Cameron Parish, Louisiana – A tragic discovery was made on West Mae’s Beach in Cameron Parish, Louisiana, as a young bottlenose dolphin was found with multiple gunshot wounds. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries department is now offering a reward of up to $20,000 for any information leading to those responsible for this act of cruelty.
The dolphin’s carcass was sent for a necropsy at the Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans, where it was revealed that multiple bullets were lodged in the animal, including in the brain, spinal cord, and heart. The trauma from the gunshot wounds was determined to be the cause of death for the dolphin.
The NOAA’s law enforcement arm is diligently investigating this incident under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Those found guilty could face a fine of up to $100,000 and a one-year prison sentence. Bottlenose dolphins are protected under this act, making it illegal to feed or harass them in the wild.
Although threats to dolphins listed by the NOAA typically include vessel strikes and toxins in the water, shootings are a disturbing occurrence. In the past, the NOAA has investigated similar cases of dolphins being shot or stabbed, highlighting the ongoing issue of violence against these marine mammals.
In a separate incident in Texas in 2022, a dolphin was reportedly “harassed to death” by multiple individuals interacting with the animal before its tragic demise. These cases serve as stark reminders of the importance of preserving and protecting marine life.
Anyone with information regarding the dolphin found in Louisiana is urged to contact the NOAA Enforcement Hotline at (800) 853-1964. The search for justice for this innocent dolphin relies on community cooperation and support to bring the perpetrators to account for their actions.