Year 12 Biology Trip 2024

22nd May 2024

Last Monday, the Year 12s set off for their much anticipated Biology research camp in Gansbaai, which Dr Rat has run for the last three years. This trip presents a unique opportunity to carry out real-life fieldwork techniques that students study during the AS level course, and it is an amazing opportunity to explore the field of marine conservation in the so-called ‘Shark Town’.

We investigated the abundance of mud prawns along different sites of the estuary and gathered data regarding all the different abiotic factors that could affect these results. Led by two amazing marine biologists, Amy and Ettienne from Marine Dynamics, we learned so much about how the scientific process is used in real life, as well as the conservation concerns affecting not only the waters of Gansbaai but our seas in general.

But the trip was not all hard work, we were treated to some fun too! We embarked on an unforgettable Marine Big 5 safari, where we were lucky enough to encounter a massive pod of friendly common dolphins, a shy Bryde whale, thousands of Cape fur seals with their pups, and a few of the last African penguins situated on Dyer island. Unfortunately, we did not see any sharks, but we learned all about the ‘Great White Shark’ phenomenon in Gansbaai and heard a few interesting theories about why they have left these waters in the past few years.

We visited the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary where we learned all about the highly endangered African penguin that we all take for granted here in Cape Town. We were incredibly lucky to meet some of the sanctuary’s newest arrivals, as well as some of their residents who unfortunately cannot be released back onto Dyer Island. Resident veterinarian, Anna-Maria surprised us all with the opportunity to watch a necropsy of a juvenile wild cat in the area that was unfortunately hit by a car. We were able to see all the different organs that we studied, and it was incredible to see all the different components in such a small body.

A huge thank you to Maria from Youth For Conservation for organising this trip for us, alongside our incredible Biology teacher Dr Rat. We are so grateful that we were able to experience the magical field of Biology outside of the classroom, and I’m certain that it has ignited a passion for conservation in at least a few of us. Thanks to Mr Jadezweni for assisting us with the fieldwork and for being our 5-star bus driver.

– By Cara-Claire