Whales, sperm whales, orcas, dolphins – regulations in the Agoa Sanctuary are set to be tightened, as regards approaches to these marine mammals in the waters of Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélemy. The new decree is more precise and up-to-date than the previous one, which dates back to 2017. After several months of work and consultation, the new decree will take effect on September 1.
Because noise, speed and attempts at interaction modify the animals’ behavior, it’s imperative to act with caution. As in the previous 2017 decree, the prohibition on approaching dolphins, whales, sperm whales and orcas to within 300 meters remains in force, as does the prohibition on underwater and overwater devices and individuals. The new decree also prevents real-time VHF communication of the position of these marine mammals for both professionals and private individuals, so as not to increase pressure.
Clarified rules
In the event of spontaneous encounters, the rules have been clarified: reduce speed to 5 knots, change course only if there is a risk of collision, and do not seek interaction of any kind. Derogations to this set of measures are, however, possible in the context of commercial or scientific marine mammal-watching activities. The stakes involved in complying with these regulations are high, since the disturbance caused by human activity can lead to the displacement of populations and a reduction in their reproductive capacity, ultimately threatening the species. The draft decree can be consulted here.
Species in Guadeloupe
The National Park website reveals that Guadeloupe’s waters are home to many species of cetacean, which, like the sirenians, to which the manatee belongs, are protected by the decree of July 27, 1995. They fall into two main groups: the mysticetes or baleen cetaceans, represented by whales; and the odontocetes or toothed cetaceans, represented by dolphins and porpoises.
Dolphins, represented by 9 species (including bottlenose dolphin, pantropical spotted dolphin, fraser’s dolphin…).
The sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus; the largest of the toothed cetaceans) and the dwarf sperm whale (Kogia sima; rarer).
The humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), a baleen whale, migrates to the Caribbean from December to May to breed and give birth. It can be found on the coasts of the French West Indies.
The dwarf killer whale (Feresa attenuata, very difficult to observe, lives in small groups of less than 50 individuals).
Short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus, common and resident in the French West Indies).
Pseudorca (Pseudorca crassidens, rarely seen in the French West Indies)
Source: France info
