Scientists have explained why killer whales attack boats in the Gulf of Cadiz

The increased abundance of bluefin tuna in the Gulf of Cadiz has led to an increase in the population of killer whales, which feed on these large fish. The abundance of food allowed the killer whales to have more free time, which facilitates games and similar “pranks.”

Boat owners hope this behavior will go away over time, as killer whale attacks on boats have become more frequent and shipwreck incidents have already occurred 673 times since 2020. Despite the strange habits of orcas that can be passed on within a pod, these fun games serve no adaptive purpose and are likely temporary.