The Wire

University of Queensland researchers have discovered dolphins in the Moreton Bay Area, teaching fellow dolphins to ‘beg’ for food from recreational fishers.

This sophisticated behaviour was first noticed in a study into the social structures of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins’. 

Since fishing is popular in the region, dolphins have now begun to take advantage of the feeds. But researchers warn this adaptive strategy may pose long term risks, and spread throughout wider dolphin populations.

Researchers also state better policing and awareness of illegal dolphin feeding is essential in avoiding harmful effects on these marine mammals.