Why killer whales attack sailboats in Iberian waters?
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230525/power-of-the-horde-why-are-orcas-attacking-sailboats-in-iberian-waters-1110584030.html
Power of the Horde: Why do orcs attack sailboats in Iberian waters?
Power of the Horde: Why do orcs attack sailboats in Iberian waters?
International media regularly report killer whale attacks on small sailboats, typically used by wealthy Europeans for recreational purposes. Why do orcas attack ships? What do scientists say about the strange behavior of killer whales? Are killer whales dangerous to humans?
2023-05-25T15:13+0000
2023-05-25T15:13+0000
2023-05-25T15:13+0000
beyond politics
killer whales
killer whales
marine biologist
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The Iberian killer whales seem to resent the sailboats. Since 2020, these sea creatures have damaged ships around 100 times in waters off Morocco, Portugal and Spain, according to data provided by the Atlantic Orca Working Group. The number of unsuccessful attempts against boats is five times higher. Killer whales do not regard humans as prey and never attack them on purpose, but rather it is sailfish that they seem to dislike. It is suspected that the killer whales in question represent a small group of creatures and that there are only two adults among them. Attack attempts occur almost every week and follow the same pattern – some orcas destroy the rudder, while others collide with the hull. What do scientists say about ships attacking killer whales? López Fernandez, a biologist at the University of Aveiro in Portugal, has researched the subject extensively and called it “complex behavior that has nothing to do with aggression”. However, marine biologists have hunches that have yet to be proven. Clue 1 – For the sake of revenge Some researchers believe that the practice of attacking boats stems from a single killer whale’s traumatic experience, such as a collision with a ship or an entanglement in a fishing line. after which he learned to attack them and passed this knowledge on to other orcs. Dr. López Fernandez pointed out that “killer whales share their culture with their young and with their peers”, pointing out that this species learns by imitation. However, he does not believe this pattern of behavior will become common among killer whales around the world and is sure it will remain a particular characteristic of local orcas. Hunch 2 – Just for KicksSome researchers point to the presence of younger orcas in the group and claim that it may be a simple game that hones their hunting skills. “Thrills.” Instinct 3 – Stress ManagementSome scientists point out that killer whales use echolocation to hunt and communicate with their peers. The constant noise of ship engines stresses them and causes aggression. However, this does not explain why killer whales choose sailfish, which are relatively quiet. So if you have a sailboat, avoid these waters and don’t mess with the killer whales.
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2023
News
en_GB
killer whales attack ships, the inland sea,
killer whales attack ships, the inland sea,
International media regularly report killer whales attacking small sailboats, typically used by wealthy Europeans for recreational purposes. Why do orcas attack boats? What do scientists say about this strange behavior? Are killer whales dangerous to humans?
The Iberian killer whales seem to resent the sailboats. Since 2020, these sea creatures have damaged ships around 100 times in waters off Morocco, Portugal and Spain, according to data provided by the Atlantic Orca Working Group. The number of unsuccessful attempts against boats is five times higher.
Killer whales do not regard humans as prey and never attack them on purpose, but rather it is sailfish that they seem to dislike. It is suspected that the killer whales in question represent a small group of creatures and that there are only two adults among them. Attack attempts occur almost every week and follow the same pattern – some killer whales destroy the rudder, while others run into the hull.
What do scientists say about killer whales attacking ships?
Dr. López Fernandez, a biologist at the University of Aveiro in Portugal, has done extensive research on the subject and called it “complex behavior that has nothing to do with aggression.” However, marine biologists have intuitions that remain to be proven.
Hunch 1 – For the sake of revenge
Some researchers believe that the practice of attacking boats originated from a single killer whale’s traumatic experience, such as colliding with a ship or becoming entangled in a fishing line, after which it learned to attack them and passed on these knowledge to other orcas. Dr. López Fernandez pointed out that “killer whales share their culture with their young and with their congenerspointing out that this species learns by imitation. However, he does not believe this pattern of behavior will become common among killer whales around the world and is sure it will remain a particular characteristic of local orcas.
Hunch 2 – Just for Fun
Some researchers point to the presence of younger orcas in the pod and say it could be a simple game that hones their hunting skills.
As Erich Hoyt, researcher at Whale and Dolphin Conservation, puts it, “playing is part of being a predator“and killer whales can attack boats for the”delight.”
Intuition 3 – Stress management
Some scientists point out that killer whales use echolocation to hunt and communicate with their peers. The constant noise of ship engines stresses them and causes aggression. However, this does not explain why killer whales choose sailboats, which are relatively quiet.
So if you have a sailboat, avoid these waters and don’t mess with the killer whales.
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