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A commercial fisherman from Florida was convicted of killing dolphins through poisoning and shooting in the Gulf of Mexico, in violation of federal marine wildlife protection laws.
Zackery Brandon Barfield, 31 years old and a resident of Panama City, was sentenced to 30 days in jail and ordered to pay a fine of $51,000 after pleading guilty to three counts related to the poisoning and shooting of bottlenose dolphins, according to the Office of the State Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
These acts violated the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, as stated in an official statement.
According to court documents, between 2022 and 2023, Barfield, frustrated because the dolphins were eating the red snapper that his clients were catching, placed methomyl, a highly toxic pesticide, inside bait fish to poison the dolphins that approached his boat.
Moreover, in December 2022 and during the summer of 2023, he shot at dolphins that approached with a 12-gauge shotgun, killing one of them. On one occasion, he made these shots while having school-aged children onboard.
“Barfield was a charter and commercial fishing captain for many years,” said Acting Deputy Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) of the Department of Justice.
He also added that the convicted individual “knew the regulations that protect dolphins, yet still killed them, once in front of children. This ruling demonstrates our commitment to upholding the rule of law. It should deter others from engaging in such conduct.”
Michelle Spaven, acting federal prosecutor for the Northern District of Florida, pointed out that these acts represent serious crimes against public resources and the local ecosystem, causing devastating harm to a highly intelligent and charismatic species.
"These cruel and unnecessary deaths could have gone unresolved without the determination and expertise of our investigator and the close collaboration we maintain with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Environmental Crimes Section of the U.S. Department of Justice, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida," stated Paige Casey, interim Deputy Director of the Southeast Division of NOAA OLE.
“The actions of the subject were intentional and ruthless, and we will continue to pursue any harmful act against marine mammals. Atrocious crimes like this case have serious consequences,” Casey added.
Barfield's prison sentence will be followed by a year of supervised release, reported NBC News.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sentencing for Killing Dolphins in Florida
Why was Zackery Brandon Barfield convicted in Florida?
Zackery Brandon Barfield was convicted of killing dolphins through poisoning and shooting in the Gulf of Mexico. He violated the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. His actions severely affected an intelligent and charismatic species, causing harm to the local ecosystem.
What were the legal consequences for Barfield?
Barfield was sentenced to 30 days in prison and ordered to pay a fine of $51,000, in addition to one year of supervised release. This sentence reflects the authorities' commitment to enforcing animal protection laws and aims to deter others from committing similar acts.
How did the dolphins get poisoned according to the court documents?
Barfield placed methomyl, a highly toxic pesticide, inside bait fish to poison the dolphins that came near his boat. This act was a reflection of his frustration because the dolphins were eating the red snappers that his clients were catching.
What other actions did Barfield take against the dolphins?
Barfield shot a 12-gauge shotgun at the dolphins that approached his boat. These shots resulted in the death of at least one dolphin and were fired even in the presence of school-aged children.
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