Ti Whale an Nou 2021 Expedition

Ti Whale an Nou 2021 was an amazing expedition to follow the route of the Sperm whales in the Caribbean. We joined 4 other members of Caribbean Cetaceans Society, DCNA (Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance)
we were on assignment for the WWF.

We started our journey on Martinique on a Lagoon 40 (catamaran) and this would be our home in the coming 15 days.

The Harbour of Martinique. Marina du Marin

We sailed from Martinique to Saba. On our way we came across Dominica, Guadeloupe, Mont Serrat, St Kitts & Nevis, Statia.

On this trip we are following the Sperm Whales through their journey, but also the Dolphins.

Delfins everywhere in Martinique and Guadeloupe

With the use of a hydrophone we were able to follow the cetaceans from a distance. If you hear them they can be still 4 miles away from the boat. Then you just watch the ocean all together. When you hear them the sound of the Sperm whales look like the picture down here.

Sounds of cetaceans on through the hydrophone

The first days the weather was horrible. Strong winds, a lot of rain, big waves and sick staff. So, we were allowed to have a night of rest in this beautiful bay in Guadeloupe.

The blow of a sperm whale and in the background sargassum

The weather was improving after a few days and immediately we saw more wildlife. Sperm whales, Dolphins, Pygmee killer whales and False Killer whales.

Trash

Trash is also a big problem in the oceans. I have to be honest, we didn’t see a lot of plastics in the water. What we did see what a lot drifting trees. Which is very dangerous to sailing boats and other boats. We did pick up some trash in the water like a raincoat, plastics and other stuff. Since a few years Sargassum is getting more and more in the Caribbean region. On this trip we also fields of Sargassum. As long as it floats it’s a safe haven for small fish. But when it comes on land like on Bonaire fish and even turtles are dying of it.

Redonda, an Island between St Kitts and Mont Serrat

This trip we found a lot of whales of the same family around the Island. They have their own language. We know we have to protect our cetaceans. There are still Island’s where you can hunt whales. It’s unbelievable but true unfortunately. In March 2022 we’ll make another expedition and then following the Humpback whales.

Stay tuned!