Dolphins Outsmart Fishermen And Steal From Crab Pots

South East

In a remarkable and unprecedented cinematic event, an extraordinary incident unfolded as a dolphin was captured on film engaging in an unconventional act off the shores of Australia – pilfering bait from a crab trap. This intriguing behavior was documented through the lens of a camera strategically positioned on the trap, courtesy of the Dolphin Discovery Centre located in Bunbury, Western Australia.


The footage reveals an intriguing sequence where the dolphins skillfully employ their eyes, bodies, teeth, and their distinctive beak, also known as a rostrum, to adeptly snatch bait from the crabbers’ pots. The clever and resourceful approach exhibited by the dolphins adds an element of curiosity and fascination to the marine spectacle, showcasing their intelligence and adaptability in navigating and interacting with their environment.

“The footage was certainly surprising — we knew something was happening,” said Axel Grossman, a Dolphin Discovery Centre volunteer and filmmaker. “But we had no clue that the dolphins were acting to such an extent, through so much effort, learning and physical and mental problem solving [to steal the food].”

In a conversation with ABC News AU, a crabber in their 40s from the Bunbury region mentioned that while this occurrence isn’t entirely novel, it also isn’t particularly old news.


“In the last 20-odd years, it happens all the time. If you see some dolphins around you can guarantee you’re going to get your crab nets raided,” Russell Dawson, a crabber by trade, said.

In a strategic maneuver to outsmart the astute cetaceans, Mr. Dawson has devised a clever plan involving the substitution of traditional fishy bait with a securely locked box filled with tempting morsels. The box is fortified with narrow steel cables, rendering it inaccessible to the larger rostrums of dolphins, while allowing smaller crabs to access the bait through strategically placed holes.

Researchers at the center express enthusiasm for delving into this novel human-dolphin interaction. Given the dolphins’ remarkable adaptability to environmental changes, these experts eagerly anticipate gaining insights into the dynamics of this innovative approach. They assert that fostering more interactions with anthropogenic elements in the marine environment will contribute to a better understanding of how to structure and manage our maritime activities, ensuring the accommodation and protection of these intelligent marine animals.

 

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