How do I keep this stupid dolphin from stealing from me?

Question

I'm in the Briny Deepers, adventuring. I beat up someone, and a stupid dolphin keeps coming by and getting my loot because I am super slow in the water.

Is there a way to beat him that doesn't involve me becoming faster in the water?

Answer 1

Dolphins don't actually steal anything. Even without the dolphins you still usually wouldn't get the item. The dolphins mostly steal the items that the pressure penalty would've prevented you from getting anyway.

In fact dolphins are a good thing as without them you wouldn't know that you could have gotten an item and they also provide a means to get that item back (by beating up the dolphin as Dragonrage explained).

If you aren't in hardcore you can buy sand dollars from the mall in order to get a dolphin whistle to get your items back.

A higher +item% will also help in avoiding the dolphins, as even without a pressure penalty there is still a chance for dolphins to appear.

Answer 2

In order to get the item, you must use a dolphin whistle from Big Brother and beat up the dolphin who stole your item.

Note: Employing enough "better diver" equipment and effects to completely negate the pressure penalty of a zone will not prevent the dolphins from appearing. The exact mechanic has not been determined yet.

Source