Let's protect humpback whales in Nicaragua

The Cetacean Conservation Project of Nicaragua is a community-based research and conservation initiative that educates the public while simultaneously generating baseline information on humpback whale presence, distribution, and population size through a scientific program. Nicaragua is a developing country in Central America that depends primarily on marine resources for a living.

Since coastal areas are a common space for anthropogenic activities and breeding humpback whales, there is concern regarding the impact of those (unregulated) activities on this species. Nicaragua is home to two distinct breeding humpback populations, and one of them is considered as endangered due to the low abundance (500-600 individuals).

During past field work, we have liberated a mother humpback whale that was entangled in a fishing line, have collected ghost nets, and have observed illegal use of artisanal fishing bombs. To ensure the protection of this species, knowledge must be generated on both populations to understand its ecology and to offer proper sustainable management plans. The strategy of the project is to combine scientific research with environmental education of local communities to ensure a balance between animal needs and anthropogenic activities. Different stakeholders from local communities, ranging from kids to fishermen to decision makers, are involved in the project to promote sustainability of marine resources.

Since 2016, more than 100 fishermen, 155 kids, 35 biologists, and several thousand followers on our social media were sensitized to our project. The project aims at involving as many locals as possible to spread the word and promote changes in the community.