Begging dolphins prompt calls to reform recreational fishing

 

Originally published by University of Queensland on June 23, 2023

Credit: Dr Léonie Huijser

University of Queensland researchers have found bottlenose dolphins in Moreton Bay off Brisbane could be teaching other dolphins to "beg" for food from recreational fishers, with the behavior creating short and long-term risks.

Dr. Léonie Huijser from UQ's School of Veterinary Science made the surprise discovery as she investigated the social structure of Moreton Bay's population of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins for her Ph.D. thesis.

"Within the dolphins' social network, I found a cluster that would consistently patrol moored boats, waiting for recreational fishers to illegally toss them discarded bait or catches," Dr. Huijser said. "Fishing is popular in the bay and it seems some dolphins have learned to exploit it."

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