Researchers have conducted a study to uncover the reasons behind the incidents where orcas, also known as killer whales, have been attacking boats in the Strait of Gibraltar.
It is believed that these attacks originated from an unfortunate event involving a female orca named White Gladis, who was harmed by a vessel.
Starting in 2020, a group of orcas has been responsible for sinking three boats and causing damage to over 250 others in a deliberate manner. These creatures seem to be specifically targeting the rudders of the vessels.
Out of the 35 killer whales residing in the area, approximately 15 of them have been identified as participants in these highly unusual interactions.
Experts speculate that these interactions began after White Gladis experienced a change in her behavior, adopting a defensive approach following a distressing incident involving a collision with a boat or being trapped in illegal fishing activities.
As a result, other orcas have responded by inflicting damage upon passing boats.
Spade rudders are the most targeted and damaged type
In a study released in June 2022 in the scientific journal Marine Mammal Science, it has been discovered that the orcas’ attacks primarily focus on sailing boats.
There is a noticeable trend of the orcas targeting and causing damage to the rudders, with spade rudders being the most frequently attacked and harmed type. Once the boat comes to a halt, the orcas typically lose interest and cease their assault.
The orcas involved in these incidents generally move from the Strait of Gibraltar towards Galicia in northern Spain. It has been observed that at least one of the groups returns to southern Portugal.
Orcas are attacking boats…..(in reference to the news article) pic.twitter.com/u3uWFaSdZd
— 𝑹𝒚𝒂𝒏 𝑺𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒊 (@RyanSarai1) June 25, 2023
Based on an extensive analysis of more than 47 testimonies, 110 pictures, and 69 videos, the study proposes several possible motivations behind the orcas’ interactions with vessels.
These motivations include a specific negative event, such as a collision with a vessel, the innate curiosity of the animals, or existing pressures that killer whales commonly face, such as a decrease in available prey, disturbance caused by boats, and interactions with fisheries.
The study also took into account the cognitive abilities of orcas, which enable them to learn and replicate behaviors through social learning.
Previous research has explored the utilization and transmission of hunting techniques within this specific subpopulation of orcas. This has raised concerns among researchers that an increasing number of orcas may eventually acquire this new behavior, exacerbating the situation further.
White Gladis ‘teaching’ other orcas?
Alfredo López Fernandez, a biologist at the University of Aveiro in Portugal and representative of the Atlantic Orca Working Group, who co-authored the study, says it is not as straightforward as White Gladis “teaching” other orcas to retaliate following her boat injury.
López Fernandez explained that their interpretation does not suggest that orcas are intentionally teaching their young. However, the observed behavior has spread among the younger orcas vertically through imitation and later horizontally among their peers.
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