CAMERON PARISH, LA – A tragic discovery was made on West Mae’s Beach as a deceased dolphin was found with multiple gunshot wounds. Local authorities are now offering a substantial reward of up to $20,000 for any information that could lead to solving this heinous crime.

The young bottlenose dolphin’s body was found on 13th March, prompting a concerned resident to contact the Southeast Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries department has taken charge of the investigation and conducted a necropsy at the Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans to determine the cause of death.

According to NOAA officials, the dolphin had multiple bullets lodged in various parts of its body, including the brain, spinal cord, and heart. The trauma was deemed to be the cause of death, and the NOAA’s law enforcement team is actively looking into the incident under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

In an effort to bring the perpetrators to justice, a reward of $20,000 is being offered, with potential penalties including a fine of up to $100,000 and a one-year prison sentence for those responsible. The NOAA emphasizes the protected status of bottlenose dolphins, highlighting the illegality of feeding or harassing these mammals in their natural habitat.

While dolphins face various threats such as vessel strikes and water contaminants, shootings are not commonly reported. However, past cases in Florida and Texas have shown the alarming trend of deliberate harm towards these marine animals.

If you have any information regarding this incident in Louisiana, please reach out to the NOAA Enforcement Hotline at (800) 853-1964. Let’s work together to ensure the safety and preservation of these precious marine species.