compo 5,386 Posted November 17 Share Posted November 17 Scientists battling orcas sinking yachts tackle problem with heavy metal music A Spotify playlist titled "Metal for Orcas" has been shared on platforms like Facebook groups and Telegram chats. Killer whales have been increasingly attacking boats in the past few years (Image: Getty) Sailors in the southwest of Europe are facing an unusual challenge – an increase in killer whale attacks on boats. Some have found a surprising solution to deter these attacks: playing loud heavy metal music through underwater speakers. In recent years, sailors in the region have been dealing with an unprecedented number of killer whale incidents, leading to vessels capsizing despite efforts from naval authorities. Seeking solutions, boat operators have turned to online forums and social media for advice. One unconventional method gaining attention involves playing curated thrash and heavy metal playlists. A Spotify playlist titled "Metal for Orcas" has been shared on platforms like Facebook groups and Telegram chats. Songs like "The Blood of Power," "Infinite Terror," "Stretched and Devoured," and "Exceptionally Sadistic" are included. READ MORE: Killer whales strike again as another yacht is sunk in Strait of Gibraltar In the "Orca Attack Reports" Facebook group, which has around 60,000 members, members of the marine community share their experiences with killer whales and exchange ideas on how to deter them. Another tactic discussed involves throwing sand into the water and then rapidly accelerating the boat's engine. Despite these strategies, there is no scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness in preventing killer whale attacks. Individual accounts vary, with some sailors claiming success with loud music while others report no positive results. The increasing frequency of these interactions has intrigued animal behaviour scientists. The Group for the Observation and Study of Aquatic Mammals (GTOA) reports a significant rise in aggressive interactions with orcas, recording 207 incidents in 2022 compared to 52 in 2020 during a five-month period. Don't miss... Killer whales return for more revenge as three more boats attacked off Spain [VIDEO] Killer whale 'danger zones' which tourists must avoid after boats attacked [MAP] Orcas ‘play games’ with British yachts as officials confirm spate of attacks [PICTURES] One recent incident involved a pod of orcas targeting a yacht in Gibraltar for about 45 minutes, resulting in the boat sinking. The orcas focused their attack on the yacht's steering fin, causing extensive damage and leakage. Amidst the uncertainty, some sailors express concern that more drastic measures, like using fireworks, may be employed, posing risks to both humans and the underwater animals. The mystery surrounding the orcas' behaviour leaves sailors and scientists alike searching for effective solutions. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gonzo79 12,214 Posted November 18 Share Posted November 18 Whales must be similar to Poles then. I had a downstairs, Polish neighbour who often liked to play techno, loud, into the wee small hours. I bought a subwoofter and started playing Black Sabbath at full volume at 7am. He soon got the message. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChelseaBoy 2,051 Posted November 18 Share Posted November 18 1 hour ago, Gonzo79 said: Whales must be similar to Poles then. I had a downstairs, Polish neighbour who often liked to play techno, loud, into the wee small hours. I bought a subwoofter and started playing Black Sabbath at full volume at 7am. He soon got the message. Sensible choice 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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