The Commonwealth of Dominica has taken a monumental step in marine conservation with the recent passage of a bill to establish a Sperm Whale Reserve. This legislative move, approved by Parliament this week, builds on the government’s 2023 initiative to create a protected marine zone along the island’s western coastline, a region renowned for hosting one of the world’s few remaining resident populations of sperm whales. The newly enacted legislation introduces comprehensive management strategies, including specific navigation protocols and advanced monitoring systems, aimed at fostering responsible use and conservation within the reserve. Agriculture Minister Roland Royer hailed the bill as a historic milestone, emphasizing its role in formalizing the reserve and laying the groundwork for effective governance and protection. Royer underscored that the initiative is not merely a conservation effort but a testament to Dominica’s dedication to the long-term sustainability of its sperm whale population, a globally significant species that inhabits the island’s waters. The bill also aligns with the government’s broader vision of building a resilient and inclusive blue economy, where marine biodiversity protection is intertwined with sustainable livelihoods and national pride. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, during a June 2025 press conference, highlighted the reserve’s potential to elevate Dominica’s status as a premier eco-tourism destination. By promoting low-impact, high-value marine tourism activities such as whale watching, scientific research, and educational exchanges, the reserve is expected to generate economic opportunities for coastal communities while reinforcing Dominica’s reputation as the ‘Nature Isle of the Caribbean.’