • Dr Lizeth Botes • Dr Barry Bousfield
M A R I N E DY N A M I C S AC A D E M Y P RO G R A M P RO S P EC T U S DIVING THE GREAT WHITE HOUSE NAUI is dedicated to providing the most comprehensive All boat trips are managed from the Great White House. and safest diver training available in the world. With a restaurant and curio shop on site and impressive whale and dolphin skeletons on display, this is the hub of all our activity. “Dive Safety Through Education” Monthly marine evenings are held here where you will enjoy a talk by is more than just a motto; it’s how NAUI professionals combine safety and invited speakers active in the world of marine conservation. fun into an adventure for a lifetime. NAUI divers join a larger community of explorers and adventurers who share a passion for discovery and engagement with the world around them. Join one of Marine Dynamics Academy’s qualified NAUI dive instructors for a NAUI accredited SCUBA diving course. This course requires a minimum four weeks stay and is an optional extra. Cost includes registration, the e-learning package (done prior to arrival), all equipment and dives. Medical approval required prior to arrival. Enjoy Kelp dives, blue and mako shark diving, research dives.
M A R I N E DY N A M I C S AC A D E M Y P RO G R A M P RO S P EC T U S M A R I N E DY N A M I C S AC A D E M Y 2 0 1 9 P RO G R A M P RO S P EC T U S ACCOMMODATION & PROGRAM ACCOMMODATION Accommodation is at the Marine Volunteer Center. There are four cottages for volunteers and a house for interns. It is a shared sleeping arrangement. Bedding is provided and our water is safe to drink. All facilities have a mini kitchen, but most prefer to gather in the central kitchen with adjacent dining room and sitting room. There is a lecture room and work space as well as a pool where diving courses take place. There is an activity hall with weights and table tennis. Also enjoy a pool table and foosball and there is a variety of board games. Wi-Fi and satellite TV are available. The lodge is just 1,4km from our operation and whilst we have two mini buses that move volunteers daily, it is also an easy walk or cycle away. Recycling is a priority at the lodge. PROGRAM INCLUSIONS EXCLUSIONS • Cape Town Transfers • Flights • Accommodation • Visas • Some branded clothing - tshirts, • Excursions jacket, Boots • Basic breakfast and lunch ingredients • Visit to the Two Oceans Aquarium • Boat trips • Talks *Pricing on request
M A R I N E DY N A M I C S AC A D E M Y P RO G R A M P RO S P EC T U S EXCURSIONS No sea days mean we get to explore local places, enjoying South African experiences. TRIPS MAY INCLUDE: • Cape Agulhas • Horse riding • Danger Point Lighthouse • Visit to Panthera Africa • Wine tasting • Stony Point penguin colony • Klipgat Caves • Hiking • Zip lining • Kelp Diving • Quad biking *Excursion costs are not included in the programme.
M A R I N E DY N A M I C S AC A D E M Y P RO G R A M P RO S P EC T U S M A R I N E DY N A M I C S AC A D E M Y 2 0 1 9 P RO G R A M P RO S P EC T U S ACADEMIC PUBLICATIONS SHARKS individual preferences for hunting strategies in (Carcharodon carcharias) global perspectives on Vinding, K., Bester, M., Kirkman, S. P., Chivell, W. & white sharks. Functional Ecology, 30(8), 1397-1407. the biology and life history of the white shark. Elwen, S. H. (2015) The use of data from a platform Jewell, O. J., Gleiss, A. C., Jorgensen, S. J., In Domeier, M. L., editor, Global Perspectives on of opportunity (whale watching) to study coastal Andrzejaczek, S., Moxley, J. H., Beatty, S. J., Chapple, T. K., Gleiss, A. C., Jewell, O. J., Wikelski, the Biology and Life History of the White Shark, cetaceans on the southwest coast of South Africa. Wikelski, M., Block, B. A. & Chapple, T. K. (2019) M., & Block, B. A. (2015) Tracking sharks without chapter 6, pages 77-84. CRC Press. Tourism in Marine Environments, 11(1), 33-54. Cryptic habitat use of white sharks in kelp forest teeth: a non-invasive rigid tag attachment for large revealed by animal-borne video. Biology letters, predatory sharks. Animal Biotelemetry, 3(1), 14. Towner, A.V. (2012) Great White Sharks PENGUINS 15(4), 20190085. Dureuil, M., Towner, A. V., Ciolfi, L. G., & Beck, (Carcharodon carcharias) in Gansbaai, South Africa: L. A. (2015) A computer-aided framework for Environmental influences and changes over time: Waller, L. (2011) The African Penguin (Spheniscus Huveneers, C., Apps, K., Becerril-García, E. E., demersus): Conservation and Management subsurface identification of white shark pigment 2007–2011. MSc Thesis, University of Cape Town. Bruce, B., Butcher, P. A., Carlisle, A. B., Chapple, T. Issues. PhD Thesis, University of Cape Town. K., Christiansen, H. M., Cliff, G., Curtis, T. H., Daly- patterns. African journal of marine science, 37(3), Jewell, O. J., Wcisel, M. A., Gennari, E., Towner, Engel, T. S., Dewar, H., Dicken, M. L., Domeier, M. 363-371. A. V., Bester, M. N., Johnson, R. L. & Singh, S. SEALS L., Duffy, C. A. J., Ford, R., Francis, M. P., French, Jewell, O. J., Wcisel, M. A., Towner, A. V., Chivell, (2011) Effects of smart position only (SPOT) G. C. A., Galván-Magaña, F., García-Rodríguez, E., W., Van der Merwe, L., & Bester, M. N. (2014) tag deployment on white sharks Carcharodon Wcisel, M. A, O’Riain, M. J., De Vos A. & Chivell W. Gennari, E., Graham, B., Hayden, B., Hoyos-Padilla, Core habitat use of an apex predator in a complex carcharias in South Africa. PLoS One, 6(11), e27242. (2014) The role of refugia in reducing predation E. M., Hussey, N. E., Jewell, O. J. D., Jorgensen, S. marine landscape. Marine Ecology Progress Series, risk for Cape fur seals by white. Behavioral ecology Wcisel, M., Chivell, W. & Gottfried, M. D. (2010) and sociobiology, 69(1), 127-138. J., Kock, A. A., Lowe, C. G., Lyons, K., Meyer, L., 506, 231-242. R A potential predation attempt by a great white Oelofse, G., Oñate-González, E. C., Oosthuizen, H., O’Sullivan, J. B., Ramm, K., Skomal, G., Sloan, Jewell, O. J., Johnson, R. L., Gennari, E., & Bester, shark on an Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin. Vinding, K., Christiansen, M., Hofmeyr, G. J., Chivell, S., Smale, M. J., Sosa-Nishizaki, O., Sperone, E., M. N. (2013) Fine scale movements and activity African Journal of Wildlife Research, 40(2), 184-188. W., McBride, R. & Bester, M. N. (2013) Occurrence Tamburin, E., Towner, A. V., Wcisel, M. A., Weng, K. areas of white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) in of vagrant leopard seals, Hydrurga leptonyx, Queiroz, N., Humphries, N.E., Couto, et al (2019) C. & Werry J. M. (2018) Future research directions Mossel Bay, South Africa. Environmental biology of along the South African coast. African Journal of Global spatial risk assessment of sharks under the on the ‘elusive’ white shark. Frontiers in Marine fishes, 96(7), 881-894. Wildlife Research, 43(1), 84-87. footprint of fisheries. Nature Science, 5, 455. Towner, A. V., Wcisel, M. A., Reisinger, R. R., CETACEANS Wcisel, M. A. (2013) The effects white shark French, G. C. A., Stürup, M., Rizzuto, S., Van Wyk, Edwards, D., & Jewell, O. J. (2013) Gauging the presence has on Cape fur seal movements at threat: the first population estimate for white Geyser Rock, South Africa. MSc Thesis, University J. H., Edwards, D., Dolan, R. W., Wintner, S. P., Vermeulen, E., Bouveroux, T., Plön, S., Atkins, S., sharks in South Africa using photo identification of Cape Town. Towner, A. V. & Hughes, W. O. H. (2017) The tooth, Chivell, W., Cockcroft, V., Conry, D., Gennari, E., and automated software. PloS one, 8(6), e66035. the whole tooth and nothing but the tooth: tooth Hörbst, S., James, B. S., Kirkman, S., Penry, G., shape and ontogenetic shift dynamics in the Towner, A. V., Underhill, L. G., Jewell, O. J., & Pistorius, P., Thornton, M., Vargas-Fonseca, A., SEABIRDS white shark Carcharodon carcharias. Journal of fish Smale, M. J. (2013) Environmental influences on Elwen, S. H. & Kirkman, S. (2018) Indian Ocean Cook, T. R., Jewell, O. J., Chivell, W. & Bester, M. N. biology, 91(4), 1032-1047. the abundance and sexual composition of white humpback dolphin (Sousa plumbea) movement (2012) An albino cape cormorant Phalacrocorax sharks Carcharodon carcharias in Gansbaai, South patterns along the South African coast. Aquatic Rogers, T. D., Cambiè, G., & Kaiser, M. J. (2017) capensis. Marine Ornithology, 40, 72-73. Africa. PLoS one, 8(8), e71197. Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems Determination of size, sex and maturity stage of free-swimming catsharks using laser Jewell, O. J. D. (2012) Foraging ecology of white 28(1), 231-240. TURTLES photogrammetry. Marine biology, 164(11), 213. sharks Carcharodon carcharias at Dyer Island, Vermeulen, E., Wilkinson, C., Thornton, M., Peters, Jewell, O. J. D. & Wcisel, M. A. (2012) A leatherback South Africa. MSc Thesis, University of Pretoria. Towner, A. V., Leos‐Barajas, V., Langrock, R., I. & Findley, K. (2017) International Whaling turtle stranding at Danger Point, Gansbaai, South Schick, R. S., Smale, M. J., Kaschke, T., Jewell, O. Towner, A. V., Smale, M. J. & Jewell, O. J. (2012) Commission : South African southern right whale Africa. South African Journal of Wildlife Research. J. & Papastamatiou, Y. P. (2016) Sex‐specific and Boat strike wound healing in the white shark aerial survey. 42(2) 147–150.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela MARINE VOLUNTEER | email. volunteers@marinedynamicstravel.com | phone. +27 (0) 82 459 5128 | address. 5 Geelbek St, Van Dyks Bay, Gansbaai, South Africa SKILLS INTERNSHIP | email. academy@marinedynamicstravel.com | phone. +27 (0) 81 368 5000 | address. 5 Geelbek St, Van Dyks Bay, Gansbaai, South Africa GUIDE TRAINING | email. academy@marinedynamicstravel.com | phone. +27 (0) 76 394 8620 | address. 5 Geelbek St, Van Dyks Bay, Gansbaai, South Africa w w w. m a r i n e d y n a m i c s . c o . z a | w w w. m a r i n e d y n a m i c s . o r g /a c a d e my | w w w. d i c t . o r g . z a
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