Beyond Borders Protection: The North Atlantic Humpback Whale Sister Sanctuary Program - A Strategy for Advancing Humpback Whale Conservation and Transboundary Management - White Paper

This white paper delivers an examination of a regional conservation initiative designed to safeguard the North Atlantic population of humpback whales through international collaboration and science-driven management. It details the establishment and evolution of a transboundary network of marine mammal sanctuaries, encompassing the migration range from U.S. feeding and nursery grounds to Caribbean breeding and calving sites. The document describes the program’s expansion over a decade, highlighting the significant increase in protected ocean area and the integration of multiple countries, including the United States, Dominican Republic, Bermuda, French Antilles, and Caribbean Netherlands. It explores the legal and organizational frameworks underpinning the effort, the challenges and benefits of multinational cooperation, and the critical role of joint research, education, and community outreach.