Pioneers of Change
Our Marine Biologists
Alison Towner
Marine biologist DICT, PhD Candidate
Alison graduated from UK’S Bangor University in 2006 with a BSc Hons degree in Marine biology. She joined the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, South Africa, in January 2007 and has remained on site ever since! Alison has worked extensively with the media and her research has been featured with National Geographic, BBC, Discovery channel among various other productions. The latest program Alison co-hosted ‘Air Jaws: The Hunted’ followed the intriguing and unprecedented events of orca predation on white sharks in South Africa.
Oliver Jewell
Past Marine Dynamics Biologist
Born in London, England, Oliver has been in South Africa for the past 4 years after earning a BSc (hons) in Oceanography from the University of Southampton. His first experience with Great White Sharks was similar to many people’s only experience – watching the film Jaws. Since that day, he has been dedicated to learning everything he could about sharks and ways of protecting them.
Michelle Jewell
Past Marine Dynamics Biologist
To Michelle, a born and bred American from Michigan, the sea resembles another planet within Earth where intelligent “extraterrestrial” beings and thriving systems flourish in the depths where there is neither oxygen nor sunlight. “So many of us gaze at the stars in wonder when we should be looking into our oceans!”
Georgia French
Visiting Biologist, UK - University of Sussex
Georgia is involved in biopsies of great white sharks in Gansbaai and visits throughout the year to obtain the necessary data.
Marlena Sturup
Visiting Biologist, UK - University of Sussex
Marlena completed her Masters in Evolutionary Ecology with the University of Copenhagen, DK. She is now a PhD student with the University of Sussex under the supervision of Professor William Hughes.
Simone Rizzuto
PhD student - Stellenbosch University
Simone is a PhD student – Stellenbosch University. “I have always been fascinated by the marine environment and its inhabitants, especially large predators such as sharks and cetaceans (dolphins). For this reason I decided to use this love for sea to make a career of it. Moreover, I really wanted to find out how I could be useful in safeguarding the marine environment against all anthropogenic actions that sadly cause great environmental disasters. That’s why I chose to get a…
Discover more about our shark tour
Conservation Partners
Dyer Island Conservation Trust
Our non-profit arm through which we action our conservation, community, and education projects
African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary
Our world class seabird rescue and rehabilitation facility
Department: Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Governing body for shark cage diving and whale watching, providing research and film permits
Cape Nature
Custodian of the province’s natural environment including Dyer Island
Overstrand Municipality
Delivery of services to support economic, social and environmental goals
Tourism Partners
Fair Trade Tourism
The mark of best practice in responsible and Fair Trade Tourism
SATSA
Southern African Tourism Services Association is a non-profit membership-based tourism industry association
Cape Town Tourism
Official Destination Marketing Organisation for the City of Cape Town
Cape Country Routes
Carefully selected accommodation and activities in South Africa's Western and Eastern Cape
Gansbaai Tourism
The natural adventure destination
Xplorio
The power of community