Today, we had over 150 orcas swimming near Skjervøy.
It was because the fishing has also been opened inside the fjord for the commercial herring fishery.
Many orcas tend to stay in the area where the big boats are, and now that the big herring fishing vessels are allowed inside the fjord, several groups of orcas come together with them.
Yesterday, we had a huge fishing vessel (75m) fishing in the area.
When we went out in the morning, most orcas were in a “full belly” socializing or resting mode…We joined a pod to avoid the crowd and traveled with them a bit North. They were moving slowly and playing with each other.
Towards the end of the trip, we returned to the Skjervøy area and saw that the big boat was still around, scanning the fjord.
Once the net was pulled up by the fishing boat and she started moving, some orcas were very keen on following the vessel. They did not want to lose contact with the “free” buffet. This behavior is always fascinating to watch.
After such feasts, I have the impression (from experience) that the following days are usually quiet.
The full moon is coming on the 27th of November, and soon, the 2023 quotas for fishing will be over. It will be exciting to see any changes that may follow
Enjoy!
-Krisztina
All photos were taken on the 23rd of November, 2023, in Skjervøy.
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