Be prepared for Orca season
by Noonsite 3 May 09:41 BST
Be prepared for Orca season © noonsite.com
Since the start of 2024 we have been publishing guidelines in collaboration with the Cruising Association (CA) as to how you can best-prepare for a passage around the Atlantic Iberian Peninsula, now that the risk of an orca interaction is a concerning factor.
Having already covered passage planning tips, pre-departure preparation, FAQs and what to do at sea should you encounter orcas, the final article in the series looks at the anticipated movement of orca over the cruising season. Atlantic Iberian Peninsula ["Orca Alley"]: Passage Planning part 4.
An orca/sailboat interaction was reported off the coast of Galicia (NW Spain) two weeks ago, resulting in a broken rudder. This is the first recording of orca so far north this early in the season. Orca Ibérica GTOA advise caution as this particular group of orcas are likely heading south.
Circe, the organisation devoted to conservation and study of cetaceans, are based in Barbate, Spain, the most active area for orca interactions with sailboats. Circe Biologist Renaud de Stephanis says "the sailboat is just an environmental enrichment" for the orcas. Watch his informative talk with orcas.pt about the orca family groups they study, their habits, strategies on how to best deal with encountering orcas and much more. Watch here.
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