Within a week, two dolphins were found dead on the Florida coast in the United States. The cetaceans both presenting the same disturbing wounds, the authorities decided to offer a reward to anyone who would have information on the identity of the killers.
The first dolphin was found stranded on January 30 by a team of biologists from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA), reports The Independent. The animal is said to have died of what appears to be the impact of a bullet or a sharp object. On the NOAA website, you can see a photo of the dolphin with a very large notch at its beak. The same week, another dolphin was found dead by volunteers from an animal shelter. This time, the animal died from a bullet impact. Twenty-nine dolphins have been found killed by bullet, arrow or impaled on the coasts of the southeast of the United States since 2002.
Do not feed the dolphins
NOAA was originally prepared to offer $ 20,000 for information leading to the identification and conviction of the person or group responsible for the deaths of the two dolphins, but the award was raised to $ 54,000. And the consequences could prove serious for those responsible. According to the Florida Marine Mammal Protection Law, hunting, mistreating or even just feeding dolphins is punishable by up to a year in prison and a fine of up to $ 100,000.
NOAA biologists believe these cases may arise from humans who feed on dolphins. Out of habit, these would associate humans and boats with food and consequently lower their guards by placing themselves in dangerous situations. Like getting too close to beaches and boats ...
“The best advice is not to feed them, not to approach them. An act that at first glance seems innocent can harm them or lead to situations like these, "said Stacey Horstman, NOAA dolphin preservation coordinator, The New York Times .
Since 2002, at least 29 dolphins have been found stranded on the southern coast of the United States after being shot with guns or arrows. Still others have been found impaled with spears or screwdrivers. Although a man in Texas has been fined $ 1,250 for feeding a dolphin, most cases remain unresolved.
The cases of intentionally killed dolphins also affect France. Last January, two dolphins were found skinned a few weeks apart on beaches in Finistère. According to the NGO Sea Sheperd France, which published photos on Facebook, one of the dolphins was "cut up to be eaten". "There are recipes for" dolphin stung with garlic "in the fishing industry, as reported by several sources. An open secret, ”says the publication of the NGO.
Planet
Finistère: A new butchered dolphin discovered on a beach
Planet
Acoustic repellents on nets to avoid accidental dolphin catch soon
- Dolphin
- Planet
- United States
- Did you see ?