Orcas near Mayotte spark concern

Eight orcas, including two males, a calf, and a young one, have been observed in the waters of Mayotte in recent days. This rare event has sparked interest among maritime tourism professionals, recreational boaters, and internet users, many of whom shared images and videos on social networks.

Ceta'Maore criticizes unsafe behavior

The Ceta'Maore association condemned unauthorized water entries and dangerous behavior around the orcas. The group emphasized that the regulations governing the approach to marine mammals are legal requirements, not mere suggestions.

Too many boats near the orcas

According to the association, the rules governing the approach to marine mammals were not sufficiently respected. At one point, there were seven or eight boats in the area of the hundred meters, all around the animals. The number of boats and the repeated water entries were particularly alarming.

Online videos raise concerns

The images shared online contributed to the concern. Some videos show people filming the orcas from the water, sometimes with onboard cameras. The association emphasized that the problem is not only the search for a spectacular image but the multiplication of interactions with the animals.

Rules are legally binding

Ceta'Maore clarified that orcas' curiosity should not be interpreted as an invitation to approach them. The association highlighted that the rules are part of a ministerial decree and apply to both professionals and individuals. All the waters of Mayotte belong to the Mayotte Marine Natural Park and constitute a protected marine area.

Safety risks for humans

The association reported that some observers have gone into the water "without flippers or safety equipment, sometimes with children," while orcas were spotted offshore. The association emphasized that orcas are large marine predators and that encounters should never be practiced recklessly.

Broader issue of disturbing wildlife

The deviant behaviors observed around the orcas are part of a broader issue, already encountered during the observation of dolphins or during the whale season. The association noted that some people still do not know that water entries with dolphins are prohibited under the conditions concerned by the regulation.

Disturbances may harm orcas

The repeated disturbance of the animals can disrupt their rest periods, feeding, or reproduction. In the long term, these disturbances can have negative consequences, potentially affecting the survival of the species.

Orcas are rare visitors to Mayotte

The recent passage of the orcas had a particular character. While these animals are regularly observed in Mayotte, their presence remains rare and their stay is not always as long. Last year, orcas had been spotted off the "S-shaped strait," but their passage had been more direct.

Mayotte’s rich marine life needs protection

The prolonged presence of the orcas multiplied the observation opportunities and the risks of disturbance. The association recalled that the waters of Mayotte host 27 species of marine mammals observed, all protected. The richness of this biodiversity constitutes a scientific and natural asset but also imposes responsibilities on those who come to observe it.