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The waters of the French West Indies are home to some twenty species of cetacean. These waters are observed, monitored and studied within an area known as the Agoa Sanctuary. March marks the start of the whale breeding season. During this period, humpback whales leave northern waters to breed in the warmer waters of the Caribbean. The perfect time to observe the migration of these fascinating marine creatures, but also to celebrate and discover them during Whale Week. This takes place from March 17 to 21. The Agence territoriale de l'environnement intends to seize this opportunity to offer a variety of events for the general public.
School visits
To this end, the Agency has called on scientist Julie Mellinger, who works with the association "Mon école, ma baleine" (My school, my whale). She is no stranger to Saint-Barthélemy, as she regularly leaves Guadeloupe to come and teach schoolchildren on the island of Saint-Barth about the habits and customs of cetaceans. Throughout the week dedicated to whales, Julie Mellinger will be visiting schools to educate and inform pupils in CM1 classes about the lives of cetaceans. This instruction will not be limited to exchanges between four walls, as a catamaran outing to observe and listen to whales using a hydrophone will be organized.
Conference with a view
What's more, on Wednesday March 19, the ATE is offering the public the chance to attend a conference on whales (of course), to be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on the promenade alongside the hospital parking lot, on the heights of Gustavia. "Whales, information on the species and how to keep an active watch to see them from land" will be the theme of the conference, which will of course be hosted by Julie Mellinger. For this meeting, the Agency advises interested parties to register in advance by e-mail (contact@agencedelenvironnement.fr), and to bring a pair of binoculars.
Observation rules to be observed
The Agence Territoriale de l'Environnement has drawn up a list of precautionary measures to be taken when observing protected species such as humpback whales. First of all, when observing a cetacean from a boat, it is advisable to keep a minimum distance of 300 meters from the animal, and to reduce speed as you approach. If the whale suddenly decides to approach, make sure you do not create any acoustic disturbance, do not enter the water, do not touch the whale, and do not attempt to feed it. We remind you that whale watching is strictly forbidden in the waters of Saint-Barthélemy," writes ATE. Failure to comply with these rules disturbs the animals and can result in severe penalties. "
In addition, if anyone has the privilege of spotting a whale, they are invited to report the location of this sighting to the Agency by e-mail (contact@agencedelenvironnement.fr), specifying, if possible, the number of whales spotted, the location (with GPS point if at sea), as well as the date and time.
