Roseau, Dominica: The Caribbean Island of Dominica has declared plans to establish the world’s first-ever sperm whale reserve. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit revealed that an area measuring almost 800 sq km (300 sq miles) off the island’s western coast would be designated as a sanctuary, with strict measures in place to safeguard the endangered mammals.
The newly announced reserve aims to protect a crucial nursing and feeding ground for the approximately 200 sperm whales that inhabit the waters surrounding Dominica. Prime Minister Skerrit emphasized the importance of preserving these marine giants, referring to them as “prized citizens of Dominica” with a history likely predating human arrival on the island.
“Sperm whales are majestic and highly intelligent animals that call our seas home. We want to ensure they are safe from harm and continue contributing to the health of our waters and climate,” stated Prime Minister Skerrit during the official announcement.
Sperm whales boast one of the broadest global distributions among marine mammal species, being spotted in deep waters ranging from the Arctic and Antarctic to equatorial regions. However, the sea off Dominica stands out as one of the rare locations where the species can be found consistently throughout the year.
The newly established reserve will enforce a ban on commercial fishing activities within its boundaries, aiming to mitigate threats to the whales. However, artisanal fishing will be permitted under sustainable practices that ensure the safety of the marine mammals. The reserve also introduces regulations to manage tourism activities, allowing tourists to view and swim with the whales from boats while imposing restrictions on the number of participants.
In an effort to minimize disturbances to the sperm whales, large ships will be required to navigate through designated ocean corridors, avoiding the areas vital to the species’ well-being. The implementation of these protective measures reflects Dominica’s commitment to marine conservation and responsible ecotourism, setting a significant precedent for global efforts to safeguard endangered marine species and their habitats.
