SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — 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 square kilometers) 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 announced Monday.
https://kbindependent.org/2023/11/13/dominica-creates-worlds-first-marine-zone-for-sperm-whale/
CANCUN, Mexico — The Executive Committee of the North American Intergovernmental Committee on Cooperation for Protected Areas (NAPA) signed an updated Memorandum of Understanding this past week outlining a framework for continued cooperation and coordination among the United States, Canada and Mexico to guide collaborative management, sustainable and responsible use, protection, conservation, and presentation of protected areas across our shared continent.
https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-department-signs-agreement-mexico-canada-continue-trilateral-collaboration
In a move viewed as unprecedented and apparently against agency regulations, National Park Service Director Chuck Sams signed off on a request to allow the Jemez Pueblo in New Mexico to kill either a bald or golden eagle in Valles Caldera National Preserve for cultural purposes.
The director's decision, made October 18, just five weeks after the pueblo made the request, appears to conflict with National Park Service regulations that prohibit the taking of wildlife. They specifically block the "use, or possession of fish, wildlife, or plants for ceremonial or religious purposes, except for the gathering and removal of plants or plant parts by enrolled members of an Indian tribe in accordance with 36 CfR § 2.6, or where specifically authorized by federal statutory law, treaty..."
https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2023/11/update-jemez-pueblo-quickly-given-ok-take-eagles-valles-caldera-national-preserve