Captain Fined $51K for Poisoning Dolphins

Karmactive  Stuff

Florida fishing captain sent to JAIL for shooting dolphins in front of CHILDREN

Photo Source: Dana Wharf (CC0 1.0)

Zackery Barfield's frustration with dolphins "stealing" fish led to a shocking crime that's rocked the marine community

Photo Source: Animalia (CC0 1.0)

He used a TOXIC PESTICIDE in bait to poison up to 70 dolphins near his charter boat

1. Photo Source: Mike Tidd

Court documents revealed Barfield shot at least 5 dolphins with a shotgun, killing one instantly

Photo Source: Coolarts223 (CC BY 3.0)

The most disturbing part? He fired at dolphins while ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHILDREN were on his charter boat.

Photo Source: Virginia Sea Grant (CC BY-ND 2.0)

What sparked the two-year investigation? A single tip to NOAA Fisheries led authorities to the Panama City captain

Photo Source: Pikrepo

Barfield's sentence: 30 days in prison, one year supervised release, and a whopping $51,000 fine

Photo Source: FISHING TRAWLER CRUISING THE GOLDEN SEA (CC BY-SA 2.0)

"These are serious crimes against public resources," said Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle Spaven about the case

1. Photo Source: Animalia (CC BY 4.0)

Shocking fact: 21 dolphins were intentionally killed in the Southeast over the past decade

Photo Credit: docentjoyce

Witnessed marine wildlife abuse? Call NOAA's hotline: 800-853-1964 (Penalties reach $100,000 per violation)

Photo Source: Milton Cesar Gonçalves