Curaçao Announces Marine Reserve After Hundreds of Whales and Dolphins Are Sighted Around the ABC Islands

WILLEMSTAD — During a 21-day scientific expedition around Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao, hundreds of whales and dolphins were observed, including young and pregnant animals. In total, ten species were recorded, according to researchers from the Caribbean Cetacean Society, a partner of WWF Netherlands.

The research, conducted for the third consecutive year, documented large groups of dolphins as early as the first day of the expedition. Pantropical spotted dolphins were seen around all three islands. Near Bonaire, a large group of striped dolphins was recorded for the first time. Sperm whales were observed only in the waters around Curaçao and Bonaire. Near Aruba, researchers also detected rare beaked dolphins using acoustic monitoring equipment.

At the same time, researchers expressed concerns about increasing disturbance from underwater noise, such as active sonar, which can affect the behavior and survival of marine mammals.

Marine reserve

During the expedition, Curaçao announced the establishment of a marine reserve. According to the researchers, this is an important step, as the animals regularly move between the islands and effective protection requires regional cooperation.