How much do you claim to know about the sea and sailing? Here are some facts that only real sailors know.

1. Why do seagulls like to chase boats?

When sailing on the vast sea, a picture of a group of seagulls surrounding the accompanying sailboat always appears. This scene is full of vitality and poetry. The reason why seagulls love chasing sailboats so much is not that they like humans, but because, when the ship sails at sea, an updraft is generated above due to the resistance of air and seawater. Seagulls can use the updraft to fly and save energy.

Additionally, the waves caused by the boats breaking through the waves make small fish and shrimp dizzy and float on the water, and the seagulls, with their strong eyesight, can easily catch them.

2. Why isn't fish meat as salty as seawater?

Sashimi can be said to be one of the favorite dishes of sailors who often float in the sea. But have you ever wondered why seawater is so salty, but the fish that live in the sea are not?

In fact, the salt content of fish is only one-third of that of seawater. Like most animals, excessive salt absorption can cause fish to become dehydrated, even in seawater. Therefore, fish must drink a lot of water. After the intestinal tract absorbs the water, the salt is excreted through the fish gills or urine. Therefore, the higher the salt in the sea area they are in, the more water they drink.

3. Will thunder at sea electrocute marine life?

Lightning does not often occur at sea, which is related to the high specific heat capacity of water. Even if there is an occasional lightning strike, seawater is a good conductor of electricity, and it will instantly spread the current along the surface of the ocean and will not extend to the active areas of marine life, such as fish.

The electricity on the surface of the seawater weakens at this time. Unless the fish swim too close to the surface, they are safe. If you're wondering whether sailboats floating on the sea are safe during thunderstorms, modern sailboats are equipped with lightning protection devices, and most people will not go out to sea in thunderstorms.

4. Are all fish cold-blooded?

Yes, but not all. Fish are cold-blooded animals with low body temperatures. They adjust themselves to the temperature of the sea and find the environment they are most comfortable with. However, like humans, they also generate heat energy during metabolism, which can raise their body temperature slightly.

The difference is not much from the water temperature in their environment, at most only about 1°C higher. The only known warm-blooded fish in the ocean is the sunfish. It generates heat by constantly flapping its wing-like pectoral fins, and its muscles are on average 4-5°C warmer than the surrounding seawater. This unique body structure ensures that the sunfish can become the warmest creature even in icy waters.

Sailing and being out on the open sea can be fascinating and adventurous. Understanding the sea and its inhabitants can enhance your experience and appreciation of the vast blue expanse. These fun facts that only sailors know can help increase your knowledge and curiosity about the sea and sailing.