Dominica Parliament Approves Historic Bill to Establish World’s First Sperm Whale Reserve
Dominica has made history with the passage of the Sperm Whale Reserve Bill, 2025, which formally establishes the world’s first marine reserve dedicated to the protection of sperm whales and the sustainable management of marine resources.
The legislation, which was approved by the Parliament during its October 14, 2025 sitting gives legal effect to the Government’s 2023-2024 budget commitment to create a national framework for the conservation and sustainable use of the country’s marine environment.
Minister for Agriculture, Blue and Green Economy Hon. Roland Royer hailed the passage of the Bill as “a historic milestone in our nation’s journey toward marine conservation and sustainable development,” and “a clear demonstration of Dominica’s unwavering commitment to the long-term sustainability of our resident sperm whale population, a globally significant and majestic species that calls our waters home.”
He said it reflected the Government’s broader vision and strategic thrust toward building a resilient and inclusive Blue Economy, where the protection of marine biodiversity goes hand in hand with sustainable livelihoods and national pride
The Sperm Whale Reserve spans approximately 1231 square kilometres along Dominica’s western coast, including parts of the island’s territorial sea and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The area will serve as a protected habitat for the island’s resident sperm whale population, one of the few in the world, and will regulate activities such as whale watching, diving, recreational fishing, marine research and eco-tourism to ensure a low-carbon, high-value model of ocean-based development.
Under the Act, a Sperm Whale Reserve Board will oversee the governance and management of the Reserve, supported by a Sperm Whale Reserve Office within the Ministry responsible for the Blue and Green Economy. The Office will be staffed by a Chief Whale Officer and Reserve Rangers responsible for daily operations, enforcement and implementation of the Reserve’s management plan.
The legislation also establishes a Sperm Whale Reserve Fund, financed through fixed penalties, Parliamentary appropriations, grants, donations and royalties from regulated activities. The Fund will support conservation, education, enforcement and community engagement initiatives linked to the Reserve.
The Bill outlines strict penalties for any harm or harassment of whales within Dominica’s maritime zones and prohibits activities such as unregulated swim-with-the-whale tours, vessel strikes or pollution within the Reserve’s boundaries. A designated maritime corridor will be established to facilitate safe vessel passage while minimizing disruption to the whale population.
The Sperm Whale Reserve Bill was developed through extensive consultation with local and international experts, including the Environmental Law Institute (ELI), National Geographic Pristine Seas, Dynamic Planet and the Dominica Sperm Whale Project, alongside national stakeholders such as the Ministries of Tourism, Agriculture, Maritime Affairs and the Attorney General’s Chambers.
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