From 2014 to 2024, there were 21 recorded instances of intentional dolphin fatalities due to methods such as gunshot wounds and poisoning, as reported by NOAA. A recent case involves Zackery Brandon Barfield, a 31-year-old fishing captain from Panama City, Florida, who was sentenced to 30 days in prison and fined $51,000 after pleading guilty to multiple counts of illegally poisoning and shooting dolphins. His actions violated both the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.
Barfield committed these crimes between 2022 and 2023, expressing frustration over dolphins eating red snapper from his clients’ fishing lines. In retaliation, he poisoned baitfish with methomyl, a highly toxic pesticide restricted by the Environmental Protection Agency. Over several charter trips, he fed this poisoned bait to an estimated 24-70 dolphins. Furthermore, he shot at least five dolphins with a shotgun during charter trips, killing one, even in the presence of children.
Federal authorities were alerted in 2023, leading to a two-year investigation that confirmed Barfield’s illegal activities. NOAA emphasized the significant ecological impact of his actions, noting they threaten a vital natural resource and harm a highly intelligent species. Officials stressed that such violations result in serious consequences. Barfield will serve his prison time, followed by a year of supervised release. NOAA remains committed to prosecuting individuals who harm protected marine species, reinforcing the importance of safeguarding marine ecosystems.
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