Federal enforcement agents from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are actively seeking information related to a disturbing incident involving a dolphin on Lea Island, North Carolina. A reward of $20,000 is being offered for details that could lead to the identification of those responsible for this act of cruelty.

The Incident

The body of a large bottlenose dolphin, measuring approximately eight feet in length, was discovered on April 15. According to NOAA, the remote location of Lea Island, which is only accessible by boat, complicated the initial investigation. Upon their arrival, authorities confirmed that the dolphin had been “intentionally mutilated and its head removed.”

Timeline and Legal Implications

Investigators determined that the decapitation occurred between April 16 and April 18, following the initial discovery of the dolphin. Such acts violate the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which prohibits harming, harassing, or killing marine mammals, including the collection of any parts from protected species.

Health Assessment

The University of North Carolina at Wilmington assessed the carcass and identified that the dolphin likely had Brucella, a bacterium responsible for brucellosis that can be transmitted to humans through direct contact.

Call for Public Assistance

In light of the incident, NOAA has emphasized the challenges posed by the dolphin’s remote location, which makes the investigation more difficult. “We are calling on your help to find those responsible,” NOAA stated in a recent bulletin. They are specifically looking for information that will lead to an arrest, conviction, or civil penalty against the perpetrator or perpetrators.

Consequences for Violations

Violators of the Marine Mammal Protection Act may face severe penalties, including fines up to $100,000 and a potential prison sentence of up to one year for each offense.

How to Report

Anyone with information regarding this disturbing incident is urged to contact the NOAA Enforcement Hotline at (800) 853-1964. While tips can be submitted anonymously, individuals must provide their names and contact information to be eligible for the reward.