Orca attacks on the rise
The phenomenon of killer whale attacks is not new, but seems to be increasing since 2020. Interactions between inquisitive killer whales and the rudders of sailboats have resulted in the loss of several appendages, but without endangering the integrity of the vessels involved.
With this knowledge, the Atlantic Orca Group recommended that in the event of an attack, they should lower everything and wait for the group to leave. As this strategy did not bear fruit, other solutions exist to protect oneself from the curiosity of a group of orcas.
Based in Concarneau, the company Isifish has specialized for 15 years in engineering and services related to fishing fleets, in particular the protection of nets against accidental catches. Cyrille Bodilis, director of the company, answers our questions on its pinger.
How does a cetacean repellent installed on a pleasure boat work?
In order to answer several requests following different attacks, we have started the marketing of an anti-predation pinger. This acoustic repellent emits on the 40kHZ band, and with a powerful signal of 175 dB.
The sound emitted is not repetitive, which is not very pleasant and thus repels the cetacean. It is just a sound and the pinger does not cause any injury to the mammal. The frequency used is only audible to cetaceans, and has no impact on other wildlife.
At what distance does it emit?
Our anti-predator pinger emits up to a hundred meters.
How to use it on a pleasure boat?
The pinger is designed to be attached to a weighted pole, which is dragged behind the boat. If you are in a high-risk area, the pinger should be submerged to a depth of 4-5m, to create a protective sound bubble. It will automatically turn on when it comes into contact with water. If the boat is large or on a catamaran, it's best to immerse a pinger on each side.
Measuring 185 mm and weighing 229 grams, the pinger consists of a cylindrical case housing the circuit board, which is integrated into a rubber shell, available in several colors.
With one LR14 battery, the Pinger has a battery life of two weeks of use. A red or green LED indicator shows the battery charge status.
Have you had any feedback from users?
Several crews sailing off the coast of Spain were equipped with this Pinger and were not attacked.
What is the budget for this device?
The Pinger anti depredation is available for 150euros, not including shipping costs.
