The Caribbean Cetacean Society (CCS) has launched the first stage of its annual whale and dolphin expedition across the ABC Islands, starting in Curaçao. The seven day research trip will continue towards Aruba and Bonaire. On the very first day at sea, researchers encountered over 200 dolphins from two different species just a few miles off the coast.

Sustainable development
This is the third year that CCS conducts large scale expeditions in the region, combining international expertise with local partnerships. During last year’s CCS symposium, Curaçao’s Minister of Health, Environment and Nature expressed interest in creating a marine sanctuary to protect the island’s rich diversity of whales and dolphins. If realized, Curaçao would follow Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, Saba, and the Dominican Republic in leading regional conservation efforts.

The expedition is led by Stacey Mac Donald, Regional Coordinator for the Dutch Caribbean at CCS: “As a child of this island, my mission is to ensure that future generations in Curaçao can continue to marvel at the richness of our marine environment, which is also one of the pillars of sustainable development.”

Stacey Mac Donald

The importance of whales and dolphins
Whales and dolphins are vital to healthy oceans: they regulate food webs, store carbon, and enrich ecosystems. Protecting them is crucial not only for biodiversity but also for the long term sustainability of communities that depend on the sea. CCS expeditions follow a standardized protocol endorsed by UNESCO’s Ocean Decade, ensuring that data contributes to global knowledge on species distribution, migration, and threats.

Sperm whales © Jeroen Hoekendijk

Collaboration
This year’s expedition is supported by WWF, Blue Marine Foundation, Kooyman, Delphinarium, CESAM Floreal, and Fondation de la Mer. Local collaboration is key, with associations such as COIA, GMN, FKUP, and Piskabon, together with local fishers, working alongside scientists in monitoring efforts. The partnership between governments and CCS, combining political will with regional expertise, forms the cornerstone of success.