About Erick Higuera: Marine Biologist & Underwater Filmmaker
For over 20 years, Erick Higuera has explored the waters of Baja California, Guadalupe Island, and Revillagigedo, capturing the incredible marine life of Mexico’s Pacific—white sharks, giant mantas, orcas, marlins, and more. As a leading member of the Manta Pacífico Collective, he has been conducting research since 2006 on manta ray conservation, using photo-identification, satellite tagging, and movement tracking to inform better management plans.
Erick’s stunning cinematography has been featured in BBC, National Geographic, Netflix, Apple TV, Sky TV, and Discovery Channel, as well as in the award-winning documentary México Pelágico. Since 2018, he has focused on studying orcas in the Gulf of California, providing critical research that helps shape local conservation policies and marine protection efforts.
Driven by a passion for the ocean, Erick continues to film, research, and advocate for the preservation of marine life.
Erick Higuera’s research work with Orca’s is the feature of our Science in Focus (How do Orcas Prey on the Largest Shark on Earth?) and Monthly Chomp (Orcas / Killer Whales) this month – March 2025.
Photo by Evans Baudin..
How did you get into marine biology and underwater photography?
I’ve been fascinated by marine animals since I was six years old. Watching documentaries by underwater filmmakers like Jacques Cousteau inspired me to pursue marine biology. In the early 2000s, I became a marine biologist in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico, after moving there in 1997.
While studying, I took diving courses, which led me to work as a dive instructor. That job helped me build connections and land small projects. My first professional cinematography job came in 2006, and by 2011, I was making a living from underwater filmmaking. In 2016, I became a full-time underwater cinematographer, which also gave me time to conduct more scientific research. Today, I focus on studying orcas and their hunting techniques, including their predation on whale sharks.
What’s your favorite species to photograph or swim with?
Honestly, I love them all—each species has a unique story. I’m especially fascinated by their hunting strategies and social behaviors.
What’s your most memorable diving or filming experience?
One of my favorite experiences was filming humpback whales in Revillagigedo, Mexico. It’s a key breeding ground for humpback whales, and since 2001, I’ve observed mother whales and their calves returning every two to five years. I formed special connections with two mother whales—one in 2006 and another in 2008—while diving with them and their calves.
Another unforgettable moment was in 2015 when I saw orcas hunting a humpback whale calf near Roca Partida in Revillagigedo. That moment sparked my determination to capture orcas’ natural hunting behavior on film. Finally, in 2018, I succeeded when my team and I documented orcas hunting mobula rays for the first time.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Learning and observing marine life. No matter how many times I dive or film a species, there’s always something new to discover.
What’s the most fascinating thing about orcas? What should people know about them?
Orcas have cultural traditions and incredible intelligence. They use strategic teamwork and pass down family hunting techniques, much like humans.
When we filmed orcas hunting mobula rays in 2018, we spent eight weeks documenting their behavior. After reviewing our footage, we realized the same individuals were using highly coordinated hunting strategies. Some orcas herded the rays, while others ambushed and tail-slapped them. Different orca pods have unique hunting techniques specific to their family groups and prey.
What inspired your research on orcas?
It started when I saw an orca attacking a humpback whale calf in Revillagigedo National Park. But my interest in orcas hunting whale sharks began in 2018 when a tourist captured footage of it happening.
I haven’t seen this behavior in person yet, but I have observed orcas hunting great white sharks and many other marine species. I’m eager to witness orcas hunting whale sharks firsthand to deepen my understanding and contribute to conservation efforts.
How do orcas hunt whale sharks?
Whale sharks instinctively dive deep when threatened, so orcas have to stop them from escaping. They do this by flipping the whale shark upside down, inducing tonic immobility—a trance-like state that occurs when a shark is turned over. The orcas keep bumping the shark to keep it immobilized, allowing another pod member to attack its pelvic area.
This hunting method is rare. When orcas hunt great white sharks, for example, they simply rip into their thinner flesh instead of using tonic immobility.
What are your next research goals after discovering orca predation on whale sharks?
The next step is to capture the event on film. From a scientific perspective, we’re analyzing stable isotopes to determine if this orca family exclusively preys on sharks.
We’re also conducting further studies to see if the orcas in the Gulf of California belong to a unique ecotype (a genetically distinct population adapted to a specific environment). This could impact conservation and management plans. Since these orcas move in and out of the Gulf, regulations may need adjustments.
Right now, I’m working with scientists and government agencies to develop responsible tourism guidelines for swimming with orcas and ensure ethical wildlife interactions.
What advice would you give to someone interested in marine biology or wildlife photography?
Be ready for surprises—both good and challenging. Don’t give up, even when things get tough. Find your passion, focus on it, and keep pushing forward.
For photography, just start. Get a camera in your hands and practice as much as possible. Experience is the best teacher!
— Special thanks to Erick Higuera for this interview and Anna Keefer, Environmental Sciences and Environmental Thought and Practice Double Major at the University of Virginia and Shark Angels Intern, for doing the interview!
NOTE: Erick Higuera’s answers have been edited, and are not meant to serve as direct quotes.