The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Environment Fund (SVGEF) commemorated the first anniversary of its groundbreaking Orca Protection Agreement on January 16, celebrating a year of successful implementation of this innovative conservation partnership. The landmark agreement, established with the whaling community of Barrouallie, has effectively halted all orca hunting in the nation’s waters through a carefully negotiated livelihood transition program.
Central to this conservation success story was the strategic deployment of two artisanal fish aggregating devices (FADs) in January 2025, providing alternative tuna fishing opportunities for the whalers who voluntarily ceased orca hunting. This pragmatic solution emerged from extensive dialogue that balanced marine ecosystem protection with the economic realities of coastal communities dependent on marine resources.
Anniversary proceedings at the Barrouallie Fisheries Complex facilitated reflective discussions on both the financial sacrifices made and the technical progress achieved under the agreement. The gathering brought together all original signatories including Barrouallie’s whaling community members and SVGEF representatives, alongside key stakeholders from partner NGOs, government ministries, and local fishing communities.
Notable attendees included Chief Whaler Samuel Hazelwood, Fisheries Minister Conroy Huggins, Blue Marine Foundation CEO Clare Brook, and SVGEF Executive Director Stephan Hornsey. The SVGEF reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to supporting the Barrouallie community through conservation initiatives that protect marine biodiversity while sustaining local livelihoods.
Reflecting on the transition, whalers acknowledged the significant compromises made while recognizing the agreement as a necessary step forward. The partnership stands as a model for community-centered conservation approaches that respect both ecological priorities and human economic needs.