The harbor seal found shelter at a mussel farm off the coast of Shetland in a rare video showing marine creatures interacting with man-made structures.
Off the coast of Shetland, a heart-stopping film reveals a harbor seal attempting to flee a group of ravenous killer whales by taking safety in a mussel field.
On March 6, this year, the seal was encircled by eight orcas hunting for food north of Lerwick.
Nick McCaffrey, a local drone pilot, caught 38 minutes of the exciting chase, during which the seal hid between two lines of mussel ropes at Grunna Voe farm.
As the killer whales approach, they can be seen gliding between the ropes, a previously unrecorded behavior.
When the seal ventured out of safety, however, the predators quickly dispatched their prey.
Emily Hague, a Ph.D. student at Heriot-Watt University in Scotland, analyzed the footage as part of her research into the impact of human activities on marine wildlife, including fish farms and offshore energy initiatives.
Ms. Hague noted that interactions between man-made buildings are rarely if ever, seen on film.
From a scientific perspective, this makes the footage particularly unique and illuminating.
Ms. Hague remarked that the film presents a “fresh viewpoint” on how marine life and man-made buildings may coexist in the ocean.
It’s fascinating that these unique structures in the marine environment may be exploited by prey to conceal themselves from predators.
Additionally, the movie shows the potential dangers marine species face.
Ms. Hague stated that a minor member of this murderous gang was discovered entangled in rope on Orkney last year.
If this group spends a great deal of time near sea structures, there may be associated concerns, such as entanglement.
Hugh Harrop, a wildlife photographer, manages the Shetland Orca Sightings Facebook group, which notified Mr. McCaffrey and his fellow nature enthusiasts of the presence of the orcas.
As the orcas traveled from just south of Lerwick to Gruinard Voe, he followed their path.
Thursday, Ms. Hague’s complete findings were published in the scholarly journal Aquatic Mammals.
