Orcas are Ramming Boats Again—and Scientists Think It’s a Game

An orca whale pictured off the coast of Gibraltar.

Photograph By Andrew Sutton, Shutterstock

Imagine you’re out for a peaceful day on the water when your boat suddenly lurches as a massive, intelligent creature slams into it. For many mariners off the coast of Spain, this has become a terrifying reality. Since 2020, a specific pod of Iberian orcas, which are critically endangered, has been repeatedly ramming vessels, and scientists believe it's all just a game.

The Mystery Behind the "Attacks"

While these encounters might seem like calculated attacks, marine biologists, like Naomi Rose from the Animal Welfare Institute, say they're not. “If they wanted to sink the boats, they’d be sinking the boat,” she explains. The orcas, a group of about 40 individuals, are incredibly smart and are specifically targeting and destroying rudders. Scientists think this behavior is a form of cultural learning, passed down from one orca generation to the next. What started as a new fad is now becoming a tradition.

This behavior isn't about revenge or aggression; it's a learned activity that the orcas find stimulating. Just like humans can pass down cultural trends, so can orcas, who are known for their sophisticated communication and social structures. Remember the "salmon hat" fad, where orcas wore dead salmon on their heads? This boat-ramming behavior appears to be another example of a cultural trend that has, unfortunately, stuck around.

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A New Normal for Mariners

The orcas' behavior has led to hundreds of incidents, damaging and even sinking several vessels. Most of these encounters have occurred in deep water where the orcas hunt for their primary food source, bluefin tuna. However, recent events show the pod may be exploring new coastal areas, causing concern for more boaters.

This situation puts everyone in a difficult position. While the orcas are just playing, their game can be incredibly dangerous and scary for humans. Unfortunately, trying to fight back, for example by throwing firecrackers, is not only illegal but can make the behavior worse. It can reinforce the orcas' interest and lead to even more severe damage to vessels.

So, what can mariners do? Scientists and authorities have made several recommendations:

• Stay Calm and Silent: Avoid making sudden movements or loud noises that could agitate the animals.
• Move Away Slowly: If possible, try to gently steer away from the orcas without provoking them.
• Use Deterrents Sparingly: Noisemakers should only be used as a last resort, as the orcas can become accustomed to them.

Authorities are also working on practical solutions, such as adding rough surfaces to rudders that might make them less appealing to the orcas. Additionally, they are providing real-time tracking information so vessels can try to avoid the pod altogether.

It's a "People Problem"

Ultimately, as scientists have noted, this isn't a whale problem, but a people problem. Orcas have lived in these waters for centuries; we are the ones passing through their home. Understanding their behavior and adapting to it is the only way forward.