Agoa is one of France’s largest marine protected areas and represents the biodiversity of Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Barthélemy, and Saint Martin. Its 53-member management board met on November 30 in Le Lamentin to discuss changes in marine mammal observation practices, interregional cooperation, and a review of the Remmoa program.
Presentation of the Work of the «Cetacean Observation and Supervision» Committee»
Established in 2015, the committee’s goal is to propose best practices for whale watching in the sanctuary in order to preserve the peace and integrity of the cetaceans being observed. As a first step, rules for approaching the cetaceans were established.
In October 2016, tourism operators offering marine mammal watching tours in the sanctuary have received training and have committed to Comply with regulations by adhering to the Agora Charter.
Since March 15, 2017, It is prohibited to approach marine mammals within 300 meters. However, Exemptions may be granted by the maritime authorities in the form of permits for nautical events.
Details on Permits for Water Sports Events:
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No approach cannot be performed within a 100-meter radius for large marine mammals and 50 meters for species less than 5 meters long.
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No noise disturbance must not be produced within a 300-meter radius.
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The number of boats in the eastern caution zone limited to two for a 20 minutes long maximum.
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The operator agrees to have a qualified person on board having completed and passed a training related to the objectives of this charter.
Progress and Outlook for Regional and International Cooperation
Since marine mammals live within vast ecosystems, the cooperation among marine protected areas is therefore essential. And so, in March 2017, the sanctuary Agoa has formed a partnership with the Yarari Sanctuary the Dutch islands of Saba and Bonaire. Such a twinning arrangement is currently in discussion with the Dominican Republic. In October 2017, a workday was held with the Pelagos Shrine in order to revitalize the connection between the two marine protected areas, which face many of the same challenges.
The selection of the CARI’MAM Project (Caribbean Marine Mammals Preservation Network), which will begin in 2018 and is coordinated by Agoa and the Regional Activity Center for Species and Specially Protected Areas in the Caribbean, was another highlight of 2017. The project aims to strengthen cooperation and the tools available to marine protected area managers committed to the conservation of marine mammals.
Initial Assessment of the Remmoa Aerial Observation Program for Large Marine Mammals in the West Indies
Sponsored by the French Agency for Biodiversity and implemented by the Pelagis Observatory, the program Rammoa has license from to survey based on aerial observations, 87 cetaceans, including 40 large %s divers and many dolphins. The final results will be announced in early 2018.
