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The Department of Agriculture has issued a statement following the capture and slaughter this week of a juvenile orca or killer whale by two fishermen in Saint Lucia.
The incident sparked a firestorm on social media, with some people condemning the fishermen’s actions as illegal.
However, in a statement on Thursday, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development said the two men met the requirements of the Fisheries Act.
The full version appears below:
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The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development is aware of the public interest and concern regarding images and video footage of the capture and landing of a marine mammal from the order Cetacea.
Cetaceans include whales, dolphins and porpoises. In Saint Lucia we have adopted a policy of sustainable use as such there has been the traditional use of cetaceans using the meat commonly known as Blackfish, Mashwen or Calabash or pilot whale which is a small cetacean. Based on distinguishing characteristics, the landed animal was identified as an orca or killer whale (Scientific name: orcinus killer whale), which is a toothed whale belonging to the oceanic dolphin family, of which it is the largest member.
The Fisheries Act Cap. Article 7.15 of the Revised Laws of Saint Lucia provides for the promotion and regulation of fishing and fishing in the fishing waters of Saint Lucia. According to Section 38 of the Regulations, “No person shall take, kill, damage or fish for any marine mammal or species of marine mammal in any bay or harbor of Saint Lucia.”
The Department has been advised that the animal was not caught 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.
Additionally, the department says killer whales are considered data deficient on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s 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 strong popular appeal; however, it is important to maintain a balanced perspective.
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