Overarching principles and best practice guidelines for marine mammal watching in the Wider Caribbean Region (WCR)

Abstract

The SPAW Protocol calls for the development and implementation of conservation, recovery or management programmes, as well as guidelines and criteria for the management of protected species. These guidelines were developed under the framework of the Marine Mammal Action Plan for the Conservation of Marine Mammals adopted by SPAW Contracting Parties. The following management considerations and guidelines for marine mammal watching were developed for the Wider Caribbean Region (WCR) in 2011 taking into account the existing national guidelines, decrees and regulations. However, while these guidelines are recommendations in WCR, different regulations can apply at a national level.