Overview
- Peer-reviewed findings in Scientific Reports detail the first recorded case of interspecific cooperative foraging between northern resident killer whales and Pacific white-sided dolphins off Vancouver Island.
- Researchers documented 25 instances of killer whales changing course to follow dolphins on foraging dives during fieldwork conducted August 15–30, 2020.
- Dolphins were present for four of eight recorded Chinook salmon kills, and in one case they scavenged salmon pieces after orcas broke the catch apart at the surface.
- Multisensor tools—drones, underwater video, acoustic recordings, and suction-cup biologging tags—captured synchronized movements and dolphin echolocation near tagged whales.
- The study proposes acoustic eavesdropping and possible protection as mechanisms and reports no signs of aggression, while outside experts stress the evidence shows behavioral coordination rather than proven mutualism.