The study shows that mammals are highly skilled at “fishing” on their own, but have learned to work as a team with humans to get bonuses.
It’s no secret that dolphins are among the most intelligent mammals on the planet. It’s interesting that people are helping people fish, and it looks like scientists finally know why, the Daily Mail reported.
In the new study, scientists at Oregon State University used drone imagery, sonar and acoustic recordings from the turbid waters of Brazil’s Laguna, where dolphins congregate in large schools and help waiting fishermen catch fish. Dolphins have been known to dive as a signal to fishermen to drop their nets.
in 24News Breaker. Technology emerged telegraph channel. Subscribe so you don’t miss the latest and exciting news from the world of science!
However, these mammals are not that altruistic. Scientists have discovered that in this way they themselves get an excellent “fat bonus” in the form of fish that leave the main pack and become easy prey.
Research leader Dr. According to Mauricio Cantor, humans and dolphins essentially have the same purpose – to catch fish. Both species are quite skilled at performing this task individually, but they have learned to do it better as a team. The study shows that as a result of well-coordinated work, fishermen’s chances of catching fish increased by 17 times, while the chance of dying dolphins decreased by 13%.
During the study, the scientists made more than 2,000 observations of the interactions of fishermen and dolphins. The scientists found that their tactics were extremely effective: Dolphins signal to fishermen who can’t see fish in murky waters when to cast their nets, and fishermen respond in a timely manner in about half the time.
Interestingly, the fact that dolphins benefit from this type of teamwork has only been revealed to scientists with sonar data. Nearly two-thirds of surveyed fishermen say they feel the mammals are fleeing with little prey. Later, these assumptions were confirmed by sonar – dolphins actually steal fish from nets.
Research shows that fishermen benefit greatly from this alliance: The chances of fishing have increased 17 times, and the number of mullets has nearly quadrupled since teaming up with dolphins. At the same time, the researchers discovered that the dolphins also benefited from this agreement: their chances of dying were reduced by 13% and they got more fish.
Researchers have also discovered that dolphins cooperate with fishermen in countries such as Myanmar and India, but the researchers believe this alliance won’t last long – possibly in 40-60 years’ dolphins will no longer cooperate with fishermen. The fact is that the number of fish is dwindling, which is causing increased pressure on traditional fishermen. Researchers believe many of them may have abandoned the craft, meaning decades of teamwork with dolphins could be lost.
Previously Focus He wrote that in Japan, a rowdy dolphin frightened vacationers. The complex character is to blame.
Source: Focus
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.