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The Dolphins of Laguna


A pod of resident bottlenose dolphins in the waters off Laguna, Brazil engages in behavior not seen anywhere else in the world: They aid local fishermen by trapping schools of fish (mullets) and herding them toward the beach, where the fishermen are waiting with nets.

When they get close to shore, the dolphins slap their tails or heads on the water, which tells the fishermen to cast their nets and indicates where they should cast them. The dolphins benefit as well because throwing the nets causes the fish to begin breaking away from their schools, making it easier for the dolphins to catch them. It should be noted that only some of the resident dolphins participate in the activity.

This collaboration has been going on since at least 1847, when Laguna became a city. The dolphins reportedly haven’t been trained in this behavior and presumably learn it from one another, passing it on from one generation to the next.


Dolphins and fishermen work together in Laguna, Brazil to catch groups of mullets. (Image credit: Fábio Daura-Jorge)
Northwest · M
They are very smart animals. I've had some very interesting encounters with dolphins in Hawaii and Washington State.

Off the Washington coast, I was SCUBA diving with a small group, and a group of dolphins started hanging out with us. One of them started nudging one of the guys who was not doing a good job moving his swim fins, like the rest of us. He would nudge him, go on his back, and start flipping his tail fins in a motion he was hoping the guy would imitate.
JoyfulSilence · 46-50, M
@Northwest

Wow!
Rutterman · 46-50, M
@Northwest Very cool. Dolphins are indeed highly intelligent, and they've demonstrated this over and over.
They are such highly intelligent beings, as are orcas.

Recently, orcas have been attacking boats near Spain, but not injuring any people. Initially, people were calling it some kind of revenge. It's not vengeance, but orcas have fads, just like people. One fad occurred back in the 80's when a female orca started wearing dead fish on her head. Many other orcas followed suit and eventually, it was no longer fashionable.
Rutterman · 46-50, M
@TheFlippantSide Interesting. I knew dolphins and orcas were very intelligent, but I've never heard of this particular behavior among them. Guess it shouldn't be too surprising.
Shadyglow · F
@TheFlippantSide I guess its not a fad to warn humans of their wreckage of their ocean-home!!
Shadyglow · F
@TheFlippantSide strange story but hey if you read it I can believe it. FADS??
Piper · 61-69, F
I hope the mutually beneficial relationship will continue, there. I remember learning about a similar relationship between native fishermen and dolphins in Myanmar, also.
Rutterman · 46-50, M
@Piper I suspect it will, as both the dolphins and the fishermen benefit quite a bit from it.

Haven't heard about Myanmar, but I guess it's not too surprising. Dolphins are highly intelligent and it makes sense that they would engage in similar behavior in other places.
Piper · 61-69, F
@Rutterman It's always other humans who end up ruining these symbiotic relationships, it seems.
Rutterman · 46-50, M
@Piper Seems that way, but from what I understand, the local residents value the dolphins and what they do. Of course, it's always possible that powerful people with their own agenda could come in and do things that would adversely affect the situation.
Wow !!

I hear that dolphins are very intelligent and very teachable … I don’t know if I should call them traitors to their similar species or not (just kidding) but this to me is a clever and a cute act …
Rutterman · 46-50, M
@Soossie Yes, they are highly intelligent. Some believe their level of intelligence is second only to that of humans. I was fascinated by this story of their symbiotic relationship with fishermen in Laguna.
@Rutterman

The story is fascinating indeed … 🤗
Magenta · F
Wow! Fascinating. They better treat those Dolphins good,
Rutterman · 46-50, M
@Magenta They do, according to what I've read. They'll even give affectionate nicknames to some of the dolphins. I'm sure the fisherman and all the locals know just how valuable they are.
Magenta · F
@Rutterman Aaw, lovely. ☺️
Scribbles · 36-40, F
Wow! That's really cool.
Rutterman · 46-50, M
@Scribbles I think so too.
Scribbles · 36-40, F
@Rutterman Sea animals are pretty amazing. the more I learn, the more in awe I am. I recently watched a short video about a scientist studying and tagging marlin fish. I don't think I ever fully realized how big, and fast, and strong they are. I don't think I've ever seen a real marlin in a video or photo even before.

It really put better into perspective the story of the "The old man and the sea" (by Hemingway) for me.
Mind-blown! 😍 Omg…I wonder if they’re friendlier towards only humans or other aquatic animals too?
😄 I’m convinced….trust me. I think they are chatterboxes that love to mingle and socialize…like me! 🤪@Rutterman
Rutterman · 46-50, M
@Vivaci Lol. Some of the dolphins in the pod aren't very sociable...like me. 😅
😆 They’re cool…well, somebody has to listen to chatterboxes! 😉@Rutterman
Shadyglow · F
Wow. What a loving story. Brazil should lead the way toward total restorative balance in South America. Been dreaming of such stories ever since they got a human being (Lula) for President again
Rutterman · 46-50, M
@Shadyglow Yes. He has to be better than Bolsonaro.
Shadyglow · F
@Rutterman not much further down to go with the other one
ChampagneOnIce · 51-55, F
Wow. Very cool!
Rutterman · 46-50, M
@ChampagneOnIce Yes. I think so too.
Justmeraeagain · 56-60, F
That's neat
Rutterman · 46-50, M
@Justmeraeagain I agree.
JohnOinger · 41-45, M
@Rutterman Will I create A Country
Rutterman · 46-50, M
@JohnOinger You will. No doubt about it.
JohnOinger · 41-45, M
@Rutterman Nice
JohnOinger · 41-45, M
@Rutterman hopefully soon as later tonight lol
sarabee1995 · 26-30, F
That's awesome!
Rutterman · 46-50, M
@sarabee1995 Yes, I agree.
Rutterman · 46-50, M
@JoyfulSilence Indeed.
Rutterman · 46-50, M
@TheRascallyOne 😆 Don't mess with Flipper.
That’s really neat ! 🐬
Rutterman · 46-50, M
@bijouxbroussard Yes, I think so too. Just read about this recently and thought it would be good to share it here.

 
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