Background:
The Wider Caribbean is one of the most biodiverse regions for cetaceans, home to over 33 documented species—more than a third of the world’s known whales and dolphins. Despite this, large data gaps persist, particularly around Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao (ABC islands), where long-term monitoring is limited. This lack of research hinders conservation and leaves vulnerable species at risk from increasing threats like habitat degradation, harassment, and maritime traffic.
The Caribbean Cetacean Society (CCS) addresses these challenges with:
- Over five years of standardized monitoring across 20+ islands;
- Leadership of the Caribbean’s largest multi-species cetacean research program;
- Deep scientific expertise, including marine biodiversity, law, and conservation management;
- Regional leadership in global initiatives such as the IUCN MMPA Task Force and the UN Ocean Decade;
- A proven ability to collaborate with governments, train stakeholders, and drive regional conservation action.
Mission:
This third expedition to Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao aims to advance standardized, science-based cetacean research and conservation across the region. By generating robust data, empowering local stakeholders, and supporting the establishment of marine mammal sanctuaries, the project contributes to national and global biodiversity goals.
Key objectives include:
- Gathering data on cetacean diversity, abundance, and movement using International Whaling Commission (IWC) protocols;
- Studying the vocal clans and social structures of sperm whales through acoustic and visual methods;
- Training local NGOs, fishers, rangers, and officials, and equipping them for long-term monitoring efforts;
- Supporting marine spatial planning and the development of sanctuaries aligned with the Yarari Marine Mammal Sanctuary, 30x30 global targets, and national biodiversity strategies;
- Promoting community involvement through participatory science, hands-on learning, and sustainable marine ecotourism.
Research Impacts & Applications:
The standardized data collected during this expedition will provide valuable insights into cetacean populations and the threats they face in the ABC islands. These findings have the potential to inform marine spatial planning efforts, contribute to management strategies for the Yarari Marine Mammal and Shark Sanctuary in Bonaire, and support ongoing discussions around the possible creation of marine mammal sanctuaries or blue corridors in Aruba and Curaçao.
