Dominica · Spearfishing zone
Sperm Whale Reserve (west coast offshore waters)
What this zone is
Overview
How spearfishing is treated at Sperm Whale Reserve (west coast offshore waters).
World's first sperm whale reserve, established by the Sperm Whale Reserve Act, 2025 (passed by Parliament 14 October 2025; Reserve Board appointed by Cabinet 24 March 2026 to implement the Act). Covers 923.3 sq km of Dominica's western territorial sea/EEZ starting 2 nautical miles offshore (Schedule 1); within the Reserve, s.22(1)(m) makes it an offence to fish - including spearfishing - without a licence issued under s.11 of the Fisheries Act, overriding the usual s.11(2) sport-fishing exemption, and vessel, tourism and cetacean-approach restrictions apply. Nearshore waters (0-2 nm), the SSMR and Cabrits NP are outside this Reserve's boundary.
On the coast
Location
Approximate reference point for this zone. See the full picture on the interactive map.
15.4000°N, 61.5500°W
View on the mapSource
This zone is documented in the official source below.
Before you dive
License for Dominica
Whether you need a license to spearfish here, and how to get one.
Application for a local fishing licence is made in the prescribed form to the Minister (Fisheries Act s.11(3)). Inside the Soufriere/Scott's Head Marine Reserve, registration with the Local Area Management Authority and/or a valid licence from the Chief Fisheries Officer is required for water sports/aquatic activities, plus payment of user fees.
Get your licenseOpens the official portal · faolex.fao.org
