The Caribbean nation said it hoped the new protected zone of nearly 800 square kilometers off its western coast — roughly the size of the island itself — would boost valuable tourism revenue but also help sequester more carbon in the deep sea, an often overlooked benefit of whale conservation.

Sperm whales are the largest toothed predators on Earth, living in matrilineal societies with distinct cultures and dialects.  Growing up to 16 meters long, they are found across the globe, from Iceland to New Zealand. But they have a particular affinity for the majestic blue waters off Dominica, which provide critical feeding and nursing grounds.

Marine biologist Shane Gero told AFP he began studying the Dominica whales in 2005, with his research showing the population was experiencing a decline as a result of ship strikes and unintentional entanglements in fishing gear as well as plastic pollution.

The reserve’s boundaries were defined based on studies of where the roughly 50 whale families find food and shelter, though a corridor will be carved out to allow ships to dock at Roseau, the island’s capital and largest city. Vessels 18m or longer would likely be prohibited, while small-scale, artisanal fishing would be allowed to continue.

According to the france24