In an unforeseen twist of maritime mayhem, pods of orcas have unleashed a wave of what many are referring to as “boat attacks.” These marine mischief-makers have taken to flipping, nudging and even playfully bumping yachts and fishing boats, leaving sailors, scientists and sea enthusiasts both awe-struck and a little soggy. In the past, occurrences.
With the fish numbers at historic lows, scientists, chefs and others are asking whether we should be eating them anymore, and what it means for the future of all wild salmon.
In the waters of Puget Sound outside Seattle, 73 beloved and endangered orcas, known as the Southern Residents, are on the hunt, clicking. Using sound like a searchlight, they patrol the chilly depths. When they locate a target, they dive, sinking sharp white teeth into their preferred food: the fatty, coral-colored flesh of king salmon. But in recent weeks, this ancient rhythm of the Pacific Northwest was being negotiated not just at sea but also in a federal courtroom in downtown Seattle, wher