Skip to content
All articles
  • All articles
  • About whales & dolphins
  • Create healthy seas
  • End captivity
  • Green Whale
  • Prevent deaths in nets
  • Scottish Dolphin Centre
  • Stop whaling
Fishers' involvement is crucial. Image: WDC/JTF

When porpoises and people overlap

We're funding a project in Hong Kong that's working with fishing communities to help save...

Mindful conservation – why we need a new respect for nature

'We should look at whales and dolphins as the indigenous people of the seas -...
A dolphin called Arnie with a shell

Dolphins catch fish using giant shell tools

In Shark Bay, Australia, two groups of dolphins have figured out how to use tools...
Common dolphins at surface

Did you know that dolphins have unique personalities?

We all have personalities, and between the work Christmas party and your family get-together, perhaps...
Leaping harbour porpoise

The power of harbour porpoise poo

We know we need to save the whale to save the world. Now we are...
Holly. Image: Miray Campbell

Meet Holly, she’s an incredible orca leader

Let me tell you the story of an awe-inspiring orca with a fascinating family story...
Humpback whale. Image: Christopher Swann

A story about whales and humans

As well as working for WDC, I write books for young people. Stories; about the...
Risso's dolphin at surface

My lucky number – 13 years studying amazing Risso’s dolphins

Everything we learn about the Risso's dolphins off the coast of Scotland amazes us and...

Hey UK, Turks and Caicos Humpbacks Need You too!

A recent BBC report highlights the need for better wildlife protection in UK overseas territories including the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI).  Along with the issues covered in the article, endangered humpback whales are also facing threats in this region.  Historically considered as a migratory corridor to the breeding and calving grounds off the Dominican Republic, WDC data suggests TCI waters may be part of the breeding range for North Atlantic humpbacks.  The threat of ship strikes, habitat degradation and pressures from tourism are increasing for whales in this region, leaving mothers and newborn calves most vulnerable. 

WDC not only agrees that increasing protections are needed, but also calls for the UK to increase funding for education in this area.  In partnership with the School for Field Studies, WDC has initiated an education program for TCI students on South Caicos.  “We were shocked to learn that some local children didn’t even realize that whales lived off their coasts” said Monica Pepe, Conservation and Education Manager for WDC. “While funding conservation programs is essential, so is ensuring that the residents of the Turks and Caicos know about their natural resources and are empowered to protect them.” 

This spring WDC’s North American office launched a program that connected students in the Turks and Caicos with students up the road from our office in Plymouth, Mass.  Not only did they learn about whales and their habitats, they also participated in a cultural exchange by recording videos of their respective classes talking about everyday life (favorite foods, length of school day, average weather conditions, etc.).  The goal of this project is for students to learn about the different regions humpbacks utilize and instill a sense of responsibility for protecting them.

WDC is seeking funding to continue its work to protect the humpback whales of TCI and to continue education programs in both the US and the Turks and Caicos Islands.