Many different species of whales are found throughout the year in the Caribbean region but from December to April, humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) migrate south from the frigid North Atlantic waters to
mate and breed. During this time, humpbacks are seen in the Turks & Caicos and as far south as Venezuela. The most concentrated breeding areas are the Silver and Navidad Banks off the northern coast of the
Dominican Republic but humpback whales are often seen and clearly heard underwater in the BVI during their annual southern migration.

Because of their colossal size (up to 50 feet in length and 40 tons) and acrobatic behaviours of throwing themselves completely out of the water (breaching) or slapping their flukes (tails) and pectoral fins on the surface of the water, these magnificent whales are easily observed throughout the Territory, especially along the northern shores of Tortola and Anegada. Not only are a whale’s playful antics spectacular to watch, hearing them underwater, especially while scuba diving, is just as impressive. These eerie yet beautiful “songs” can be heard up to ten miles away underwater without the use of hydrophones.

Humpbacks were drastically over-harvested, mainly for oil during the 1800’s and early to mid 1990’s and are now listed as endangered according to the World Conservation Union. In 1986, the International Whaling Commission (IWC) banned all whaling activities but Japan, Iceland and Norway have been whaling under purposes of “scientific research”. Today, more countries are joining Japan’s side to overturn the commercial whaling ban, and some of the Caribbean islands that are pro-whaling include Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines. However the only Caribbean country currently authorized by the IWC to hunt humpbacks is St. Vincent with a limit of four per year.

Although whaling is currently limited to one Caribbean country (the BVI does have basic laws protecting them), humpbacks are still threatened by entanglements in fishing gear, pollution of their coastal habitat from human settlements and collisions with boat traffic. Whale watching guidelines aid in protecting the whales as well as protecting humans from being injured by whales. When viewing humpback whales or any other marine mammal in the BVI, remember to follow these guidelines:

• Remain at least 100 yards away from marine mammals. If an animal approaches your vessel, reduce speed and shift to neutral. Do  not reengage props until animals are observed at the surface and clear of the vessel.

 • Whales and other marine mammals may surface in unpredictable locations but never pursue, encircle or separate marine mammals.

 • Remember, marine mammals are wild animals, attempting to swim with or feed them could endanger you or the animal.

Please report sightings of any marine mammal to the Department of Environment & Fisheries 284-494-5681, 284-494-5681. Information obtained from sightings is added to the Department’s database to monitor migration and behavioural patterns of marine mammals.