An Edinburgh-based company is trialling a new acoustic device with the aim to deter orca from ‘attacking’ yachts as problems continue off the Portuguese coastOrcas can live in all oceans of the world and are the second most widely distributed mammal on earth. Photo: Mike Korostelev\/GettyA new acoustic deterrent device is to be tested in the waters off Portugal to see if it will deter killer whales from making contact with yachts.
\nConcerns have been raised about the orcas\u2019 behaviour after three yachts were sunk following damage caused by the orcas striking or biting them this spring. It remains unclear as to whether the cetaceans are behaving intentionally aggressively, or playing, but over 500 interactions have been recorded since the phenomenon was first observed in 2020. It\u2019s believed over 250 incidents have resulted in damage to a boat, 60 incurring serious damage.
\nThe new acoustic deterrent device has been created by the Edinburgh-based GenusWave. The Targeted Acoustic Startle Technology \u2013 known as TAST \u2013 is designed to trigger the instinctive startle reflex, which causes an involuntary flight response \u2013 compelling the targeted animals to flee the area.
\nTAST was originally developed to deter seals from getting entangled in fishing nets, and has been modified to work on sea lions and orca.
\nTrials in Norwegian fishing grounds in 2022 and 2021 showed an 85% reduction in orca sightings on the fishing grounds during playback of the audio signals compared to before the sounds were emitted. Tracking the orca also showed that they quickly returned to the site when the noise subsided.
\nPortuguese conservation group Instituto da Conserva\u00e7\u00e3o da Natureza e das Florestas (ICNF) and GenusWave plan to begin sea trials off the Portuguese coast this autumn. Skippers transiting through the area are asked to still report any orca sightings online at theca.org.uk\/orcas
\nIf the trials are successful it\u2019s anticipated that GenusWave devices could be made available for yachts within the year.<\/p>\n
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An Edinburgh-based company is trialling a new acoustic device with the aim to deter orca from ‘attacking’ yachts as problems continue off the Portuguese coastOrcas can live in all oceans of the world and are the second most widely distributed … <\/p>\n