The Eastern Caribbean Cetacean Network (ECCN) is a regional, volunteer network that records sightings and strandings of marine mammals in the Eastern Caribbean.

MISSION
Through research and education, ECCN's objective is to gain community support for the protection of resident and migratory whales and dolphins AND their marine habitat.

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SIGHTINGS
Over thirty species of marine mammals have been sighted in the Eastern Caribbean as well as the rare West Indian manatee (Trinidad). The Network provides pioneering information about marine mammals throughout the region. Many of the species are known to occur year-round while seasonal residents use these tropical waters as important breeding and calving grounds.

STRANDINGS
Records of cetacean strandings (beachings) provide vital information about species distribution in the region, some of which have gone unobserved until recently. Strandings of pygmy and dwarf sperm whales, for example, have shown a more extensive range than previously known.

WHALE WATCHING
The Eastern Caribbean Whale Watch Association, CARIB WHALE, provides valuable information to determine species occurance, seasonality and residency, and contributes important data regarding critical habitats for breeding and feeding.

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
Fishermen in the region offer valuable knowledge to our understanding of the occurrence and behavior of various species. Their knowledge about some rare species, such as beaked whales, contributes to a substantial part of our research.

RESEARCH and EDUCATION PROGRAMMES
ECCN offers in-school programmes and workshops for children and adults as well as training sessions for field identification and stranding protocols. Sighting and stranding forms for yachters, fishermen or whale watch operators are also available. The proceeds from ECCN publications, including children's books and a laminated field guide of Whale's and Dolphin's of the Caribbean, help fund local education programmes. ECCN is a research affiliate of the Smithsonian Institute's Marine Mammal Laboratory in Washington, D.C. and sponsored by the United Nations Environment Programme.

VOLUNTEERS
To learn more about the Eastern Caribbean Cetacean Network OR if you are interested in becoming an active member OR serving as an island coordinator, please contact us directly.