Why are Killer Whales Attacking Boats? Expert Q&A

0
217
A pair of orcas sighted in Gansbaai Photo: www.whalewatchingsa.co.za

Orcas living off Europe’s Iberian coast recently struck and sunk a yacht in the Strait of Gibraltar. Scientists suspect that this is the third vessel this subpopulation of killer whales has capsized since May 2020, when a female orca believed to be the originator of this behaviour suffered a traumatic encounter with a boat. In most reported cases, orcas are biting, bending and breaking off the rudders of sailboats. So how did they learn to imitate this behaviour – and why? We asked Dr Luke Rendell, who researches learning, behaviour and communication among marine mammals at the University of St Andrews.

There’s more to read here…

This content is for subscribers only.
Subscribe to Fishing Industry News SA to get full access to our exclusive content now.
Subscribe Now

Already a member? Log in here