In order to protect animals from all harm and maintain climate levels, the Commonwealth of Dominica announced that it will create the world’s first marine protected area for the endangered sperm whale, one of the largest animals in the world.
Details regarding the above-mentioned Prime Minister of Dominica, Dr. Made by Roosevelt Skerrit. The statement that Dominica contributes to this directly points to the nation’s efforts to keep waters and the environment safe.
Making the announcement on the subject, the government of Dominica said, “More than 800 square kilometers of royal blue water on the west side of the island country, which serves as a primary care and feeding area, will be designated as a reserve.”
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit added further, saying, “We want to ensure that these majestic and highly intelligent animals remain unharmed and continue to keep our waters and climate healthy.”
Moreover, the above-mentioned step of the Dominica government is praised from all over the world. Scientists state that this will not only protect animals but also help fight climate change.
Meanwhile, a one-time biologist and founder of the Dominica Sperm Whale Project, a research program focusing on sperm whales in the eastern Caribbean, added: “Sperm whales defecate at the surface, shutting down non-essential functions, especially when diving to depths of up to 10,000 feet.” “As a result, the nutrient-rich feces remain along the ocean surface and create blooms of plankton, which capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and drag it to the ocean floor when they die.”
It is also believed that sperm whales in Dominica excrete more than whales elsewhere, which is still unclear. With that in mind, Gero added: “They might be eating twice as much, or maybe there’s something special about the squid they’re eating.” “In some contexts, sperm whales are fighting climate change on our behalf.”
“Fewer than 500 sperm whales are believed to live in the waters around the island nation of Dominica, part of a population that moves along the Lesser Antilles chain, swimming as far south as St. Vincent and as far north as Guadeloupe,” says Gero.
He added: “Sperm whales are a matrilineal society; young males leave and change oceans at some point in their lives. As a result, conservation of the species is key, especially if few female calves are born. One calf wandering off means the end of the family.”
“In waters off Dominica, sperm whales were attacked by large ships, entangled in fishing gear, and affected by agricultural runoff, limiting their survival. In the days before whaling, an estimated 2 million sperm whales roamed the world’s deep waters before hunting for oil used to light lamps and lubricate machinery.” “They were floating around. Now there are about 800,000 left,” Gero said.
Meanwhile, the government of Dominica has said the reserve will allow sustainable artisanal fishing and chart an international shipping route to prevent further deaths of sperm whales, which have the largest brains in the world and can even grow up to 15 metres.
Following the completion of the reserve, the Prime Minister of Dominica said, “The Dominica administration will appoint an office and observers to ensure that whale tourism rules are enforced. “Visitors and tourists can swim with sperm whales and see them from the boat, but in limited numbers.”
The move was praised by scientists and environmentalists, including National Geographic resident explorer Enric Sala.
news source (channel24.pk)
