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Friday, 24 November 2023 LOCAL NEWS 7

ABC expedition: Promising insights about whales

and dolphins but more research is needed

THE Caribbean Cetacean Society (CCS) looks back with
satisfaction at the first Ti Whale An Nou expedition on the
ABC-islands. In the month of October CCS did scientific

research on the diversity, distribution, movement patterns
of whales and dolphins as well as analyzing the threats they
are facing in this region. During the 20 days of research, 8
species have been monitored, including the pygmy sperm

whale, pygmy killer whale, pilot whales, sperm whales and
many dolphin species. The presence of a large number of
juveniles, and the observed scars on many adults during
most of the encounters underline the importance of this

initiative and the need for local conservation action.

The waters of each island Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao were
investigated for one week. The weather conditions were not

always ideal for observations. Despite this, the CCS-crew
and volunteers managed to observe Spinner, Pantropical
spotted, bottle nose and Atlantic spotted dolphins, sperm
whales, pilot whales and Pygmy sperm whales. The Pygmy

sperm whales were spotted three times, which requires
special attention as this species is the most sensitive to
noise pollution. There were also many sightings of juve-
nile dolphins. This emphasizes the need for protecting

these nursery areas which are vital for the protection of the
species. “We are happy with the results, but it’s clear that
more research is needed to know more about these marine
mammals. It also shows the importance of expanding the

Yarari Sanctuary to the waters of Curaçao and Aruba”, says
CCS Director Jeffrey Bernus.

A total of 25 people from the islands were trained by Jeffrey

and Stacey Mac Donald, Program Advisor of WWF-NL Dutch
Caribbean program. This contributes to the capacity building
which is needed on the islands to ensure local continuity of
the efforts to protect our whales and dolphins. The partici-

pants consisted of policy makers, conservationists, repre-
sentatives of STINAPA Bonaire, fishermen, sailors, a marine On Bonaire, the cetaceans are legally protected within
biology student and others with some knowledge of and love the Yarari Sanctuary. STINAPA Bonaire and the Ministry
for the ocean. The participants learned how to recognize of Health, Environment and Nature of Curaçao supported

the sounds of the dolphins and whales which were recorded this scientific expedition. This research was conducted in
with an underwater microphone. They also learned how to agreement with the Aruba Marine Mammal Foundation and
determine which species they encountered and how to use Aruba National Park Foundation. Cetaceans are a protected
professional cameras to take photos of the dorsal fins of species by Aruba law and are not allowed to be disturbed.

dolphins and tails of whales (which are their fingerprints) The ABC-expedition was organized in honor of Paul Hoetjes,
from a safe distance of 300 meters and by approaching who has done extensive work on nature conservation in the
them carefully without crossing their path. This informs us Caribbean. He was one of the inspirations for founding CCS.
about the movement of the different dolphins and whales Ti Whale An Nou is financed by WWF-NL and it is part of a

between the islands. three-year program.