Melissa Wood-Tepperberg, a rookie featured in the 2023 SI Swimsuit Issue, shared a throwback photo from her photoshoot in Dominica on Instagram. The 40-year-old mom of two reflected on the experience, emphasizing that age is just a number and encouraging others to pursue their dreams. Wood-Tepperberg expressed her confidence and comfort in her own skin, stating that getting older brings wisdom and self-assurance.
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.
Dominica is creating the world's first marine protected area for sperm whales, designating nearly 300 sq miles of waters as a reserve to protect the endangered species and fight the climate crisis. Sperm whales in Dominica defecate near the surface, creating nutrient-rich poop that leads to plankton blooms, capturing carbon dioxide. The reserve aims to ensure the safety of these majestic animals and maintain a healthy marine ecosystem. The move was praised by scientists and conservationists, highlighting Dominica's commitment to protecting its natural resources.
Nicole Williams English, a rookie in the 2023 SI Swimsuit issue, shared behind-the-scenes footage of her photoshoot in Dominica on Instagram. The new mom posed for the publication while seven months pregnant, showcasing an ethereal, mermaid-inspired feature. The video clip showed Williams English at work as photographer Yu Tsai captured her photos. Fellow models and fans praised her stunning appearance, and she later walked the Miami Swim Week runway with her baby girl in her arms.
Melissa Wood-Tepperberg, a workout and wellness leader, made her debut in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue with a stunning photoshoot in Dominica. The 40-year-old founder of MWH felt fully supported by the team and expressed her gratitude for the opportunity. She described the experience as surreal and a dream come true. The article showcases six of the most captivating photos from her rookie SI Swimsuit shoot.
Yumi Nu, the first plus-size model of Asian descent to land the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, showcases her confidence and beauty in a stunning photoshoot in Dominica. The 26-year-old musician and fashion entrepreneur hopes to inspire young girls to embrace their bodies and challenge beauty standards.
Travel + Leisure readers have voted on the best resorts in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas, with Secret Bay in Dominica taking the top spot for the second year in a row. The resort offers secluded clifftop villas with private pools, gourmet kitchens, and stunning sea views. Other top resorts include Cap Maison Resort & Spa in St. Lucia, Point Grace in Turks and Caicos, Kamalame Cay in the Bahamas, and Ambergris Cay in Turks and Caicos. These destinations offer a range of activities, from snorkeling and kayaking to fine dining and cultural experiences.
Kamie Crawford, model and TV host, traveled to Dominica for her sophomore appearance in the SI Swimsuit Issue. Photographed by Yu Tsai, the shoot was inspired by elements of Mother Nature, showcasing earthy color palettes and natural textures. Crawford, who currently hosts shows on Paramount+ and MTV, spoke highly of her experience working with SI Swimsuit, describing it as a supportive and encouraging family.
Tropical Storm Bret is moving westward towards the Lesser Antilles with winds near 50 mph and higher gusts. A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Barbados and Dominica, with additional watches likely for other sections of the Lesser Antilles. Bret is expected to strengthen but is no longer expected to become a hurricane. Another area of interest, Invest 93L, could become a tropical depression midweek. Hurricane season concludes on Nov. 30.
Six years after Hurricane Maria devastated Dominica, the island nation is still recovering. While the government has built new homes and put in place tougher building codes, many residents are still struggling to rebuild. With the start of the Atlantic hurricane season, there are concerns that climate change could make storms like Maria more common. Dominica, which is known for its rugged mountains and jungles, is on the front lines of climate change and is calling on the international community to hear its cry for help. The Red Cross is working to set up early warning systems to better prepare for future disasters.
National Geographic Explorer-In-Residence Enric Sala explains how whales are crucial to ocean health and how their poop fertilizes shallow waters and feeds phytoplankton, which produce at least 50% of the oxygen in our atmosphere. Sala founded the Pristine Seas Project in 2008, which has worked with 17 countries to turn large swaths of the ocean into marine protected areas. A preserve in Dominica would protect the whales from their greatest threats: plastic trash, noise pollution, and ship strikes. The sperm whale population has been declining steadily for the last 20 years because of human threats that affect the whales not only in Dominica but all around the world.
National Geographic Explorer Enric Sala is proposing protections for the hundreds of sperm whales living off the Caribbean island of Dominica, where a preserve would protect them from their greatest threats: plastic trash, ocean noise pollution, and ship strikes. Sala's Pristine Seas Project has worked with 17 countries to turn large swaths of the ocean into marine protected areas. A preserve for sperm whales would also bring tourism dollars to the local economy, similar to how protecting mountain gorillas helped Rwanda.
