Laguna

At the channel below Laguna a population of bottlenose dolphins has for well over a century driven shoals of mullet toward fishermen standing waist-deep with cast nets, then given a distinctive signal - an abrupt dive with an arched back - at which the nets go in. Both sides gain: the fishermen catch more, and the dolphins take fish that scatter from the nets. The behaviour is learned, passed between generations on both sides, and only some of the dolphins take part; researchers have shown that the participating animals associate mainly with each other. It is one of a very small number of documented cooperative fisheries between wild animals and people. Laguna itself has a listed colonial centre and a connection to Anita Garibaldi, who was born nearby.

The main sights

• Dolphins signalling the cast - an arched dive telling the fishermen when to net.
• Learned cooperation - behaviour passed down on both sides for generations.
• A working fishery - fishermen standing in the channel with cast nets.
• A listed colonial centre - the old port town above the water.

When to go

April to July for the mullet run. Two days.

Good to know

The fishing is seasonal and weather-dependent - there is nothing to see outside the run. This is a working fishery, not a display; watch from the bank and stay out of the water. Mullet stocks have declined and the practice is under pressure.

Nearby

Farol de Santa Marta is south on the coast; Florianopolis is north.

Key facts