Dominica to Introduce Legislation Establishing Sperm Whale Reserve
The Government of Dominica has announced it will table legislation in Parliament on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, to formally establish the Dominica Sperm Whale Reserve.
The initiative follows the Government’s 2023 decision to designate a protected marine area along Dominica’s west coast, home to one of the world’s few resident populations of sperm whales.
“The creation of the Sperm Whale Reserve is our way of addressing the mounting threats facing these endangered animals from noise pollution to ship strikes. Climate change and unsustainable fishing practices also pose a risk.
“The reserve will serve as a sanctuary that prioritizes marine biodiversity, regulates human activity, and ensures that Dominica continues to be a safe haven for the sperm whales,” Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said at a press conference on Monday.
He said the proposed legislation will introduce a comprehensive management framework for the reserve, including clearly defined navigation protocols and oversight mechanisms to ensure responsible use of the designated area.
“It will also safeguard the livelihoods of local fishers by preserving traditional fishing practices and ensuring that their voices are included in the reserve’s long-term management.
“Furthermore, the Sperm Whale Reserve is expected to significantly enhance Dominica’s position as a premier destination for eco-tourism. By promoting low-impact, high-value marine tourism such as whale watching, scientific research and educational exchanges, we aim to increase economic opportunities for coastal communities while reinforcing our image as the Nature Island of the Caribbean,” the Prime Minister noted.
Prime Minister Skerrit thanked stakeholders who contributed to the development of the policy including National Geographic-Pristine Seas, the Dominica Sperm Whale Project, local communities, fishers and conservation partners.
