Haiti Ocean Project

Almost nothing is known about marine mammals in Haitian waters. A review of scientific literature reveals scant information regarding marine mammal populations in Haiti. However, anecdotal information from local fishermen and several scoping trips off Petite Riviere de Nippes has revealed the presence of sperm whales and other whale and dolphin species. As marine mammals are migratory animals, and with information suggesting various species occupy the waters around the entire island of Hispaniola (humpback whales, for example), there is a necessity to expand the focus on marine mammals in Haiti to assess populations and extend protections to populations across their ranges. With a goal of fostering appreciation for the marine mammal species in Haitian waters, enhancing their protection and promoting a sustainable and positive activity that will benefit local communities, I propose a pilot whale and dolphin watching program to be located at Petite Riviere de Nippes to assess the potential of whale and dolphin viewing as a positive tourism focus for other locales in Haiti.