Sperm whales get a refuge of their own

They can be found in every ocean, but today, endangered sperm whales will have a safe haven all their own for the first time, thanks to the island nation of Dominica.

Sperm whales are the largest toothed whales in the world, and were once prolific: pre-whaling, scientists estimate that 2 million of them roamed the waves. Today, their population is less than half that, with only an estimated 800,000 found globally. Female whales typically live in matrilineal social units in the tropics, while adult male sperm whales tend to strike out in groups on their own, migrating towards the poles.

Dominica is home to a population of 35 sperm whale families (~500 individuals) that stick close to the island. Like whales around the globe, Dominica’s sperm whales face threats from vessel strikes, entanglement in fishing gear and pollution.

By creating a new marine protected area–like a national park on land–the country can better protect these ocean-dwelling residents for decades to come. Once implemented, the protected area will have staff devoted to making sure visitors are following rules put in place to protect sperm whales.

Hopefully, decision-makers in the U.S. can take inspiration from this ocean park to the south, and do more to ensure the habitats vital to our most endangered whales are protected in perpetuity.

Read more about this exciting new ocean refuge here.