Divers capture smiling pilot whale on camera

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/wil...on-camera.html

Marine biologists were able to capture these pictures of pilot whales after being given permission to dive the Strait of Gibraltar.

The small channel of water, which is busy with huge cargo ships entering and leaving the Mediterranean, is rarely dived but Rory Moore, 28, a British marine biologist, and his fellow free-divers were granted permits.

Mr Moore, from Crickhowell, Wales, said: "Some of the whales came up to the camera and started to blow bubbles and 'bark' loudly. It was an amazing thing to witness but it was actually a clear sign to keep our distance.

He said: "We think these pilot whales will have had minimal contact with humans. It's great because they are very curious and they were very keen in coming to investigate us and were looking at their reflections in the camera lens.

"But they must be treated with the upmost respect and you have to be very aware if they become aggressive.

"As toothed predators, they are more like orcas than say blue whales. There have been stories about divers being drowned after having an arm grabbed and taken into the deep.

"But I think this will only happen if you are foolish enough to touch them. You should never make physical contact and take a non-invasive approach towards them to stay safe.

"One of the mothers in this pod had a calf so we had to be particularly careful in case she felt threatened.

"As soon as there are any signs of aggression it's time to back off.

"There are risks, but the opportunity to see these creatures up close was a dream come true."

Pilot whales are found between South America, South Africa and Australasia, and further north between North America and Europe.