Dominica sets up world’s first sperm whale reserve

The tiny Caribbean island of Dominica is creating the world’s first marine protected area for the endangered sperm whale (Clyde K Jno-Baptiste/AP)

The tiny Caribbean island of Dominica is creating the world’s first marine protected area for one of Earth’s largest animals: the endangered sperm whale.

Nearly 300 square miles (800 sq km) of royal blue waters on the western side of the island nation that serve as key nursing and feeding grounds will be designated as a reserve, the government has announced.