In out-of-state news…
According to a press release via NOAA Fisheries, on March 13th, a distressing discovery was made on West Mae’s Beach in Cameron Parish, Louisiana. NOAA Fisheries received a concerning report of a deceased bottlenose dolphin—a young member of its species. Shockingly, upon examination, it was evident that the dolphin had suffered fatal injuries consistent with firearm shots.
“The necropsy (animal autopsy) revealed multiple bullets lodged in the carcass, including in the brain, spinal cord, and heart of the dolphin. The animal appeared to have died from the trauma, which occurred at or near the time of death. “
The seriousness of this incident has prompted NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement to launch a thorough investigation into the matter. They urge anyone with pertinent information to come forward. In an effort to seek justice and prevent such tragedies, they are offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to either a criminal conviction or the assessment of a civil penalty.
This incident was brought to NOAA Fisheries’ attention by a vigilant member of the public, who promptly contacted the Southeast Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline. Subsequently, their stranding network partner, Audubon Aquarium Rescue, took swift action, recovering the dolphin and facilitating its transport to the Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans for a necropsy. The loss of this young dolphin underscores the importance of their collective efforts to protect marine life and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
Please, just don’t be like the person who did this.
Photo: Stranded juvenile bottlenose dolphin. Credit: Audubon Aquarium Rescue
