SAWCER is to undertake a conservation project relating to the Heaviside Dolphin located in the surrounding ocean area of Porth Nolloth, South Africa. Port Nolloth was established in 1854 as a small-vessel harbor. In addition to this the town also acts as a railway junction for the copper-mining industry. Port Nolloth is a also at the center of the diamond recovery and the crayfishing industries. It is because of these industries and the absence of any substantial research data of the impact these industries are having on the dolphin species in the area that SAWCER has undertook to establish a presence in this area.

Specifically focusing on the Heaviside dolphin species, the project aims to document various aspects of the Heaviside dolphin species and ensure its protection in the area through local community awareness campaigns. By studying and collecting as much data as possible with regard to the dolphin’s behaviour, including feeding and migration patterns, the impact of fishing, the impact of mining, and identifying threats, SAWCER hopes to gain enough insight into the dolphin species and its environment to benefit both it and the community.