Hashtag Sal · video

What this video covers

Collisions between sailboats and whales are increasing globally, driven by rising populations of both vessels and cetaceans. In Brazilian waters, encounters with humpback and southern right whales are typically accidental, often involving juveniles or animals resting at the surface.1:01 Conversely, in the Strait of Gibraltar, a specific group of orcas—led by a matriarch named Gladys Lamari and her offspring—has exhibited persistent, aggressive interactions with sailboats, occasionally causing structural damage or sinking vessels.5:06 Researchers hypothesise these orca behaviours may stem from a negative past experience with a boat, which the animals now mimic or defend against.10:09 Current advice for sailors facing orca interactions is to drop sails and shut down engines, as active manoeuvring often encourages the animals to continue the behaviour.11:29 While acoustic deterrents like pilot whale sounds are being tested, their long-term effectiveness remains unproven as cetaceans adapt quickly to new stimuli.13:33

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