Underwater cameras have documented fascinating and unique dolphin behavior off the coast of Western Australia, possibly a world first, scientists suggest.
In a video, Indo-Pacific dolphins are observed (Tursiops aduncus) who have learned to outsmart crab fishermen by stealing bait from their pots. They have learned this after decades of “fighting” for bait in the Bunbury area, in Koombana Bay, an area of the Indian Ocean located in the southwestern tip of Australia, about 160 kilometers south of Perth.
In the images, the dolphins watch as fishermen load their fish nets and throw them into the ocean. Skillfully, the animals infiltrate the nets and strip the hooks from the pots of their precious bait.
“It’s risky behavior,” warns Simon Allen, biologist, conservationist and co-director of the Shark Bay Dolphin Research Alliance. “While they get a reward from taking the bait, they also run the risk of becoming entangled or physically harmed by the gear,” he adds.
Dolphins in Koombana Bay: film the thieves in action
For this reason, two years ago, conservationist Rodney Peterson partnered with the Dolphin Discovery Center to document this unique behavior. For two years, a team of filmmakers, conservationists and researchers used five cameras to capture “crab bait thieves” in action.
“We were stunned by what we saw,” reads the caption of the Dolphin Discovery Center published along with the video on its social networks.
Despite the fishermen’s attempts to modify their techniques, such as placing bait at the bottom of the pots, the dolphins demonstrated a surprising ability to solve problems, using their noses to turn the contraption over and capture the fish.
Especially complex interactions
Globally, dolphins are known to steal food from fishermen, but the complex interactions between Indo-Pacific dolphins and crab fishermen in Koombana Bay are especially complex, experts say.
Axel Grossmann, a volunteer filmmaker for the project, explained to Live Science that, since only some dolphins engage in this behavior, stealing the bait may be more out of “fun” or “comfort” than hunger.
“There is no doubt that dolphins are intelligent,” the center wrote. “Being brilliant observers, learning quickly and being innovative helps the boldest and most sophisticated animals succeed.”
Concerned about the possibility of the dolphins being injured, conservationists and fishermen came up with an innovative solution: a mesh bait bag with a metal hook that keeps the bait secure, according to a statement from the organization sent to DW.
The dolphins learned they couldn’t access it, which led to a mutual benefit: healthier dolphins and more satisfied crab fishermen.
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