The orcas may be protecting their young from boats, or they may think damaging rudders is fun.
Experts have two very different theories for the behavior, and they still can't agree on which one is more likely.
The orcas are trying to protect their youngA pod or orcas, or killer whales, with a baby orca among them.
None of these techniques has been particularly effective, López told Insider.
GTOA is consulting with the Portuguese government to try to develop "acoustic deterrents" that could keep the orcas away from the boats, López said.
Persons:
—, van, van Beek, Van, Alfredo López Fernandez, GTOA, orcas Grey, White, López, LiveScience, Renaud de Stephanis, de Stephanis, Billie, António Bessa de Carvalho, Lopez
Organizations:
Service, JAJO, BBC, Grupo, National Association of Cruises, Apple
Locations:
Strait, Gibraltar, Shetland, Scotland, Australia