Whale Advocacy, Education, and Empowerment (WAVEE)

The Whale Advocacy, Education, and Empowerment (WAVEE) program is a groundbreaking initiative based in Dominica, focused on empowering local communities, especially women, to participate in marine conservation, education, and technology-driven research. Launched in April 2021, WAVEE represents a key shift in placing Dominicans at the heart of sustainable marine development.

A Community-Driven Marine Conservation Effort

WAVEE was established through the leadership of Dr. Shane Gero, founder of the Dominica Sperm Whale Project, in collaboration with local and international partners. The initiative was created to bridge the gap between marine research and community involvement by providing local participants with education, leadership opportunities, and research training.

Through WAVEE, Dominicans, particularly young people, can engage in citizen science, marine monitoring, and technology development to support conservation goals.

Objectives of WAVEE

WAVEE’s goals are both scientific and social. The program aims to:

• Build capacity for local leadership in marine research and conservation
• Empower women and youth in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) related to marine ecosystems
• Support sustainable livelihoods through the blue economy
• Facilitate cross-disciplinary learning between local stakeholders and international marine scientists

Partnership with Project CETI

WAVEE is closely affiliated with the Cetacean Translation Initiative (Project CETI), a nonprofit research organization that uses AI and robotics to decode and interpret sperm whale communication. CETI’s field research is centered in Dominica, leveraging the island’s unique status as the only place in the world where sperm whales reside year-round.

CETI supports WAVEE by providing research access, technical mentorship, and global visibility to Dominica’s conservation leadership efforts.

Advancing Local Empowerment

By prioritising Dominican voices in marine conservation and technological innovation, WAVEE is helping to shape a generation of environmental stewards, innovators, and researchers. With a focus on equity and inclusion, the program positions Dominica as a regional model for community-led marine science and policy.

WAVEE and CETI together reflect a transformative approach to conservation, one that is driven by education, data, and the people most connected to the sea.