Dyer Island Cruises is currently assisting CapeNature with a penguin nest project on Dyer Island. African penguins used to burrow into the soft guano (bird manure) on the island to nest. The guano was removed in the mid 1800’s and early 1900’s and used as fertilizer. The penguins are now struggling to find shelter from predators like kelp gulls for their eggs and chicks. In January 2005 Dyer Island Cruises constructed 30 artificial nests and transported them to the island aboard Whale Whisperer. Within a few days several of the nests had already been occupied. They are being monitored by CapeNature employees on the island.