Recent research sugges that Orcas in the Iberian Peninsula May Be Using Yachts as PRACTICE TARGETS RATHER THAN SIMPLY ATTACKING For Revenge or Play. This theory proposes that young orcas are practicing their hunting techniques on sailboats, particularly targeting the rudders. Since 2020, there have been numerous reports of orcas ramming and damaging boats, and scientists now believe this behavior might help them refine their skills for hunting atlantic blood
Study Insights
According to Dr Bruno Díaz López, Director of the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI), The observation of these interactions have provided valuable data. The team used Citizen Science Reports to Create Computer Models of the Orcas’ movements, revaling that these predators and their prey share simillar environmental drivers. This correlation indicates that tracking tuna could help predict orca locations.
The Researches‘Findings, published on June 18 in Ocean and Coastal Management Journal, Sugged that Orcas’ Interactions with Boats are Part of their Learning Process. By Practizing on Rudders, Orcas May Be Mimicking The Techniques used to isolate and catch tuna, which are large and fast-moving fish. This play behavior could be crucial for honing their skills in separating tuna from their schools and capturing them effectively.
Expert opinions
Marine Researcher Erich Hoyt, Affiliated with the Whale and Dolphin Conservation, Supports The Notion That Orcas Are Playing, According to a live Science ReportHe believes this play is part of normal predator curiosity and helps develop cognitive and physical abilitys. Hoyt Advises Sailors to Avoid Areas Where Orca Activity is High to Prevent Further Damage and Reinforce the behavior.
In conclusion, whose theory of boats as target practice is compeling, hoyt anticipates that this behavior may phase out over time. The study underscores the importance of undersrstanding orca behavior to manage and mitigate their interactions with human activities effectively.
(Tagstotranslate) Orcas targeting boats in iberian peninsula might be practicing hunting hunting technique