The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) is offering a $3500 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the illegal and cruel acts that led to the death of a protected bottlenose dolphin. Last Thursday, NOAA’s Fisheries Service received reports of a live dolphin swimming with a screwdriver lodged in its head near the Florida-Alabama state line in Perdido Bay. On Friday, June 22nd, the dolphin was found dead just west of Dupont Point, Alabama.
“We are pleased that we can offer this reward in support of NOAA’s ongoing investigation and as a reflection of our commitment to protect dolphins in the Gulf Region” stated Courtney Vail, Campaigns Manager for WDCS. “These dolphins continue to face impacts from the Gulf oil spill, fishing gear entanglements and habitat loss. It is horrifying that they are also subjected to brutal attacks.” Wild dolphins are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. It is illegal to harass, harm, kill or feed these animals.
We are seeking information from anyone who may have details pertaining to this incident, including any photos or video. WDCS is encouraging the public to call the NOAA Enforcement Hotline at 1-800-853-1964 or the NOAA Office of Law Enforcement in Niceville, FL at (850)729-8628 to speak directly to an officer. Individuals can leave anonymous tips or identify themselves when providing their reports on the incident.
WDCS is deeply involved in the Gulf region, and is concerned with the increasing incidents of harassment and vandalism of dolphins in this region. WDCS has also received reports of dolphins being shot at, and is concerned with depredation and entanglement issues as bottlenose dolphins interact with local fisheries. As part of the federally-mandated Bottlenose Dolphin Take Reduction Team, WDCS is committed to seeking solutions to reduce these detrimental interactions with commercial and recreational fisheries.
In addition, a solitary sociable male bottlenose dolphin is residing in a residential area near Slidell, Louisiana, where it is seeking interaction with boats and several individuals have been bitten attempting to pet and interact with him. Understanding that individuals are often eager for personal interaction with these charismatic animals, WDCS reminds the public that bottlenose dolphins are not only a protected species, but are wild animals, and petting, swimming or other interactions which put both dolphins and humans at risk should not be attempted. Feeding dolphins is illegal under the MMPA.
The vandalism, abuse, and inhumane treatment of dolphins is a serious offense, and WDCS is working to establish a permanent fund to support law enforcement efforts to prosecute these types of violations under the MMPA.