Federal agency seeking public’s help in death of dolphin
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office of Law Enforcement is asking the public for any information about a dead dolphin found recently on Fort Myers Beach. A necropsy revealed the dolphin was impaled in the head with a spear-like object while alive.
On March 24, the NOAA and marine mammal experts received a report of a dead bottlenose dolphin. The NOAA’s stranding network partner, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, recovered the animal.
Further examination indicated the wound, above the right eye, was inflicted before the animal died. The dolphin was an adult lactating female. The animal appeared to have died from the trauma, which occurred at or near the time of death.
NOAA law enforcement officials seek information from anyone who may have details of the incident. Contact the NOAA Enforcement Hotline at 800-853-1964. Tips may be left anonymously.
Based on the shape, size and characteristics of the wound, it is suspected that the dolphin was impaled while in a begging position. Begging is not a natural behavior for dolphins and is frequently associated with illegal feeding. People can help prevent future harm to wild dolphins by not feeding or attempting to feed them. Dolphins fed by people learn to associate people, boats, and fishing gear with food, which puts dolphins and people in harmful situations.
Violent incidents toward dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico continue. Since 2002, at least 27 dolphins have stranded with evidence of being shot by guns or arrows or impaled with sharp objects.
Harassing, harming, killing or feeding wild dolphins is prohibited under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Violations can be prosecuted civilly or criminally and are punishable by up to $100,000 in fines and up to one year in jail per violation.
To reach NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, please email