WILLEMSTAD – Researchers have observed up to 140 humpback whales at once in the waters surrounding the Dominican Republic — the highest number recorded in over 30 years.
The Caribbean Cetacean Society (CCS) recently completed its first major scientific expedition in three decades to the Bay of Samaná, a known breeding ground for humpback whales. During the mission, conducted earlier this year, researchers counted between 60 and 140 whales at the same time, averaging one whale per three square kilometers — a significant increase compared to the numbers recorded in the 1980s and 1990s.
A Breeding Ground and School of Life
The team observed mother whales with calves, groups of males competing for mates, and young whales mimicking their mothers' behavior. These findings suggest that Samaná is not only a breeding area, but also a “school of life” where juvenile whales learn essential survival skills.
For the first time, researchers also documented mother-calf pairs at Banco de la Navidad, a nearby reef previously believed to offer too little protection for newborns. This discovery could prompt a reevaluation of current marine conservation policies, as it indicates that more areas may serve as critical habitats than previously thought.
Growing Threats from Human Activity
Despite the encouraging whale population numbers, the CCS warns of increasing threats to these marine mammals. Tourism, marine traffic, underwater noise pollution, and climate change are all affecting whale behavior, especially during the sensitive calving period.
Researchers noted that boats frequently approached whales too closely — in some cases, within just a few meters of nursing mothers and their calves. This kind of disturbance can cause stress and interfere with essential bonding and feeding activities.
Call for Stronger Regulations
The Caribbean Cetacean Society is now calling for stricter regulations and enforcement of whale-watching activities. The data gathered from the expedition will be used to improve marine traffic management and strengthen protection measures for whales across the Caribbean region.
As one of the region’s most visible and iconic marine species, the humpback whale plays a vital ecological and cultural role. With better conservation efforts, experts hope to secure a safer future for whales not only near the Dominican Republic but throughout the entire Caribbean, including waters near Curaçao.
