By Victoria Oliver
Amidst the economic turmoil of late nineties South Africa, Wilfred Chivell found himself at a crossroads. Undeterred by the prevailing skepticism, he chose to pursue his dream, fueled by a deep-rooted passion for marine wildlife and an intimate knowledge of the Dyer Island ecosystem.
Guided by his unwavering vision, Wilfred embarked on a unique journey. He first obtained a whale-watching permit, establishing Dyer Island Cruises in 2000. This was just the beginning. In 2005, he further diversified his portfolio by acquiring the Shark Cage Diving Operator Marine Dynamics.
Wanting to provide visitors with a world-class shark cage diving experience, Wilfred could not find a suitable boat on the market that could offer clients maximum comfort and an unforgettable experience. He tried to set a new standard. That is when he met his partner Susan, who owned a company that designed and produced custom-made joinery and was the project manager of various building projects. Susan’s unique skills and understanding of Wilfred’s vision gave life to their joint projects, including initially Whale Whisperer, the whale-watching vessel, and later on Slashfin, which is undoubtedly the most impressive shark-viewing vessel in the industry. This very successful collaboration led to Susan becoming Wilfred’s business partner and life partner.
Wilfred’s influence on the shark cage diving industry was profound, as he spearheaded specific conservation projects. Recognizing the lack of data on the white shark population, his first initiative focused on capturing photos of dorsal fins. This pioneering effort was a significant stride towards a comprehensive study of the white shark population, instilling hope for their conservation.
Wilfred’s leadership was a catalyst for change, revolutionizing the industry with a strong focus on conservation and research. His efforts extended beyond the shark cage diving industry, encompassing protecting and preserving the endangered African penguin colony on Dyer Island and other marine species of the wider Dyer Island area. Wilfred Chivell’s unyielding dedication and commitment to the marine world not only transformed a personal passion into a thriving enterprise but also left an indelible mark on marine wildlife conservation, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps.
A Force for Sustainable Development
In 2006, Wilfred’s dedication to marine life culminated in the establishment of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT). This trust, a testament to his lifelong commitment, not only funds and supports local marine conservation and research programs but also plays a pivotal role in fostering community-driven eco-tourism within the Western province, offering a beacon of hope for sustainable development. Marine Dynamics aligns its efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), putting emphasis on life below water, life on land, responsible consumption and production, and decent work and economic growth.
Creating Ambassadors for Marine Life
Marine Dynamics has grown into a thriving tourism hub, encompassing the Great White House Restaurant hub, the Marine Dynamics Academy, and shark and whale tours. Sustainability is at the heart of Marine Dynamics’ operations. By choosing to experience their tours, individuals actively contribute to the vital work being done to protect and preserve the marine ecosystem. Each visitor becomes an ambassador for marine conservation, spreading awareness and appreciation for the region’s incredible biodiversity.
Activitar: A Partnership Built on Trust and Innovation
Wilfred and Karen met Pierre, CEO of Activitar, at Travel Indaba in Durban in May 2012. Recognising the activity platform’s potential to streamline operations and enhance customer experience, Marine Dynamics went live with Activitar in 2013. The partnership between Marine Dynamics and Activitar has been one of mutual respect and support. Wilfred and Pierre share a long-standing relationship built on trust and innovation.
Cari Roets, Marketing for Marine Dynamics, commented, “We deeply appreciate the dedication of Activitar’s support and development team; they have consistently gone above and beyond to customise the platform to accommodate our unique needs and introduce helpful features to boost operational excellence. Marine Dynamics views Activitar as an extension of our team, where we work collaboratively to achieve shared goals. The level of trust and communication between the two companies is exceptional. The development team at Activitar is commended for their hard work and commitment to understanding and implementing Marine Dynamics’ unique requirements.”
Conclusion
Marine Dynamics’ inspiring story reminds us that individual actions can create a ripple effect of positive change. By choosing to support responsible tourism operators like Marine Dynamics, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future for our oceans and the incredible creatures that inhabit them.
Marine Dynamics’ powerful tagline, “Your choice makes a difference,” resonates deeply. With Activitar, we are honored to be part of that difference, contributing our skills and technology in service to a legacy of conservation and environmental stewardship.
For more information or to visit Marine Dynamics: https://marinedynamics.org