Dolphin and Whale Research Centre
Study dolphins, whales and seals off South Africa's south coast
The primary mission of the DWRC is to gather information on all marine mammals inhabiting the Western Indian Ocean evolving from a need to expand our knowledge of southern African, coastal and pelagic marine mammals, in light of the continued and increasing degradation of our environment. The coordinator, Dr Vic Cockroft, is a world renowned marine scientist with expertise in the field of dolphins and whales along the east Africa coast.
- Cetacean dorsal fin identification
- Dolphin and whale studies
- Cape Fur Seal research project
- Work with local NGO's and fishermen
- Lectures in marine biology
- Educate local children about marine wildlife
- Teach children how to read English
- Robberg peninsula hikes and land based studies
Conservation Value
Having contributed over 200 publications to scientific research, the centre works alongside the goals and aims of the World Conservation Union and Species Survival Commission with each study adhering to a specific criteria and dedicated use of results.
Dolphin sighting
Volunteers at the centre record dolphin sightings and identify dolphins based on their dorsal fin profile
Whale fin
During the whale season the project also studies whales in detail.
Gathering data
Volunteers gathering data on the boats
Township project
Volunteers participate in a township project,taking local kids to the beach and educating them about marine conservation
Beach stranding
The centre researches the causes for strandings
Humpback whale
Whale sightings are common between May and October
Plettenberg Bay
The centre is located near scenic Plettenberg Bay
Volunteers out on the boat
Volunteers setting off in the boat to gather data
Volunteer house
The volunteer house is a cozy cabin next to an elephant sanctuary
volunteer accommodation
Typical bedroom in the volunteer house
Work with the Wildlife
Join Vic and his team, learn field and lab based analysis techniques, and assist in boat and land based survey projects including:
- Bottlenose and humpback dolphin dorsal fin identification using photo-identification techniques. Mapping individuals to assess population size, movement patterns, individual and group associations, home range and habitat preference.
- Humpback whale studies during their annual migration from May to January. Southern hemisphere humpback whales were hunted extensively until the mid-20th century and their numbers were drastically reduced. Individuals are photographically identified, their songs are recorded, and biopsies are taken for DNA analysis to research familial relationships, their migratory paths and group dynamics.
- Byrde whale population size and dynamics including genetic relatedness are studied.
- Cape Fur Seals on the Robberg peninsula were hunted for their fur and the population eradicated by 1908. Reappearance occurred in the 1990’s with numbers now exceeding 3000 in the breeding season. This research project scientifically investigates local fishermen’s claim of seal-induced reduction of their target fish species through studies of seal feeding behaviour and diet by lab analysis of sea scats. The centre works closely with Cape Nature Conservation and local fishermen.
- Land based surveys involve hikes on the Robberg peninsula, snorkelling and rock pool studies.
- Lectures on evolution, cetacean physiology and anatomy, biodiversity, moon phases, tides, wind and the ocean.
Through community initiatives the centre aims to observe, conserve and educate to pass their knowledge on via:
- Community township project to educate local children about marine wildlife and assist with beach clean ups. As a volunteer you can help children at a previously disadvantaged primary school learn how to read English and teach science to a local High School.
Hear from other volunteers who've visited The Dolphin and Whale Research Centre
Charlotte KimberStudying the behaviour and identifying individuals by their dorsal fin notches and scars, we recorded bottlenose and humpback dolphins and a rare sighting of the common dolphin. This adventure has changed my life in so many ways; I am now living in South Africa at the centre and everyday I can pass on the most exciting experiences that I had to other volunteers