Florida Man Receives One-Month Sentence for Shooting and Poisoning Dolphins

A 31-year-old Florida man, Zackery Brandon Barfield, has been sentenced to 30 days in prison and one year of supervised release after shooting at dolphins that were attracted to baited fishing lines on his charter boats. Prosecutors reported that Barfield not only shot bottlenose dolphins but also resorted to using poisoned bait in response to his frustration over them consuming fish from his clients’ lines.

These incidents occurred between 2022 and 2023 during outings in Panama City. Investigators from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) revealed that Barfield shot at five dolphins, successfully killing at least one, and poisoned dozens more with bait.

Federal prosecutor Adam Gustafson emphasized Barfield’s awareness of the legal protections in place for dolphins, noting that he even shot at them in front of children. Barfield’s actions drew attention from law enforcement after a tip was received about his behavior.

During his charter trips, he allegedly fed an estimated 24 to 70 dolphins bait laced with poison. The poisoning involved a pesticide called methomyl, which Barfield admitted to using, fully recognizing its harmful effects on the environment.

Despite knowing he was breaking the law, Barfield’s frustration over what he perceived as dolphins “stealing” his catch drove him to continue these illegal actions over several months. He used a 12-gauge Remington Wingmaster shotgun to shoot the animals, which are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

As part of his plea agreement, the shotgun was seized and will be forfeited. Barfield was sentenced to 30 days for each of the three counts to which he pleaded guilty but will serve them concurrently, along with a fine of $51,000.