Presentation Details
| Identifying Bottlenose Dolphins (T. erebennus) Performing Novel Shipside Feeding in South Carolina Marie Taylor1, Christina Deaver1, Meghan Weinpress-Galipeau2, Patricia Fair2, 3, Hannah Bouchillon2, Jessica Cusick1. 1Utah Valley University, Orem, Utah, USA.2South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.3Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA |
Abstract
Social learning can occur via vertical (parent to offspring), horizontal (within a generation), or oblique (unrelated age classes) transmission. Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) develop habitat-specific foraging strategies via social learning (e.g., crater feeding in the Bahamas or strand feeding in South Carolina). Recently, novel shipside feeding behavior was observed in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina: dolphins capture fish against the sides of anchored commercial vessels. Documentation of this behavior is increasing, but who is performing it and how it is transmitted remains unclear. We conducted three five-day boat-based surveys at five shipping terminals in March 2024, March 2025, and August 2025. Our vessel traveled along docked container ships to record feeding, photograph dolphins, and collect abiotic data. Dorsal fin photographs were analyzed using a modified Darwin4 protocol to identify individuals. We identified 20 unique dolphins performing shipside feeding; many exhibited the behavior multiple times. Juveniles were also observed feeding alongside adults. Our data suggest vertical and horizontal transmission may facilitate the spread of this novel behavior.
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No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
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