In a groundbreaking step toward regional marine conservation, the Caribbean Cetacean Society (CCS), with support from the French Embassy to the Eastern Caribbean States, Barbados, and the OECS, hosted the Regional Forum on Cetacean Management at the Harbor Club Hotel in Saint Lucia on March 26, 2025.
The event marked a historic first for the Caribbean, uniting government officials and civil society leaders from Saint Lucia, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and the OECS to collaboratively address the protection and management of whales and dolphins—species critical to both biodiversity and the blue economy.
Held as the culmination of the Ti Dolphin An Nou project—funded by the French Embassy in residency in Saint Lucia—the forum underscored the power of regional cooperation, scientific research, and public engagement in protecting cetaceans across the southern Lesser Antilles.
The forum opened with remarks from H.E. Mr. Etienne Francis, French Ambassador to Saint Lucia, and Mr. Thomas Nelson of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development, both emphasizing the urgent need for united conservation efforts.
CCS Founder and Director Jeffrey Bernus presented results from four years of work, including the first comprehensive scientific baseline on Caribbean cetaceans, clear evidence of cross-border migration, and the pressing need for joint management of these migratory marine mammals.
His findings were followed by a series of science-backed recommendations urging greater public education, long-term monitoring, and regional solidarity to ensure the health of marine ecosystems. Bernus stressed that cetaceans are not just ecological assets—but vital contributors to the Caribbean’s blue economy.
The impact of this work is already visible: CCS supported Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in creating the island’s first-ever regulations on small cetacean hunting—a significant milestone for both conservation and sustainable economic development.
A high-level panel discussion explored practical next steps, such as enhancing local stakeholder engagement (including fishers, whalers, and tour operators), and tailoring strategies to the social and cultural realities of each island.
This level of regional collaboration on cetacean protection is unprecedented in the Caribbean and was celebrated as a watershed moment. A roadmap is currently being developed and will be shared with participating nations to sustain momentum, align strategies, and attract funding for long-term impact.
Among the distinguished participants were Hon. Jullan Defoe of Dominica and Mr. Javan Williams, Permanent Secretary in Grenada’s Ministry of Blue Economy, whose leadership received praise throughout the forum. Delegations from each country’s fisheries departments were actively involved, alongside representatives from Martinique Collectivity (CTM) and Espace Sud Martinique.
The event was further enriched by expert contributions from Dr. Shane Gero of the Dominica Sperm Whale Project and Saint Lucian conservation group Ripples to Waves, blending cutting-edge science with grassroots perspectives.
With international interest already mounting, this landmark initiative is expected to be showcased at the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, in June 2025—positioning the Caribbean as a global leader in regional marine conservation.
