Dominica to create world’s first sperm whale reserve

Dominica, a small island country in the Caribbean, announced Monday, November 13, the creation of the first sperm whale reserve in the world, banning commercial fishing and the movement of large vessels. This protected area will extend over almost 800 km2 off the west coast of Dominica, approximately the size of the island itself.

“The approximately 200 sperm whales that live in our sea are valuable citizens of Dominica”, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said on Monday. His country hopes to increase its tourist revenues, but also to trap more carbon in the seabed thanks to the biological properties of these cetaceans. Indeed, their excrement is rich in nutrients and promotes the proliferation of plankton which captures carbon dioxide from seawater.

Largest toothed predators on the planet

Sperm whales are the largest toothed predators on the planet, growing up to 16 meters long. Found all over the world, from New Zealand to Iceland, they particularly appreciate the translucent waters of Dominica, ideal for their food and for raising their young. Research by biologist Shane Gero, who has been studying Dominica’s sperm whales since 2005, shows that their population is declining due to ship strikes, accidental fishing and plastic pollution.

A corridor will be dug to allow ships to dock in Roseau, the capital and largest city on the island, Francine Baron, head of an agency for climate resilience in Dominica, told AFP. Boats longer than 18 meters will likely be banned, while small-scale artisanal fishing will remain permitted.