Shark Eco-Tourism and Conservation during Covid-19

Writer & Photographer: Hardus Botha.

No industry has been harder hit than tourism and hospitality and whilst the industry is pushing to reopen boatbased whale watching tours and shark-cage diving on Level 2, Level 3 was just extended,” says Wilfred Chivell, CEO of Marine Dynamics in Gansbaai.

Wilfred is determined to weather the storm as international tourism will likely only resume in 2021. ‘’Unfortunately, we have only a small team of people left who are doing our essential research and conservation work, as well as fundraising, and our marine biologists are doing educational talks and remote intern lessons,” he says. “Some of our marketing people are working all hours to attend relevant tourism webinars and to do live shows, as it is important that we continue to stay relevant and market what we do.”

Marine Dynamics is based at the Great White House in Kleinbaai and is already following Covid-19 protocols for the onsite restaurant.

Click below to read more. (The full article can be found on page 14)