TAMPA, Fla. – The discovery of a dolphin shot to death on a beach in Cameron Parish, Louisiana has sparked outrage and prompted the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Services to offer a $20,000 reward for information. The juvenile bottlenose dolphin was found on West Mae’s Beach with multiple bullets lodged in its brain, spinal cord, and heart on March 13th.
A necropsy revealed that the dolphin had likely died from trauma inflicted at the time of or near its death, according to NOAA. The agency’s Office of Law Enforcement is currently investigating the incident and is seeking information that could lead to the arrest or imposition of a civil penalty.
It is illegal to harass, hunt, kill, or feed wild dolphins, as stated by NOAA. Violators of these regulations could face civil or criminal charges, with penalties including fines of up to $100,000 and up to one year in jail per violation.
The cruel act has outraged animal advocates and marine conservationists, who are calling for justice and stricter enforcement of laws protecting marine wildlife. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the NOAA Enforcement Hotline at 800-853-1964.
The tragic death of the dolphin serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that marine animals face in their natural habitats. NOAA’s reward offer underscores the seriousness of the situation and the agency’s commitment to protecting vulnerable species like dolphins. Marine biologists and experts emphasize the importance of respecting and conserving marine life to ensure the well-being of these animals.
Efforts to raise awareness about the plight of marine animals and the need for stricter enforcement of wildlife protection laws are underway. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activities or incidents involving marine mammals to authorities to prevent further harm to these creatures. The brutal killing of the dolphin highlights the urgent need for greater conservation efforts and vigilance in safeguarding marine ecosystems.