Codas are repeated patterns of clicks thought to be social vocalizations used by sperm whales as signitures to identify themselves to each other. The pattern is short and is more complex than the monotonous click trains that sperm whales make most of the rest of the time. It is a grayish, waxy, buoyant substance, associated only with the sperm whale. It is believed to form around the beaks of squid to avoid irritation in the intestine. As a result, populations of many wild fish and shellfish are rapidly declining, while production of aquaculture is increasing.
Aquaculture is the farming of marine and freshwater species in captivity.
High winds and a strong current caused a consistent 3 meter swell that made the trip fairly uncomfortable. As a consequence the Odyssey requires some maintenance work while in port. Historically, whales played a vital role in not only the survival of the people, but their legends and beliefs. It is one of the outer islands of the Gilbert Island group here in Kiribati. Setting foot on shore is akin to stepping back in time, it is a place little disturbed by outside influences.