Abstract

Between November 2003 and June 2006, selected portions of the coastal waters of the island of Jamaica were evaluated for populations of dolphins (Cetacea, Delphinidae). All trips were conducted from small boats (canoes) owned by fishers. A total of 107 interviews by questionnaire were also done to obtain information on the species, distribution, behaviour, and the nature of the interference with fish traps operated by commercial fishers. Dolphin interference with gear was found to be real and not imagined. The most commonly involved species was the Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncates). At least two other species of dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis)) and Pan-tropical spotted dolphin (S. attenuata), may be involved but to unknown degrees. A pattern of distribution emerged where larger dolphin species, probably the offshore morph of Bottlenose dolphin (T. truncatus) and other spotted species (probably Stenella), were never observed inshore. Highest numbers of dolphins were reported from southwestern oceanic banks. Lower numbers of dolphins appear to be found in eastern coastal waters than in the west. In Kingston Harbour, there is a small resident pod of Bottlenose dolphins and another small dolphin pod in Bowden bay, St. Thomas in the southeast. The nature of the interference essentially is a series of shaking and rolling movements in order for dolphins to obtain fish from the interior of fish traps. Traps were turned upright or completely overturned, as well as moved some distance from the original position set by fishers. The reasons for this interference are presently unclear, but may be related to reduced fish abundance on Jamaican reefs or to the use of dynamite. Dolphins took fish from other types of fishing gear, such as gill nets, and caused damage while doing so

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