Samenvatting

This thesis research aimed to answer the question whether Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) data of humpback whales can improve management of the Yarari Marine Mammal Sanctuary in the Dutch Caribbean. This study looks at data recorded on the Saba Bank from December 2016 until April 2017. The PAM data were analysed with the use of Raven Pro 1.5. Spectrograms were manually analysed forthe presence of humpback vocalizations. Humpback whale vocalizations were detected from midJanuary until the end of April. Throughout February and March vocalizations were registered every day. A sub sample of three weeks was analysed to look into how vocalizations were occurring over a 24 hour period. No diel pattern was identified with vocalizations being detected throughout the day. A literature study on the management plan was done for the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary and the Dominican Republic Marine Sanctuary. Both plans took the potential threat of noise pollution, fisheries, vessel strikes and whale watching into account. In addition the Dominican Republic also took climate change into consideration. Aspects from the plans for these sanctuaries can be used to help inform the creation of a management plan for the Yarari.