Sea Mammals of The Caribbean Sea
The Caribbean Sea is a unique body of water that is situated in the Atlantic and has a multitude of species living in it. One of the most majestic of these creatures is the whale. There have been records of some species being found in the Caribbean Sea and reports of whale watching and sightings in the area.
It is widely believed that the presence of whales in the Caribbean Sea is not as common as narrative suggest. Whales are sea mammals that require deep, cold waters to stay healthy, since these kind of habitats are not abundant in the Caribbean. Although, they are still known to appear in this environment occasionally, it is not a frequent occurrence nor considerably common.
Several sources claim that humpback whales can be found in the Caribbean Sea, but proof of any other species remain undocumented. Seeing whales or signs of them in shoreline and coastal waters of the Caribbean is a rare sighting as this habitat does not support their population growth. It is possible for some whales, such as Humpback, to appear for migration or scavenging purposes in warm coastal waters, where they too can find food.
Recently, some organizations have started to protect the peculiar behavior and movements of whales in the Caribbean Sea, advocating for their research and study. Of course, this is much easier said than done as the oceanic environment makes it difficult to track whales, or even see them from the surface. With that in mind, conservations have developed techniques to track whale movements and behaviors in the area, utilizing state-of-the-art methods such as tags for tracking and tags for photographic identification.
There is valid evidence that whales are present in the Caribbean Sea and the organizations dedicated to it are trying the best of their capacity to raise awareness of that. This involves publishing material in diverse nature journals, such as research and studies, or even explainer videos from marine biologists. Some how, this still remains a mystery for people, who might go and visit the Caribbean shores without having the true idea of what wildlife is around it.
Whale Watching and Migration
Whale watching has become increasingly popular in the Caribbean since the mid-1980s, despite the presence of whales something that some may still consider rare. Organizations such as the Caribbean Alliance for Whale Conservation dedicate themselves to finding ways to cohabit with the whales and even educate the people their importance.
Nevertheless, there are different types of whales that can be seen in the Caribbean Sea such as the Bryde’s whales, sei whales, minke whales, and more. Each one of these species has their own travel pattern across different parts of the ocean for migration. It is worth noting that these travels are extremely long, spanning up to hundreds of miles.
Humpback whales are also among the most common whales to be seen in the Caribbean Sea during the months of winter, and as stated before, this might be due to their occasional visits to the warm waters of this area. On the other hand, other types of whales may be found he frolicking around these margin waters only for the purpose of foraging for food.
Humans and Whales in the Caribbean Sea
The Caribbean Sea has been a vital resource for humans centuries ago. From ancient times, people would use the sea for multiple purposes, ranging from fishing to navigation. Indeed, the Caribbean Sea is still used as a primary highway for ships of all sizes, including luxury cruises. This, however, introduces the risk of whales or any other sea creature accidentally coming in contact with a boat or ship.
In order to prevent any significant harm to the possible whales or marine life, programs such as the Whale Alert Program have been created. This program is developed by specialists to help ships of all sizes navigate the ocean in a way that doesn’t put their lives in danger.
Protection of Whales
Industries in the Caribbean Sea have created a difficult environment for marine life. They exploit the ocean’s depths and release pollutants and other toxic substances into its depths. This, obviously, is a matter of concern for many environmental organizations across the globe because it puts the lives of sea mammals in danger.
The presence of whales in the Caribbean Sea is a fragile aspect and requires extra protection, this is why there are multiple organizations working in the area to ensure that it is done right. Some of them focus on the conservation of critical habitats for these species and others on spread of awareness and education about their importance.
The awareness part of their work is the most interesting part yet, because the organizations rely on volunteers that dedicate most of their time on projects such as presentations and debates about the situation of whales and other marine species, visiting schools, universities and other points of interest for spreading the word.
Conservation Efforts
Despite the Whale Alert program and organizations fighting for the whales in the Caribbean Sea, the population is still fragile. This is mainly because of the growing urbanization projects in the Caribbean Sea and the decline of coastal areas.
In the past few years, scientists have shown growing concern on the possibility of the extinction of some species since they struggle to find suitable habitats to inhabit. Fortunately, some of these organisms can thrives in both the sea and on land, so some conservation efforts have prioritized the protection of both habitats, this is done by promoting things such as sustainable practices, selection of locations and protection of natural reserves.
Economic Impact of Whales
Since whale watching has become an activity of choice for tourists, the presence of these sea mammals has created a large economic impact in the Caribbean Sea. This has shown that the exploitation of whales and their habitats doesn’t necessary have to be a negative thing.
When sites for whale watching are managed properly, the presence of whales can be beneficial for local economies. In addition to this, it has also been found that there’s a correlation between a healthy whale population and healthy fish population. So, greater abundance of whales and other sea mammals could lead to higher fish populations.
Having these animals around can also benefit from the educational aspect. Tourists, locals, and researchers now have the opportunity to learn more about these species and comprehend the benefits they have to nature.
Day Trip and Research Facilities
As mentioned previously, the presence of whales in the Caribbean Sea has become a more frequent and accessible topic of discussion. For that reason, more research vessels have been deployed in this body of water in order to study the species and their behaviors, as well as providing evidence of their existence in the region.
Sometimes, these boats and vessels carry tourists on day trips, with the purpose of seeing the whales up close. Additionally, there are some private companies across the Caribbean that offer this kind of services, allowing people to come onboard and watch whales from a distance, considering the fact that approaching the marine mammals is strictly prohibited.
These trips often involve researchers who educate the tourists about the importance about these species and the harm we are causing to the oceanic environment if illegal fishing or practices are not stopped.
Summary
Whales in the Caribbean Sea may be a distant reality for many, but that is not true for some researchers and organizations who have long been implementing programs for their protection. Whales, although a common sea mammal, must endure certain difficulties in this environment due to their characteristics and the pollution caused by human activities, which is why their presence is considered vulnerable.
Thanks to research and technology, it is now possible to learn more about them and even watch them in real time. Not to mention that whale watching has been a valuable addition to the economy of the area and an educational resource for many.
