Abstract

The killer whale (Orcinus orca) is a cosmopolitan marine cetacean distributed worldwide. Extensive studies have described their ecology and behavior across multiple polar and temperate regions. Conversely, limited information on their distribution, ecological roles and abundance has been documented from tropical and subtropical regions. Here, we build on previous work to update information on the spatial-temporal distribution, exploitation, and natural history of killer whales in the Caribbean Sea. We also document new records on their interaction with human activities. We collected 356 records from the literature, biodiversity information systems, internet (social networks and video hosting websites), and citizen-based initiatives. Records included sightings (87.1%), intentional captures (10.9%), bycatch (0.3%), and strandings (1.7%). The origin of the records included research projects/activities (46.4%), citizen-based initiatives (40.2%), logbooks from the 19th century whaling industry (2.2%), intentional takes (10.9%), and bycatch (0.3%). Records were distributed in the Eastern Caribbean (36.6%), the Greater Antilles (23.3%), the southern Caribbean (20.8%), the Bahamas (12.6%) and Central America (6.7%). Killer whales were recorded all year round, but most records were reported in the warmer months. Our dataset confirms the regular and widespread occurrence of killer whales throughout the Caribbean Sea. Low densities and limited predictability of their occurrence hinders dedicated research on this species. This study supports the growing importance of opportunistic observations by citizen-scientists to document the occurrence and ecology of this species in the Caribbean.

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