The largest recorded Orca

[abadu]

(10-25-2022, 05:58 PM)Matias Wrote: Hello @abadu , taking the opportunity to talk to a biologist.

I remember reading a 2020 report on orcas attacking boats (their rudders) off the coasts of Portugal and Spain. Would you like to know your opinion about these “so-called attacks”? And how is the ecological situation in the region, after restrictive fishing measures seem to have improved the quantity of bluefin tuna?

'I've never seen or heard of attacks': scientists baffled by orcas harassing boats


Thanks.

In regards to the orca interactions in this area, these are a recent event. We still don't know why they're doing it, although, im my personal opinion, there seems to be several different possible reasons at the same time. I've been with 3 individuals interacting with the boat I was in, with one of them seeming to be curious. In the other cases, one was in a day where there was a calf around, the orcas were evasive and boats were harassing the orcas, so a juvenile chased the different boats at speeds close to 25 knots. The other case was with a female that had a calf and we were with them for a while. After a good time she started blowing bubbles (a sign of agression) and then she touched the boat, so there was a clear excalation in response to our presence.

The ecological situation is still rather poor. Overfishing and trawling is a reality. We had issues with the sardine population for example, which are the basis of the food web here basically. The bluefin tuna has been recovering but is still in a bad shape, although these orcas also go for other large pelagic fish like sunfish, swordfish and blue sharks. Reply