Dominica pioneers world's first sperm whale sanctuary

The Caribbean island of Dominica has announced the creation of the world's first marine protected area for endangered sperm whales. Covering nearly 300 square miles, the reserve aims to safeguard the key nursing and feeding grounds of the sperm whales, which also play a role in fighting climate change. Sperm whales defecate near the surface, releasing nutrient-rich poop that creates plankton blooms, capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. With less than 500 sperm whales estimated to live in the waters surrounding Dominica, the reserve will help protect the species from threats such as ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear. Visitors will still be able to swim with and observe the whales, but in limited numbers.