Florida Charter Boat Captain Sentenced for Poisoning and Shooting Dolphins
A Florida charter boat captain has been sentenced to one month in jail and fined $51,000 after pleading guilty to federal charges related to the poisoning and shooting of dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico.
Zackary Barfield, 31, admitted to a disturbing pattern of behavior that involved targeting dolphins that he believed were interfering with his fishing charters by eating red snapper caught on his clients’ lines. Federal prosecutors say Barfield responded by using a 12-gauge shotgun to shoot at dolphins and lacing baitfish with pesticide in an attempt to poison them.
Investigators found that Barfield shot at least five dolphins, with one confirmed death. In one instance, he allegedly fired his weapon at dolphins in the presence of two children onboard his vessel. Authorities estimate that between 24 and 70 dolphins may have been poisoned due to his actions, though the full extent of the damage remains uncertain.
Barfield pled guilty in February to three federal counts involving violations of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. In addition to jail time and the monetary penalty, he is likely to face further restrictions regarding his charter operations.
The case has sparked outrage among wildlife advocates and marine biologists, who emphasize the critical need to protect marine mammals from harassment and harm. Dolphins are protected under federal law, and intentionally harming them is considered a serious offense.
Officials continue to urge charter operators and the public to report any illegal activity involving marine wildlife to ensure the safety and sustainability of Florida's coastal ecosystems.
