Dolphin Found Shot to Death in Florida

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Law Enforcement is investigating a horrific crime which resulted in the death of protected bottlenose dolphin.

The dolphin was found dead on Miramar Beach, which is in the panhandle-area of Florida. To make matters worse, the dolphin was pregnant and just weeks from giving birth.

The cause of death was a gunshot wound.

The Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) has joined forces with NOAA offering a $2,500 reward to anyone with information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the illegal and brutal attack.

Marine mammals already suffer from threats related to oil spills, entanglements and loss of habitat. It’s heartbreaking to have to add human attacks to the list of already threatening situations that they must deal with.

Unfortunately, over the past decade, attacks on protected bottlenose dolphins have increased. Since 2002, there have been 17 reported cases of stranded dolphins that were found with signs of gunshot wounds.  The majority of these occurred after 2010.

It is illegal under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to harass, harm, feed or kill wild dolphins. According to the law, “Violations can be prosecuted either civilly or criminally and are punishable by up to $100,000 in fines and up to one year in jail per violation.”

WDC is asking the public to call the NOAA Enforcement Hotline at 1-800-853-1964 if they have any information pertaining to this incident. Any reports or tips can remain anonymous.

Source: www.mypanhandle.com