Dominica Sperm Whale Health Initiative

A Citizen Science Project Hosted by FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute

Sperm whales have been living in the waters around Dominica for generations and are an important part of the local natural heritage. Unfortunately, the local sperm whale populations are declining.

Through the Dominica Sperm Whale Health Initiative, FAU Harbor Branch scientists aim to learn more about the health of the eastern Caribbean sperm whale population through observations from local boat operators, whale watchers, fishermen, water men and women, and visitors on the water.

person taking a photo of a whale

Become a Citizen Scientist Partner

A circular seal for the 'Dominica Sperm Whale Health Initiative.' It features a blue whale tail fluking over ocean waves, with a green mountain in the background. The text 'Dominica Sperm Whale Health Initiative' is written in blue around the border, with 'Citizen Science Partner' in smaller green text inside. The seal is framed by a scalloped gold edge.

Sperm whale health assessments conducted by citizen scientists allow FAU Harbor Branch researchers to associate viewer observations of individual whales’ health over time ‑ and provide a holistic view of the sperm whale population health in Dominica.

Citizen Science Partners contribute basic health assessments whenever they sight a whale off Dominica’s coast. These assessments include:

  • Date and time of the sighting
  • Location of the sighting (GPS point)
  • Whale body condition
  • Presence of any scars, skin lesions or entanglements
  • Photos (flukes when they dive and body images)
  • Presence or absence of other cetacean species within 100 feet of sperm whales

WatchSpotter App

Registered citizen scientists can conveniently submit sighting data in the WatchSpotter mobile app. Explore the map below to see all the whale sightings to date.

Get Started

Contact Wendy Marks, Research Coordinator
Marine Wildlife Veterinary Medicine and Research Lab
wmarks@fau.edu
WhatsApp: Wendy Marks: +1-808-987-8455

A wide shot of the ocean surface where two sperm whales are visible, appearing as dark shapes partially submerged in the blue water.
A close-up view of a large, dark whale tail fluke as it emerges from the water, creating white sea foam at the base.
Two dark whale backs are seen breaking the surface of the blue ocean, with the green, mountainous coastline of an island visible in the background.

Citizen Scientist Guides

This project is conducted in partnership with Dominica Fisheries Division.

A circular logo for the 'FISHERIES DIVISION' and the 'GOVERNMENT OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF DOMINICA'. It features a blue fish jumping out of stylized ocean waves with the text 'THERE IS MORE TO SEA' above it and the letters 'F D D' inside the fish's body.
Additional Information
Florida Atlantic's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute engages with the community through the Ocean Discovery Visitors Center and the Ocean Science Lecture Series. Harbor Branch’s research and outreach programs translate marine science in order to provide solutions that improve economies and quality of life for coastal communities.
Visit Harbor Branch Giving
Address
Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Florida Atlantic University
5600 US 1 North
Fort Pierce, FL 34946