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Elkhorn Marine Conservancy Launches New Whale Research Initiative

Whales in the Caribbean Sea are essential to marine ecosystems, with species like humpbacks, sperm whales, and pilot whales frequenting the region. Every year, many migrate to the warm, calm waters of the Caribbean to mate and give birth, making the region a crucial breeding ground. These magnificent mammals also play a vital role in the health of the local marine environment. Their nutrient rich waste, known as the “whale pump,” promotes the growth of phytoplankton, which forms the foundation of the marine food web and contributes to carbon sequestration—capturing and storing carbon dioxide to help combat climate change. By diving to great depths and surfacing to release nutrients, whales also facilitate nutrient cycling between ocean layers. Additionally, when they die, their large carcasses sink to the seafloor, creating “whale falls” that support deep-sea ecosystems.

In Antigua and Barbuda, these majestic creatures pass through our waters during their annual migrations. Unfortunately human activities, including ocean plastics, overfishing, ship strikes, and noise pollution, have severely impacted their environment. Combined with global threats like climate change, these dangers disrupt critical behaviors such as mating, feeding, and migration, threatening the survival of these species. Moreover, knowledge gaps regarding their movements, status, and interactions with key habitats hinder effective conservation and management efforts.

To address these challenges, the Elkhorn Marine Conservancy (EMC) is proud to announce a groundbreaking initiative to deepen our understanding of whale species in the region. With the support of Agoa Sanctuary (French Biodiversity Agency), the Caribbean Marine Mammals Preservation Network (CARI’MAM) and the GEF Small Grants Programme, EMC will strategically deploy a hydrophone, an underwater sound recorder, at a key site in Antigua. The hydrophone will record whale sounds to help us identify species abundances and understand the timing of their movements through the area. This data will help develop artificial intelligence capable of distinguishing between species' sounds and analyzing their interactions with human activities, such as boat traffic.

hydrophone credit ATE Saint-Barthelemy

The observations collected will contribute to a regional study aimed at identifying critical habitats such as breeding grounds, foraging areas, and migration corridors. Additionally, the research will explore the environmental factors shaping these species' movements and habitat preferences while evaluating their
interactions with human activities.

Through this initiative, EMC aims to collect crucial data that will inform sustainable conservation strategies, ensuring the Caribbean Sea remains a thriving environment for these vital species while benefiting the country and local communities. The information gathered will support sustainable resource management, enhance community engagement, and foster economic opportunities. This research will advance scientific understanding and drive effective conservation actions to protect these
extraordinary creatures for generations to come.