Dolphins Found Raiding Crab Pots and Stealing Bait off Australia in World’s First Footage

Dolphins are among the smartest creatures in the animal kingdom, but now researchers have found a new limit to their intelligence. These cute mammals are even capable of carrying out a heist proof of which was seen in Australia. In a fantastic show of intelligence, a group of bottlenose dolphins were filmed off the coast of Western Australia stealing bait from crab pots and nets of fishermen. This was the first time such incredible behaviour was captured on camera.

It Began Two Decades Ago.

While the footage of the thieving dolphins was shot very recently in 2023, the robberies have been continuing for the last 20 years. Fishermen were perplexed when they found their crab baits began to disappear. The bait stealers turned out to be dolphins reported by crab fishers in Koombana Bay off the coast of far southwestern Australia.

Organized Crime at Its Best

Researchers were surprised at the new limits of intelligent dolphin behaviour. Communicating, performing tricks, and interacting with humans is one thing, grouping to indulge in stealing was another. Somehow, the dolphins got wind of the traps and learned how to cooperate as a group to raid crab pots of fish. It was organized crime at its best.

A Matter of Concern

Fishermen noticing the dolphin behavior were concerned for the safety of the creatures. By navigating and stealing from crab pots and nets, the dolphins were putting themselves at risk of injury or being trapped. In July 2022, a baby dolphin in Clearwater, Florida, had to be rescued and taken to SeaWorld for medical treatment and rehabilitation after getting tangled in a crab trap.

Conservationists Were Called In

Rodney Peterson, a conservationist from Bunbury, was roped in to study the dolphins. He collaborated with the Dolphin Discovery Center to document the behaviour using five cameras and an underwater film team. The researchers then recorded the dolphins’ actions, revealing their sophisticated strategies to steal bait.

Stunned At What They Saw

In an Instagram post, the researchers commented how “stunned” they were at what they saw. The behaviour, caught on camera for the first time, highlights the dolphin’s remarkable problem-solving skills.

Ingenious Tactics

Like typical sophisticated thieves, the dolphins watched the crab fishers placing the bait in the pots. As soon as the fishermen lowered the pots, the dolphins sprang into action, stealing the fish off the hooks. They used their noses to flip over traps or pop open bait containers, demonstrating their ability to learn and innovate.

The Dolphins’ Intelligence

The footage showed the dolphins’ advanced cognitive abilities. Their problem-solving and observational skills allowed them to overcome various barriers set by fishers. The footage revealed there was much more to dolphin intelligence than what researchers previously believed.

Conservation Concerns

Researchers from the Shark Bay Dolphin Research Alliance emphasized the risks involved. Dolphins could become entangled or injured, posing a significant threat to their well-being. Something had to be done about the dolphins to prevent a mishap or fatality.

Nothing Stopped the Dolphins

Try as they might, nothing stopped the dolphins. When fishermen began attaching bait at the bottom of the pot, the dolphins simply used their noses to flip the pots over and steal the fish. The fishermen, including the researchers, were flabbergasted.

A Dolphin-Proof Solution

After several attempts, fishers devised a mesh bait pouch with a metal hook. This design successfully prevented dolphins from accessing the bait, ensuring safer fishing practices. Once the creatures learned the bait wasn’t accessible, they swam away. This meant healthier dolphins and happier crab fishermen.

Why Were They Stealing?

The behaviour raises questions about its prevalence and the motivations behind the stealing. Many were unsure why, especially since the bait wasn’t much of a meal. Researchers speculate that hunger, curiosity, and even playfulness drive the dolphins’ actions.

The Importance of The Research

The research and role of the Dolphin Discovery Center is essential. It has led to a better understanding of dolphin behaviour and improved conservation strategies. Every new ability of creatures like dolphins opens avenues for further research into dolphin behaviour, emphasizing the need to study their interactions with human activities and develop effective conservation strategies. By understanding and mitigating the risks, we can ensure healthier dolphin populations and sustainable fishing practices, fostering a harmonious coexistence in our oceans.

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