The government of Dominica made a significant announcement on Monday, November 13th 2023: it will establish the world’s first marine protected area for the endangered sperm whale. The international media also greatly appreciated the announcement.
The tiny Caribbean island country of Dominica decided to establish this protected area as an initiative to preserve the aquatic life along with the coastal regions of the country.
The sperm whale is one of the largest existing animals on the earth.
It is to be specifically mentioned that approximately 300 square miles ( 800 Square kilometres) of royal blue water on the west coast of the Dominia is known as a major nursing and feeding ground for sperm whales. Now, this western area of the island nation will be designated as a reserve area under the category of a marine protected area.
The international media appreciated this vital step taken by the government of Dominica. This news also took the social media by storm. Almost all the major social media platforms are flooded with posts of appreciation for the government of Dominica.This is being seen as one major step closer to the preservation of the Vital Oceans and its inhabitants.
Roosevelt Skerrit, the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, specifically stated that “the government of Dominica want to make sure the safety of these majestic and highly intelligent animals, we want to ensure these animals are safe from all kinds of harm and continue keeping our waters and climate healthy and pure”.
Scientists community also praised the decision of the Domina’s Government. Scientists claim that this protected marine area will not only protect the animal but it will also help fight against climate change. Some also expressed hopes that this will encourage the other Caribbean countries to make the decision aimed to protect marine life. As per some estimates, less than five hundred whale lives in the surrounding water of Dominica.
Shane Gero, renowned whale biologist and founder of the sperm whale project of Dominica, said that “sperm whales are a matrilineal society; in such society, young males leave and switch the oceans at some point in their lives. As a result, protecting the endangered species is key, especially if few female calves are born.”
