Since 2000 the Jamaica Environment Trust has had an active marine mammal education and advocacy programme. JET has helped fight against captive dolphin facilities and whaling across the Caribbean. JET has also helped coordinate a number of marine mammal strandings and with the help of the Caribbean Veterinary Medicine Association and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration hopes to establish a marine mammal stranding network in Jamaica.
Who do whales belong to? Are whales eating all the fish? Why is a whale not a fish? What effect could whaling have on Tourism? Can whaling be sustainable? Find out more about wonderful whales and dolphins and whaling in the Caribbean from the Whale Facts series.
Learn more about captive dolphin facilities and dolphins in captivity from this guide produced by Humane Society International for the documentary ‘The Cove’.
While very few sightings have been accurately recorded, it is estimated that approximately 28 species of marine mammals live in Jamaican waters. Only a few of these species have actually been seen in our waters.
A list of marine mammals found in Jamaican waters
Learn more about the ways you can help dolphins in captivity with this useful guide.
Have you ever seen a whale or dolphin and wondered about them? What do they eat, do they live in Jamaica and why are they called marine mammals? This issue of Earth Facts will answer some basic questions about marine mammals.
