Cameron Parish, Louisiana – A tragic discovery has shaken the community as a lifeless bottlenose dolphin was found washed up on West Mae’s Beach with multiple gunshot wounds. This heartbreaking incident has prompted investigators to offer a reward of up to $20,000 for any information that could lead to answers.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries department has taken charge of the situation, arranging for a necropsy of the dolphin at the Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans. Shockingly, during the examination, it was revealed that the dolphin had been shot multiple times, with bullets lodged in vital areas such as the brain, spinal cord, and heart.
The NOAA’s law enforcement division is now actively looking into this cruel act, stressing the severity of the situation under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Those found responsible could face hefty fines and potential prison time for harming a protected species like bottlenose dolphins.
While dolphins face various threats in the wild, such as vessel strikes and water toxins, intentional shootings are not commonly reported. However, recent incidents in Florida and Texas involving similar violence towards dolphins highlight the need for stricter protection measures.
If you have any information regarding this heartbreaking incident in Louisiana, please contact the NOAA Enforcement Hotline at (800) 853-1964. Together, we can ensure justice is served for this innocent marine mammal who met a tragic fate. Join us in standing up against cruelty towards our ocean’s precious creatures.