Dominica Creates World’s First Marine Protected Area for Sperm Whales

November 15, 2023

The tiny Caribbean island of Dominica is making history by establishing the world’s first marine protected area dedicated to safeguarding the endangered sperm whale. This groundbreaking initiative aims to protect these magnificent creatures while also contributing to the fight against climate change.

Protecting the Endangered Sperm Whale

Dominica’s government recently announced its plan to designate nearly 300 square miles (800 square kilometers) of pristine royal blue waters on the island’s western side as a marine reserve. These waters serve as crucial nursing and feeding grounds for sperm whales, and this reserve will play a vital role in ensuring their safety.

Sperm Whales and Climate Change

One of the remarkable aspects of sperm whales is their defecation habits. They release nutrient-rich feces near the ocean’s surface after diving to depths of up to 10,000 feet (3,000 meters). This unique behavior leads to the creation of plankton blooms that capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and transport it to the ocean floor when the plankton dies. Sperm whales in Dominica are known to defecate more than their counterparts in other regions, making them unintentional climate warriors.

The Mystery of Dominica’s Sperm Whales

The exact reasons behind sperm whales defecating more frequently in Dominica remain a mystery. It could be due to increased consumption of food or specific dietary choices, such as squid varieties. Regardless of the cause, these whales are making a significant contribution to mitigating climate change.

A Matrilineal Society at Risk

Dominica is home to fewer than 500 sperm whales, part of a population that primarily inhabits the Lesser Antilles chain, from St. Vincent in the south to Guadeloupe in the north. Unlike sperm whales in other regions, those in the eastern Caribbean tend to stay closer to their home territory. Given their matrilineal society and slow reproduction rate, protecting these whales is crucial for their survival. A single calf can be the future of an entire family, and sperm whales produce offspring every five to seven years.

Challenges Facing Sperm Whales

Sperm whales around Dominica face numerous threats, including ship strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, and pollution from agricultural runoff. This population has faced dramatic declines since the days when 2 million sperm whales roamed the Earth’s oceans, hunted for their oil. Today, only around 800,000 of these magnificent creatures remain.

Dominica’s Commitment to Conservation

The government of Dominica is committed to establishing a sustainable marine reserve that allows for artisanal fishing while also creating an international shipping lane to reduce the risk of ship-related incidents. This initiative demonstrates the government’s dedication to protecting these remarkable creatures and their vital habitat. In addition, the reserve will have designated officers and observers to ensure that regulations for whale tourism are enforced. Visitors will still have the opportunity to swim with sperm whales and observe them from boats, albeit in limited numbers.

Global Recognition

The creation of Dominica’s marine protected area for sperm whales has garnered praise from scientists and conservationists worldwide. Enric Sala, an explorer-in-residence at National Geographic, commended Dominica for recognizing the importance of preserving these whales as part of their natural heritage.

A Unique Community

Approximately 35 families of sperm whales spend most of their time in the waters surrounding Dominica. Some of these whales are estimated to be over 60 years old, and they communicate through clicking sounds known as codas. Dominica’s commitment to protecting this unique community of whales is a testament to their dedication to environmental conservation.

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