Looking down from above, the calm blue water is suddenly disturbed by an enormous splash as a huge shape leaps up from below. The drone readjusts its view, struggling to keep up with the hectic activity unfolding below. Eventually, after more leaping and splashing, a dark grey shape emerges carrying a fish in its mouth as it swims away.
“This is something few people ever get to witness… a Hawaiian false killer whale in action; hunting, chasing, and successfully catching a mahi mahi in the wild,” says Pacific Whale Foundation while sharing the mind-boggling footage on Instagram. “Powerful, precise and absolutely breathtaking.”
Although exciting to see, the wonderful sighting is tinged with sadness. “Here’s the hard truth,” they say. “Moments like this are becoming increasingly rare.”
It’s estimated that there are fewer than 170 individuals in the US exclusive economic zone around the Hawaiian Archipelago and experts believe population numbers are declining.
“These apex predators play a vital role in maintaining a healthy ocean ecosystem,” adds Pacific Whale Foundation. “However, their declining numbers mean we are at risk of losing them, which would mean losing balance in our marine environment.”
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Image and video credit: Pacific Whale Foundation under NMFS/MMPA ESA permits #27099
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