The role of behavioural variation in the success of artisanal fishers who interact with dolphins

Abstract Understanding the dynamics of small-scale fisheries requires considering diversity behaviours and skills fishers. Fishers may have different abilities tactics that can translate into fishing outcomes. Here, we investigate variation in among traditional net-casting fishers are assisted by wild dolphins, how this interacts with environmental conditions influences success. By combining situ sampling fine-scale behavioural tracking from overhead videos, found a higher probability catching fish well-positioned water cast their nets wide-open closer to dolphins. These differences performance affect chance any over above related availability. This finding suggests fishers’ success not be simply an outcome variations resource availability, but also result subtle behaviours. We discuss such represent acquired years, crucial for benefit keep interacting Our study demonstrates role century-old fishery highlights need consider co-management fisheries.