The fisherman Zackery Brandon Barfield, 31 years old, has been sentenced to **one month in prison and a fine of $51,000** after being proven that he shot and poisoned **bottlenose dolphins** in the **[Gulf of Mexico](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_of_Mexico)** between 2022 and 2023.
According to the **United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida**, Barfield committed these acts out of frustration because the **dolphins were consuming the fish caught by his sport fishing clients**.
Illegal and Dangerous Methods
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration **[NOAA](https://www.noaa.gov/)**, Barfield **baited between 24 and 70 dolphins with poisoned baits** during his fishing trips in the Gulf of Mexico.
The baits contained **methomyl**, a **highly toxic pesticide** capable of affecting the **nervous system** of humans and animals.
Despite being aware of its dangerousness, the fisherman **continued to use it for months**.
Additionally:
- He **shot the dolphins with a 12-gauge shotgun**.
- He did it in the presence of **children and other fishermen**.
- He **ignored conservation regulations**, putting marine life at risk.
“He knew the regulations regarding dolphin conservation and yet he attacked them, even in front of children”, stated **Adam Gustafson**, federal prosecutor for environmental issues, according to **[Telemundo](https://www.telemundo.com)**.
Investigation and Cooperation Among Entities
The complaint that prompted the investigation was received by a **NOAA agent** in 2023, thanks to an **anonymous report**.
The case was resolved through collaboration between **NOAA** and the **[Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Fish_and_Wildlife_Conservation_Commission)**.
**Paige Casey**, acting assistant director of the **NOAA Southeast Division**, highlighted the importance of this cooperation: “These cruel and unnecessary deaths could have gone unresolved without the determination and expertise of our investigator”.
Sentence and Legal Consequences
Barfield pleaded **guilty** to:
- Two counts of unauthorized taking of a marine mammal.
- Use of a federally prohibited pesticide.
His sentence includes:
- One month in prison.
- A fine of $51,000.
- One year of supervised release.
- Confiscation of the shotgun used in the crimes.
“The Gulf of America is a vital natural resource. His actions represent serious crimes against public resources and a threat to the ecosystem”, stated **Michelle Spaven**, acting prosecutor of the **Northern District of Florida**.
Need to Protect Marine Life
This case highlights the **urgency of strengthening the protection of dolphins and other marine mammals**, covered by the **Marine Mammal Protection Act**.
Additionally, Barfield **not only violated this law** but also contaminated the area with a **[highly harmful pesticide](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pesticide_toxicity)**.
“His actions were cruel, illegal, and a threat to marine life in the Gulf”, stated **Mike Godwin**, captain of the **FWC**, reaffirming the commitment to protect the **wildlife of Florida** and ensure that the responsible parties **are penalized**.
