Ti Whale An Nou initiative- Cetaceans in the Caribbean
Project Overview:
The Caribbean Cetacean Society’s (CCS) Ti Whale An Nou initiative (“our little whales” in Creole) is a UNESCO-endorsed program aiming to fill data gaps on cetacean biodiversity, build local conservation capacity, and promote inclusive marine protection efforts.
Through visual and acoustic surveys, the expeditions will collect standardized data on species diversity, distribution, threats, and behavior. Photo-ID data will be uploaded to Flukebook for regional collaboration. Local partners, including fishers, NGOs, park authorities, and government agencies, will receive training to support long-term monitoring and the creation of marine mammal sanctuaries.
This work supports broader goals such as 30×30 targets and national biodiversity strategies. By fostering regional cooperation and empowering communities, CCS is shaping a future where marine mammals in the Caribbean are better understood and protected.
Program Partners
- Caribbean Cetacean Society
- World Wide Fund - The Netherlands
Location
- Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, and Cuba
Expected Time Frame
- February - October 2026; Please see map for details
Duration of Expedition
- 2 weeks to a month for each leg
Accommodation Needed
- 7 - 10 Researchers
Expedition parameters listed above are flexible and negotiable.
Caribbean Cetacean Society 2026 Projects
Explore the Caribbean through our interactive map. Hover over each icon to discover ongoing projects and see how your vessel can make an impact.
Jamaica and Cuba Expedition
Location: Jamaica and Cuba
Expected Timeframe: April – October 2026
Length: 30 days
Vessel Needed: Large catamaran or larger motor boat with space for 7 researchers
Caribbean Sea Expedition
Location: Offshore in the Caribbean Sea
Expected Timeframe: March – October 2026
Length:3 months
Vessel Needed: Large catamaran or larger motor boat with space for 7 researchers
Beata Ridge Expedition
Location: Beata Ridge, Dominican Republic
Expected Timeframe: June – October 2026
Length: 15 days
Vessel Needed: Very large motor boat with space for 10 researchers
Haiti Expedition
Location: Haiti
Expected Timeframe: April – July 2026
Length: 15 days
Vessel Needed: Large sailing catamaran or larger motor boat with space for 7 researchers
Silver Bank Expedition 1
Location: Silver Bank, Dominican Republic
Expected Timeframe: April – May 2026
Length:10 days
Vessel Needed: Large sailing catamaran or larger motor boat with elevated platform with space for 7 researchers
Silver Bank Expedition 2
Location: Silver Bank, Dominican Republic
Expected Timeframe: May – June 2026
Length:10 days
Vessel Needed: Large sailing catamaran or larger motor boat with elevated platform with space for 7 researchers
Samana Expedition 3
Location: Samana, Dominican Republic
Expected Timeframe: April 2026
Length:10 days
Vessel Needed: Sailing catamaran or vessel with elevated platform
Navidad Expedition 1
Location: Navidad Bank, Dominican Republic
Expected Timeframe: March – April 2026
Length: 12 days
Vessel Needed: Large sailing catamaran or larger motor boat with elevated platform with space for 7 researchers
Navidad Expedition 2
Location: Navidad Bank, Dominican Republic
Expected Timeframe: April – May 2026
Length: 12 days
Vessel Needed: Large sailing catamaran or larger motor boat with elevated platform with space for 7 researchers
Barbados Expedition 1
Location: Barbados
Expected Timeframe: Feb – April 2026
Length: 15 days
Vessel Needed: Sailing catamaran 42’+ with space for 7 researchers
Barbados Expedition 2
Location: Barbados
Expected Timeframe: Aug – Oct 2026
Length: 15 days
Vessel Needed: Sailing catamaran 42’+ with space for 7 researchers
Background:
The Wider Caribbean is one of the most biodiverse regions for cetaceans, but 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. Ti Whale An Nou initiative aims to collect visual and acoustic cetacean data across Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, and Cuba.
The Caribbean Cetacean Society (CCS) has conducted over five years of standardized monitoring across 20+ islands and is leading the Caribbean’s largest multi-species cetacean research program.
Mission:
- This expedition aims to advance cetacean research and conservation across the region. 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;
- Promoting community involvement through participatory science, hands-on learning, and sustainable marine ecotourism.
Applications:
The standardized data collected during this expedition will provide valuable insights into cetacean populations and the threats they face around the Caribbean islands.
Relevant/Previous Scientific Publication(s):
Program Partners:
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