WDCS is becoming increasingly active within the SPAW Protocol, one of a series of agreements under the Cartagena Convention which brings together the countries of the Wider Caribbean Region (WCR) in a concerted effort to address the protection of the marine environments and the species within the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. WDCS welcomes the work of this Protocol, which serves as a positive development for the region under the auspices of the Caribbean Environment Program within the United Nations.

The Protocol concerning Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW Protocol) has been internationally recognized as the most comprehensive treaty of its kind for the protection of biodiversity.

The objective of the Protocol is to protect rare and fragile ecosystems and habitats, thereby protecting the endangered and threatened species residing therein.

The SPAW Protocol is a very important instrument for the protection of whales and dolphins in the Caribbean. All species are currently listed on Annex II of SPAW, prohibiting all capture and trade in whale and dolphin species.

Click below for updates on what WDCS is doing in its efforts to support this important Protocol to protect whales and dolphins in the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.

WDCS and the SPAW Protocol - January 2007

SPAW briefing documents
Captivity
Whale Watching
MPAs
Education Programs/live free in the sea poster .pdf