A Florida fisherman has been sentenced to 30 days in prison and fined $51,000 after pleading guilty to poisoning and shooting bottlenose dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico. Zackary Brandon Barfield, a 31-year-old licensed charter and commercial fishing captain from Panama City, targeted the dolphins between 2022 and 2023 out of frustration that they were “stealing” his catch. Federal prosecutors revealed that Barfield used methomyl-laced baitfish to poison an estimated 24 to 70 dolphins during several charter trips and shot at least five dolphins with a shotgun, killing one instantly. The investigation, initiated by a tip to NOAA Fisheries, involved multiple federal and state agencies and culminated in Barfield’s conviction and sentencing in May 2025. The case highlights the enforcement of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which prohibits harming or harassing wild dolphins and carries significant penalties for violations.
Zackary Brandon Barfield’s actions came under scrutiny after wildlife officials received a tip regarding unusual dolphin deaths and injuries in the Gulf of Mexico. Barfield, who operated as a licensed charter and commercial fishing captain, admitted to using methomyl, a highly toxic pesticide, mixed into baitfish to poison bottlenose dolphins. The poisoning incidents occurred intermittently between 2022 and 2023 during his fishing trips.
Federal prosecutors detailed that Barfield targeted between 24 and 70 dolphins, causing severe harm and fatalities within the local dolphin population. In addition to poisoning, Barfield employed a shotgun to shoot at least five dolphins, resulting in the immediate death of one animal. These deliberate acts were motivated by Barfield’s frustration with dolphins allegedly “stealing” fish from his catch.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The investigation was launched after a tip was reported to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries. This inquiry involved multiple agencies, including federal law enforcement and state wildlife departments. Authorities conducted extensive evidence gathering, including forensic examination of the poisoned baitfish and ballistic analysis of the shotgun used.
Barfield was charged under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), a federal law that prohibits the harassment, hunting, capturing, or killing of marine mammals such as dolphins. The MMPA is designed to safeguard marine mammal populations and carry strict penalties for violations, reflecting the seriousness of such offenses against protected species.
Sentencing and Penalties
In May 2025, Barfield pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him. The court sentenced him to 30 days in federal prison and imposed a fine of $51,000. This combination of incarceration and financial penalty serves both as punishment and deterrent against future offenses. The $51,000 fine was ordered to cover damages and support conservation efforts aimed at protecting marine mammals.
This case underscores the federal government’s commitment to enforcing wildlife protection laws and highlights the consequences of harming protected marine species. Officials have emphasized that any interference with marine animals not only threatens their populations but also disrupts ecological balance and harms local fishing communities dependent on sustainable marine resources.
Marine Mammal Protection Act Background
Enacted in 1972, the Marine Mammal Protection Act established a comprehensive framework to protect marine mammals from human activities. The law prohibits the take (which includes harassment, hunting, capturing, or killing) of marine mammals in U.S. waters and by U.S. citizens on the high seas.
Violations of the MMPA can result in civil and criminal penalties, including substantial fines and imprisonment. This case is a recent example of regulatory authorities applying these provisions to preserve marine wildlife, ensuring the long-term health of marine ecosystems.
Continuing Efforts and Conservation Importance
The sentencing of Zackary Barfield is part of ongoing efforts to protect marine mammals from illegal activities. NOAA Fisheries and other agencies continue to monitor the Gulf of Mexico for similar incidents and encourage the public to report any suspicious behavior concerning wildlife protection.
Experts note that bottlenose dolphins play a crucial role in marine ecosystems as apex predators and indicators of ocean health. Protecting them aligns with broader conservation goals and supports the economic viability of the fishing and tourism industries reliant on a balanced natural environment.
The sentencing of Zackary Brandon Barfield to 30 days in prison and a $51,000 fine marks a significant enforcement of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, reinforcing the legal protections afforded to bottlenose dolphins and other marine mammals. This case illustrates the serious consequences of harming protected species and highlights the collaborative efforts of federal and state agencies to safeguard marine ecosystems. Continued vigilance and public cooperation remain essential in preventing similar violations and promoting the conservation of marine wildlife, which is vital for ecological balance and the sustainability of dependent communities in the Gulf of Mexico and beyond.