Whales and Dolphins in the Caribbean

Syam Nath leads the Trinidad and Tobago Cetacean Sighting Network (TTCSN) in the growing body of research on Cetaceans (whales, dolphins) in the Caribbean. With a background in bio-acoustics – he studied in Spain and France – he hopes to understand their language. He encourages sightings to be reported to info@ttcsn.org

 

Marine enthusiasts across the region have been astonished by recent sightings of orcas, also known as killer whales, in the warm Caribbean waters. These sightings challenge traditional beliefs about the habitat preferences of these iconic marine mammals, raising questions about their regional presence.

 

Eyewitness accounts from various Caribbean islands have documented the presence of orcas, a significant shift from their historically colder water habitats. This phenomenon has led to inquiries regarding their migratory patterns and environmental factors contributing to their presence.

 

Orcas sighted off St Vincent and the Grenadines, photo courtesy the Caribbean Cetacean Sighting network

Like humans, orcas exhibit diverse cultural behaviours and dietary customs, including vocal dialects and prey preferences. Some orca populations prey on marine mammals, while others limit their buffet to fish and stingrays. Recent research suggests that orcas in the Caribbean also hunt leatherback turtles, considering them a delicacy.

 

Dr Jaime Bolaños-Jimenez, a prominent marine biologist from Venezuela, has led the Caribbean Wide Orca Project, tracking 385 records of these majestic beasts in our region over the past two decades. He has confirmed the authenticity of five orca sightings in our twin island nation thus far. He notes that the group of three orcas (male, female, calf) sighted off the Trinidadian coast in the Gulf of Paria on October 22 matches the group of orcas widely observed off Central Venezuela on October 26.

 

Orcas sighted off Martinique, photo courtesy the Caribbean Cetacean Sighting network (CCS)

Jeffrey Bernus, director of the Caribbean Cetacean Sighting network (CCS), notes that orcas are rare sightings in the Lesser Antilles despite their long presence in the Caribbean. He reports no aggression from these orcas but instead highlights their curiosity. “They are one of the rarest species sighted on expeditions, but the groups consist of ten individuals on average.”

 

 “I’ve encountered killer whales around Martinique (April 2023) and St. Vincent (March 2022),” recalls Dr Rocio Prieto Gonzalez, a Spanish biostatistician who has led scientific expeditions with the CCS.

 

Despite meticulous documentation of orca sightings, the species remains vulnerable to hunting in some regions. In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, orcas have been hunted for food and oil despite protection under the SPAW (Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife) protocol. Even locally, orcas have occasionally been caught by fishermen, although the historical practice of whaling has diminished since the colonial era when whale oil was a major export.

 

In local research efforts, the TTCSN has initiated a long-term monitoring project to identify the whale and dolphin species around Trinidad and Tobago. This project involves deploying acoustic monitoring devices to capture audio recordings analysed by machine-learning algorithms for species differentiation - like the Alexa, Siri or Shazam apps but for recognising animal sounds. Such programs would gather invaluable data for regional and global benefits.

 

The scientific community eagerly embraces this unique opportunity to expand their understanding of orcas, advocating for responsible tourism practices to minimise disturbances to these remarkable creatures. As research continues, the Caribbean region positions itself at the forefront of marine exploration, offering insights into the adaptability of apex predators on an ever-changing planet Earth.

 

Pantropical Spotted Dolphin seen off Dominica, photo courtesy CCS

 

Dolphin Stranding in Tobago: what to do

 The live stranding of seven Atlantic spotted dolphins in Store Bay, Tobago, has prompted concerns among beachgoers and conservationists alike. Thanks to the courageous efforts of bystanders, the animals were eventually returned to sea, although it took several attempts.

 

Potential factors leading to marine mammal strandings include predator pursuit, disorientation due to loud underwater noise, injuries from ship collisions, entanglement in fishing gear, diseases, and unusual weather or oceanographic events. Encountering stranded marine mammals is rare but requires immediate attention. I consulted the Trinidad and Tobago Marine Mammal Stranding Network (TTMMSN) for guidelines.

 

WHAT TO DO: Gently pour water over the animal without entering the blowhole. Cover the animal with wet towels, leaving the blowhole, eyes, and dorsal fin uncovered. Create trenches under the fins and fill them with water to keep the animal cool. Erect a tent over the animal if possible. WHAT NOT TO DO: Avoid dragging or pulling the animal by the tail, which can cause severe injuries. Do not return the animal to deep water without a veterinary professional's examination, as an ill animal can drown.

 

Remember to protect yourself from injury and infection. Avoid the mouth and tail to prevent bites or harm from a stressed animal. Seek assistance; do not attempt to lift the animal alone. Stay vigilant to avoid deep water or strong currents while supporting the animal. Do not place your face over the blowhole, as exhaled air may contain harmful bacteria. Avoid contact with cuts, bruises, or lesions on the animal's body. Steer clear of bodily fluids or discharges. Use hand sanitisers with 70% ethyl alcohol and wash your hands thoroughly to prevent infection.

 

Marine mammals are protected by laws, and unauthorised handling or interference can have legal consequences.

 

Furthermore, it's essential to recognise that cetaceans (whales and dolphins) are mammals, not fish. They have lungs and breathe atmospheric air, so they must coordinate their movements to surface and breathe. Ill marine mammals may be unable to do so and may carry infectious organisms that pose risks to humans and other animals.

 

If you encounter a stranded marine mammal, do not attempt to handle it yourself. Instead, call trained first responders or the following authorities: Trinidad and Tobago Marine Mammal Stranding Network (481-4838). Trinidad Forestry Division - Wildlife (225-3835, 225-3828). Tenderheart Animals Veterinary Clinic (645-3883). Tobago Forestry Division - Wildlife (639-2273, 735-4369). Coast Guard (634-4440, 634-1476). Trinidad and Tobago Cetacean Sighting Network (683-7926). You can also contact the nearest police station.

 

When reporting a stranded marine mammal, provide the following information: your name and phone number, the number of animals (dead or alive), date and time of sighting, exact location (include a landmark), and a description of the animal's characteristics.

 

Please follow these guidelines to ensure the safety of both the stranded cetaceans and yourself while contributing to the conservation and well-being of these sophisticated and intelligent aquatic national treasures.

 

(Follow TTCSN on Instagram: @ttcsn_org Email: info@ttcsn.org)