Unregulated Hunting of Orcas Highlights Need for Regional Collaboration in the Caribbean
On the 27th of November 2024, four orcas, including a lactating mother and two calves, were hunted in Barrouallie, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. This unfortunate event underscores a critical challenge in the Caribbean: balancing global efforts to conserve shared marine resources with local practices that can, unintentionally, undermine these initiatives. In addition to orcas, other “blackfish” species, such as pilot whales and pseudorcas, were also hunted, emphasizing the urgent need for regional cooperation and collaborative management of shared marine resources.
This unregulated practice also raises questions about the enforcement of multilateral international agreements like the Cartagena Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment in the Wider Caribbean Region. The Convention’s Protocol on Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW) fully protects all marine mammals, including orcas, and member states, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines, must prohibit harmful activities such as hunting while simultaneously adopting measures to ensure their survival. Yet, as the events in Barrouallie and elsewhere demonstrate, translating these commitments into action requires stronger enforcement and regional collaboration.
Hunting Practices in the Lesser Antilles: A Shared Resource at Risk
Hunting of cetaceans in the Lesser Antilles is centered on two primary practices: the regulated hunting of humpback whales under the International Whaling Commission (IWC) in Bequia and the unregulated hunting of small cetaceans (commonly referred to as “blackfish”) in Barrouallie, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia.
The “blackfish” fishery, particularly in Barrouallie, is deeply embedded in the socio-economic fabric of the community. This practice provides vital livelihoods for many residents, extending far beyond the hunters themselves. Gender roles play a significant part in this industry: men predominantly handle the harvesting, while women dominate the processing, marketing, and trade of blackfish products. This division underscores the industry’s broader importance to the community, supporting not just individual households but also the local economy at large.
For many in Barrouallie, blackfish hunting is a way of life and a symbol of cultural identity. It supports families by funding education, healthcare, and basic necessities in a community where unemployment (25.5%) exceeds the national average (21.5%) and poverty affects almost one third of the residents, according to the 2008 Country Poverty Assessment Report. In this context, blackfish hunting is more than an economic activity—it is a lifeline for survival.
However, the practice is entirely unregulated, and its long-term sustainability is in question. Studies by Dr Fielding and Kiszka indicate that thousands of small cetaceans have been hunted in Saint Vincent over the years, but the absence of robust population estimates for the targeted species makes it difficult to assess the full ecological impact. The current rate of hunting is unlikely to be sustainable, posing a risk of population decline or even local extinction for some species. Such a collapse would not only devastate marine ecosystems but also threaten the very livelihoods and cultural practices that rely on these resources. Based on discussions CCS has been having with the hunters that target the species they often share, there is a decrease of encounter rate and that hunters now must go further and further out at sea, which is usually an indication of overfishing.
To address these challenges, regulation is critical. Sustainable management of the blackfish fishery is not just a conservation issue—it is essential for the economic and cultural survival of communities like Barrouallie. Protecting shared resources through effective governance will help safeguard marine ecosystems while preserving the livelihoods and traditions of the communities that depend on them. The Caribbean must work collectively to ensure that these practices can adapt to modern ecological realities, securing a future where cultural heritage and conservation coexist harmoniously.
Balancing Cultural Practices with Global Conservation Goals
Small cetacean hunting in Barrouallie is often referred to as a “tradition,” but its origins are relatively modern, dating back to 1931 when it was introduced as a way to address food insecurity. For generations, the practice has provided both sustenance and a source of pride for the community. However, as scientific knowledge has advanced, significant risks associated with consuming whale and dolphin meat have come to light.
As apex predators, cetaceans accumulate high levels of heavy metals like mercury, far exceeding safe thresholds for human consumption. Prolonged consumption has been linked to severe health conditions, including neurological disorders, developmental issues in children, and organ damage. This scientific reality challenges the perception of cetacean meat as a viable and sustainable source of protein, particularly given the potential long-term health impacts on the very communities it is meant to support.
The Cartagena Convention further complicates the continuation of this practice by legally mandating the protection of all marine mammals in its member states, including Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. By ratifying the Convention, nations have committed to conserving marine biodiversity, promoting the sustainable use of shared marine resources and fostering regional cooperation. However, enforcement remains inconsistent, and unregulated practices like small cetacean hunting persist, threatening species that are critical to the Caribbean’s biodiversity and economy.
It is essential to strike a balance between cultural heritage and conservation. Respecting local traditions is crucial, but empowering communities with accurate information and viable alternatives is equally as important. The Caribbean Cetacean Society (CCS) has championed this balanced approach for several years, working closely with local stakeholders to raise awareness of the ecological and health risks associated with cetacean hunting. By proposing culturally sensitive solutions, CCS aims to foster a shift towards sustainable practices that preserve both the community’s well-being and the marine ecosystems they depend on.
The Story of a Migrating Orca Family
Just weeks before the unfortunate event, a pod of orcas was observed by Dr. Shane Gero’s research team off Dominica’s coast on November 14th. Multiyear research monitoring in the region by CCS confirms that orcas are among the rarest cetaceans in the Caribbean, and sightings are significant for understanding their ecology.
Additionally, on November 23rd, possibly the same family was monitored near Martinique. These orcas likely traveled through protected areas, moving from Dominica’s future cetacean reserve to Martinique’s Agoa Sanctuary. These protected areas are designed to safeguard marine species, support healthier fish stocks, and generate millions of dollars through sustainable tourism.
However, the journey of 4 individuals, including 2 calfs ended abruptly in Barrouallie, where they were hunted.
An orca pod was sighted the 29th of November in Martinique with a number of individuals corresponding to the event. The trained whale watchers all shared the escaping behaviors of the orca.
This was not an isolated incident; months earlier, another orca family which was observed during one of CCS’s research expeditions, likely met a similar fate in Barrouallie, where hunting was documented soon after.
Science-Based Solutions and Hope for the Future
The Caribbean Cetacean Society (CCS) has been at the forefront of efforts to balance local traditions with regional and global conservation needs. By conducting standardized research and collaborating with local governments, NGOs, and communities, CCS has filled critical knowledge gaps about cetacean diversity, movements, habitat use, and threats.
These insights have informed advocacy for MPAs and blue corridors—connected sanctuaries that ensure safe passage for migratory species. For example, CCS played a key role in the creation of a new MPA in the Dominican Republic, demonstrating how local science can drive impactful conservation outcomes. Building on this success, CCS is working with several other governments on the creation of additional sanctuaries.
Educational initiatives are also central to CCS’s approach. Programs like Sea Camps, organized with the local NGO Ripples to Waves, allows young people to experience live cetaceans in their natural habitat, fostering appreciation and understanding. These programs empower future generations to take pride in their marine heritage and advocate for sustainable practices.
Looking forward, CCS is convening a high-level meeting with the governments of the southern Lesser Antilles to present findings and propose actionable solutions. By aligning efforts with global frameworks such as the United Nations’ 30×30 target and the UNESCO Ocean Decade, CCS aims to harmonize ocean governance across the Caribbean.
A Shared Responsibility for Shared Resources
The untimely loss of the orca family underscores the interconnectedness of Caribbean marine ecosystems. While some islands invest millions in conservation through sanctuaries and tourism, strengthening their Sustainable Blue Economies, unregulated hunting in neighboring territories undermine these efforts and can have an important impact on the economy and tourism loss in the Caribbean region. As apex predators, cetaceans play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, supporting healthy fish stocks critical to regional food security. Economically, their value alive—through sustainable tourism and ecosystem services—far exceeds the short-term gains of hunting.
The path forward requires unity. Respecting local culture and economic needs is non-negotiable, but empowering communities with knowledge and alternatives can lead to sustainable change. The Cartagena Convention provides a critical framework for action, but its success depends on enforcement and regional cooperation.
The Caribbean Cetacean Society’s commitment to collaboration, education, and science offers hope. With collective action, the region can protect its shared marine heritage, ensuring a future where species like orcas are valued as living icons of a thriving Caribbean.
