Sailors within the southwest of Europe are going through an uncommon problem – a rise in killer whale assaults on boats.
Some have discovered a stunning resolution to discourage these assaults: enjoying loud heavy steel music by way of underwater audio system.
Lately, sailors within the area have been coping with an unprecedented variety of killer whale incidents, resulting in vessels capsizing regardless of efforts from naval authorities. Looking for options, boat operators have turned to on-line boards and social media for recommendation.
One unconventional methodology gaining consideration includes enjoying curated thrash and heavy steel playlists.
A Spotify playlist titled “Metallic for Orcas” has been shared on platforms like Fb teams and Telegram chats. Songs like “The Blood of Energy,” “Infinite Terror,” “Stretched and Devoured,” and “Exceptionally Sadistic” are included.
Within the “Orca Assault Reviews” Fb group, which has round 60,000 members, members of the marine group share their experiences with killer whales and alternate concepts on the right way to deter them. One other tactic mentioned includes throwing sand into the water after which quickly accelerating the boat’s engine.
Regardless of these methods, there isn’t a scientific proof supporting their effectiveness in stopping killer whale assaults. Particular person accounts fluctuate, with some sailors claiming success with loud music whereas others report no optimistic outcomes.
The rising frequency of those interactions has intrigued animal behaviour scientists. The Group for the Statement and Examine of Aquatic Mammals (GTOA) stories a big rise in aggressive interactions with orcas, recording 207 incidents in 2022 in comparison with 52 in 2020 throughout a five-month interval.
One current incident concerned a pod of orcas focusing on a yacht in Gibraltar for about 45 minutes, ensuing within the boat sinking.
The orcas centered their assault on the yacht’s steering fin, inflicting in depth harm and leakage.
Amidst the uncertainty, some sailors specific concern that extra drastic measures, like utilizing fireworks, could also be employed, posing dangers to each people and the underwater animals. The thriller surrounding the orcas’ behaviour leaves sailors and scientists alike trying to find efficient options.
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This article by Alessandra Scotto Di Santolo was first printed by The Specific on 17 November 2023. Lead Picture: Killer whales have been more and more attacking boats up to now few years (Picture: Getty).
