Jens Peter Jeppesen was amazed when he was traveling with guests on the strait between Danish Zealand and the Swedish west coast. The marine biologist and director of the Øresund Aquarium was on a so-called “tuna safari” to observe the spectacular hunting behavior of the large predatory fish. Next to the tuna catapulting out, the dorsal fin of an orca suddenly appeared.
“It was a very strange feeling. It was not at all what we were looking for and my first thought was that it shouldn’t be here. But it was there and the blood completely drained from my head.”
Orca sighting in the Øresund is a sensation
Jeppesen told TV2 that there have been several sightings of killer whales in the Swedish waters of the Kattegat in recent months. Orcas are also seen from time to time in the Skagerrak. The first sighting of the admired and notorious hunter in the Øresund is a sensation.
There are large quantities of mackerel, herring and garfish in the Danish-Swedish strait. All of these are delicious treats for the tuna, which has returned in recent years. And the sound acts like a funnel through which these fish have to swim – a perfect hunting ground for the 200-400 kg fish that previously represented the bottom of the food chain. Catching tuna is prohibited in the sound. This is just fine with the orca.
Uncertain future for the intelligent hunter
Since the Øresund is a busy shipping route that is also used by countless sailors and pleasure boats, Jens Peter Jeppesen fears that the swordfish will not become native here: “The area is incredibly busy and we are worried about whether the animal can even exist in such a busy area. But it is not inconceivable that they can get used to it. We also have porpoises that are just as shy as the killer whales, and they have gotten used to the traffic – perhaps because there is so much food.”
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The marine biologist does not see any danger to humans, as he tells Danmarks Radio: “On the contrary. When I see him again, I jump up to him and ask him if he wants to go snorkeling with me. You have to really enjoy the experience, but you must not be afraid.” There have never been any direct attacks on humans in the wild.
