Orcas Messing About with Boats

By Mark J. Palmer

“There is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats” -- Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows

Since July 2020, orcas along the coast of Spain and Portugal have been “attacking” boats, at least five of which have actually been sunk by the orcas. Many other boats have been damaged, especially the rudders. According to scientists, severe damage has only been seen in 20% of the so-called “attacks”.

What is going on?

To begin with, this population of orcas is listed as endangered, with less than 40 individuals remaining. Scientists have identified eleven juvenile orcas and four adult females from this population which have been involved in the incidents.

In a letter signed by more than 80 marine mammal experts, the scientists are especially concerned that the orca behavior might be met with shootings and other aggressive efforts to stop the attacks, threatening the reduced population even more.

Scientists are quick to note that using the term “attacks” is misleading. The main damage is caused by the orcas ramming the rudders and keels with their heads or bodies.

But instead of “attacks” based on anger or revenge, as some have speculated, the orcas’ behavior suggests playful social behavior. Apparently, ramming boats is a new game for these orcas.

The scientists note that orcas will often adopt certain behaviors that amount to “cultural fads” among the population. Other members of the pod pick up on the fads and follow suit, resulting in often odd behaviors moving through an orca pod, such as carrying a dead fish on their heads.

The marine mammal expert letter is particularly critical of people who claim the orcas are taking revenge on people – in fact, no people have been harmed by the orcas at all, and all have been rescued from sinking vessels.

There are ongoing studies about the problem, and solutions are being proposed to ward off the attacks without harming the orcas. Marine scientists and the governments of Spain and Portugal are involved.

In conclusion, the scientists say:

When we are at sea, we are in the realm of marine life. We should not punish wildlife for being wild. We need to keep cool heads when wild animals exhibit novel behavior and we must put greater effort into adapting our own actions and behavior to the presence of wildlife. The survival of the species with which we share this planet depends on it.

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