Based in Martinique, the Caribbean Cetacean Society leads the largest cetacean conservation program in the Caribbean, an ambitious initiative to protect these marine giants beyond its borders.
Marine mammals at the heart of the climate and the blue economy
Cetaceans are much more than majestic symbols of the oceans. True climate engineers, a single whale can store as much carbon as several thousand trees. Essential to the balance of marine ecosystems, they are also a pillar of the blue economy, particularly through ecotourism.
However, human pressure degrades their environment year after year, putting these species in danger. In the Caribbean Sea – a strategic area where nearly a third of the species
global populations come to breed, feed or rest – threats intensify: pollution, maritime traffic,
climate change, unregulated hunting... All this in a fragmented regional context.
It is in the face of this complexity that Caribbean marine biologist Jeffrey Bernus co-founded the Caribbean in 2020
Cetacean Society (CCS). Objective: to go beyond current conservation objectives and cross administrative boundaries to build a collective response.
“Whales know no borders. We must act together to preserve this shared treasure.”
Jeffrey Bernus, Co-Founder CCS
A three-pronged approach
In 2025, the CCS will continue these efforts with “Dolphin Pani Frontiers”, a flagship project carried out with the support of the CORÉOM program – Overseas Regional Cooperation – led by La Guilde with the support of the French Development Agency and the Fondation de France, around three components: scientific research, local training, regional cooperation. Scientific missions are now harmonized at the regional level, making data comparable between islands, for better monitoring of cetaceans and the threats they face.
At the same time, training is strengthening local skills, particularly around marine protected areas and shared governance. The results of the CCS's multi-year commitments are evident: the creation of new Marine Protected Areas, bans on orca hunting on certain islands, and support for states to achieve the 30x30 target (protecting 30 % marine areas by 2030).
The CCS program is even endorsed by UNESCO, as part of the Decade of Ocean Sciences. This recognition underlines the strategic role of overseas territories in the fight for biodiversity.
“Protecting cetaceans means
protect ourselves."