Orcas may use boats as target practice, new theory suggests
Recent research suggests that orcas in the Iberian Peninsula use hunts as practice targets rather than attacking for revenge or play. This theory suggests that young orcas practice their hunting techniques on sailboats, focusing specifically on the rudders. Since 2020, there have been numerous reports of orcas ramming and damaging boats, and scientists now believe this behavior may help them hone their skills for hunting Atlantic bluefin tuna.
Study insights
According to Dr. Bruno Díaz López, director of the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI), observing these interactions has provided valuable data. The team used citizen science reports to create computer models of the orcas’ movements, revealing that these predators and their prey share similar environmental cues. This correlation suggests that tracking tuna could help predict the locations of orcas.
The researchers‘ findings, published June 18 in the journal Ocean and Coastal Management, suggest that the orcas’ interactions with boats are part of their learning process. By practicing rudder control, the orcas may be imitating the techniques used to isolate and capture tuna, which are large, fast-moving fish. This play behavior could be crucial to honing their skills in separating tuna from their schools and effectively catching them.
Expert opinions
According to a Live Science report, marine researcher Erich Hoyt, affiliated with the Whale and Dolphin Conservation, supports the notion that orcas play. reportHe believes this play is part of the predators’ normal curiosity and helps develop cognitive and physical skills. Hoyt advises sailors to avoid areas where orca activity is high to prevent further damage and reinforce the behavior.
In conclusion, while the boat-as-target theory is compelling, Hoyt expects this behavior may disappear over time. The study underscores the importance of understanding killer whale behavior in order to effectively manage and mitigate their interactions with human activities.
