In a groundbreaking initiative, the idyllic Caribbean island of Dominica is set to establish the world’s inaugural marine protected area dedicated to the conservation of one of Earth’s largest and endangered creatures: the sperm whale.

The government has declared that an expansive stretch of approximately 300 square miles (800 square kilometres) of azure waters on the western side of the island, serving as crucial nursing and feeding grounds, will be formally designated as a reserve.

This visionary move not only aims to safeguard the majestic sperm whales but also holds the potential to address the pressing issue of climate change.

Sperm whales, fascinatingly, excrete near the ocean surface as a consequence of shutting down non-essential bodily functions during their remarkable dives to depths reaching up to 10,000 feet (3,000 meters). This unique behaviour results in nutrient-rich excrement lingering on the ocean surface, fostering plankton blooms. These blooms, in turn, play a vital role in capturing atmospheric carbon dioxide and transporting it to the ocean floor upon their demise.

Shane Gero, a prominent whale biologist and the founder of the Dominica Sperm Whale Project, asserts that sperm whales in Dominica exhibit a higher frequency of defecation compared to their counterparts elsewhere, making their protection even more critical.

The reasons behind the increased defecation in Dominica remain uncertain. Gero speculates that it could be attributed to a higher consumption of prey or possibly a distinctive aspect of the squid species in their diet. The sperm whales in the eastern Caribbean, including those around Dominica, constitute a unique population that exhibits limited migratory patterns, in contrast to their counterparts in other regions.

The sperm whales in the waters surrounding Dominica face various threats, including collisions with ships, entanglement in fishing gear, and the impacts of agricultural runoff, all of which jeopardise their survival.

With an estimated population of fewer than 500 individuals in the region, safeguarding this matrilineal society becomes imperative, particularly if the birth rate of female calves is low. Sperm whales, with a reproductive cycle spanning five to seven years, are particularly vulnerable to external pressures.

Historically, the global sperm whale population faced severe declines due to widespread whaling, with an estimated 2 million individuals inhabiting Earth’s deep waters before the era of whaling. Now, only around 800,000 sperm whales remain, underscoring the urgency of conservation efforts.

Dominica’s government emphasises that the proposed marine reserve will not only facilitate sustainable artisanal fishing but will also establish an international shipping lane to mitigate collisions with sperm whales, notable for possessing the largest brain among all animal species, growing up to an impressive 50 feet (15 meters).

Upon the establishment of the reserve, the government pledges to appoint a dedicated officer and observers to ensure adherence to regulations, especially concerning whale tourism. While visitors will still have the opportunity to witness sperm whales either by swimming with them or observing from boats, strict limitations will be imposed to preserve the delicate balance of this marine ecosystem.

This ambitious initiative has garnered praise from the scientific and conservation communities, with figures like Enric Sala, an explorer-in-residence at National Geographic, commending Dominica’s commitment to marine conservation.

An estimated 35 families of sperm whales, some possibly exceeding 60 years in age, currently call the waters around Dominica home, communicating through intricate clicking sounds in a vocalisation known as codas.

Dominica’s pioneering efforts stand as a testament to the intersection of environmental stewardship, scientific understanding, and the preservation of Earth’s awe-inspiring biodiversity.