Baby Dolphin Found Shot to Death on Mississippi Beach

A young bottlenose dolphin was found shot to death on a beach in Mississippi, with multiple bullets lodged in its brain, spinal cord, and heart. The dead dolphin was discovered on a beach in Mississippi in April 2024, prompting an investigation by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Fisheries Service.

A necropsy revealed that the dolphin had been shot with bullets that penetrated its brain, spinal cord, and heart, leading to its death. NOAA Fisheries is offering a $20,000 reward for information that leads to a criminal conviction or the assessment of a civil penalty in the case.

Hunting, harassing, capturing, or killing marine mammals like dolphins is a crime under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Violators face up to $100,000 in fines and up to one year in jail per violation. NOAA Fisheries is asking the public to call their Enforcement Hotline at (800) 853-1964 if they have any information about the dolphin's death.

Why this matters: The killing of a protected marine mammal is a serious offense that undermines conservation efforts. This incident highlights the ongoing threats faced by dolphins and the need for increased public awareness and enforcement of laws protecting these intelligent and beloved creatures.

The bottlenose dolphin population in the area where the incident occurred is already threatened due to factors such as the 2010 Deep Horizon oil spill and habitat changes caused by the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project. NOAA Fisheries continues to investigate the shooting and is relying on the public's help to bring those responsible to justice. "We take these incidents seriously and are committed to protecting dolphins and other marine mammals," said an NOAA spokesperson. "We urge anyone with information about this case to come forward."

Key Takeaways

• Bottlenose dolphin found shot dead on Mississippi beach in April 2024.
• Necropsy revealed bullets penetrated brain, spinal cord, and heart, killing it.
• Hunting/harassing marine mammals is illegal under Marine Mammal Protection Act.
• NOAA offering $20,000 reward for information leading to conviction or civil penalty.
• Incident threatens already vulnerable dolphin population in the area.