![\"\"](\"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sperm-whale-e1750714064216.jpg\")
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A Bill for an Act to establish a Sperm Whale Reserve in the Commonwealth of Dominica and to make provisions for the management of the reserve\u00a0was passed in Parliament this week.<\/p>\n
This initiative builds on the government\u2019s 2023 decision to designate a protected marine zone along Dominica\u2019s western coastline, an area known for hosting one of the few remaining resident populations of sperm whales globally.<\/p>\n
The\u00a0proposed legislation\u00a0outlined\u00a0comprehensive management strategies for the reserve, including specific navigation protocols and monitoring systems designed to encourage responsible utilization and conservation efforts within the protected zone.<\/p>\n \u201cThis Bill marks a historic milestone in our nation\u2019s journey towards marine conservation and sustainable development,\u201d Agriculture Minister Roland Royer said. \u201cIt formally establishes Dominica\u2019s Sperm Whale Reserve and lays the legislative foundation for its effective governance, stewardship and protection.\u201d<\/p>\n He continued, \u201cMore than a conservation measure, this Bill is a clear demonstration of Dominica\u2019s unwavering commitment to the long-term sustainability of our resident Sperm Whale population; a globally significant and majestic species that calls our waters home.\u201d<\/p>\n Furthermore, Royer stated that it also reflects the government\u2019s broader vision and strategic thrust towards building a resilient and inclusive blue economy where the protection of marine biodiversity goes hand-in-hand with sustainable livelihoods and national pride.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, during a press conference in June 2025, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said the sperm whale reserve is expected to significantly enhance Dominica\u2019s position as a premier destination for eco-tourism by promoting\u00a0\u00a0low-impact, high-value marine tourism, \u00a0\u201csuch as whale watching, scientific research, and educational exchanges.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe aim to increase economic opportunities for coastal communities while reinforcing our image as\u00a0the Nature\u00a0Isle of the Caribbean,\u201d Skerrit indicated.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A Bill for an Act to establish a Sperm Whale Reserve in the Commonwealth of Dominica and to make provisions for the management of the reserve\u00a0was passed in Parliament this week. This initiative builds on the government\u2019s 2023 decision to…","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":343622,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_cbd_carousel_blocks":"[]","footnotes":""},"categories":[22,235,9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-350543","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-environment","category-homepage-carousel","category-news"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Roland-Royer-delivering-remarks-at-Parliament-on-Tuesday-300x142.jpg\")