December 2nd, 2016 — Captain Mendillo notices the increased excitement among the frigate birds, a sure sign that the mass of predators and prey is moving towards the surface. A respected and successful sailfish captain, Anthony is accompanied by Dr Molly Lutcavage of the Large Pelagics Research Center and Dr Guy Harvey of the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation. Together, they hope to initiate an exploration into the migration patterns and ecological preferences of sailfish. Each fish will be outfitted with a popup satellite tag (PSAT), a device that will allow researchers a prolonged glimpse into the habits of this species.
Below the surface the sailfish circle the sardine mass, charging through the center and picking off individuals that stray to the outskirts. The predators use their bills to slash the six-inch long prey, stunning and swallowing the mangled baits. The entire attack is coordinated not chaotic, with each move communicated through a complex array of fin postures and body coloration. Before rushing the sardines, each sailfish lights up with streaks of iridescent blue, gold, silver and green flashing down its flank. They charge with fins recessed along the body, perfectly streamlined, until hitting the school when their dorsal and pectoral fins snap open, scaring the sardines into a tighter mass.
The baitfish are now within reach of the surface. Frigate birds crash through the sardines looking awkward and distressed diving underwater. Caught between the sailfish and the surface, there is no chance of escape. The onslaught methodically continues until the last sardine has been consumed.