CASTRIES, St. Lucia – The St. Lucia government says while killer whales are not listed as an endangered species, it is disturbed at the recent distribution of pictures and video footage showing the “capture and landing of a marine mammal of the order, Cetacea.
In a statement, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Rural Development said Cetaceans include whales, dolphins, and porpoises and that St. Lucia has adopted a sustainable use policy. There has been the traditional use of Cetaceans utilizing the meat.
Killer whale captured by local fishermen.
“Based on the distinguishing features, the animal landed has been identified as an orca or killer whale (Scientific name: Orcinus orca), a toothed whale belonging to the oceanic dolphin family the most prominent member.
“The Fisheries Act Cap. 7.15 of the Revised Laws of St. Lucia makes provision for the promotion and regulation of fishing and fisheries in the fishery waters of Saint Lucia. According to Section 38 of the Regulations, “A person shall not take, kill, damage or fish for any marine mammal or any species of marine mammals in any bay or harbor of St.Lucia.”
In the statement, the ministry said that it had been advised that the animal was not captured in a bay or harbor and can confirm that the fishing vessel was licensed to fish.
“As such the captain and crew of the vessel complied with the requirements of the Fisheries Act,” it said, adding that “killer whales are considered Data Deficient on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened species and as such, are not listed as an endangered species.
“The Ministry recognizes that marine mammals are known to be charismatic animal species with symbolic value or widespread popular appeal; however, it is important to maintain a balanced perspective,” the statement added.
But the fisherman involved in capturing and slaying the whale told local media that while he is aware of criticism on social media, fishing today is a tough job in the current socio-economic climate.
“Going fishing out there is not easy. Sometimes you go fishing, and it’s just gas burning for a whole week, and you don’t catch anything. So fishing is not like you know you are going to fish, and you are going to catch tuna or lobster,” said Sylvester Cyris.
Cyris explained that the whale he and his partner caught was one of the hundreds they spotted when they went out to sea.
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