Latest news with #ZackeryBrandonBarfield
USA Today
27-05-2025
- USA Today
Fishing captain sentenced for shooting, poisoning dolphins in Gulf of America
Fishing captain sentenced for shooting, poisoning dolphins in Gulf of America From 2014 to 2024, there were 21 known intentional dolphin fatalities from gunshot wounds, arrows, explosives and other sharp objects, the NOAA said. Show Caption Hide Caption NOAA app to help dolphins, whales, other marine animals The Dolphin and Whale 911 app lets you easily report a marine mammal in need of help. Problem Solved A "longtime charter and commercial fishing captain" is in deep waters after poisoning and shooting dolphins in the Gulf of America, formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico, federal authorities said. Zackery Brandon Barfield, 31, of Panama City, Florida, was sentenced to 30 days in prison and ordered to pay a $51,000 fine months after pleading guilty to three counts of poisoning and shooting dolphins in violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, the Northern District of Florida announced on May 23. "The Gulf of America is a vital natural resource," Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle Spaven said in a statement. "The defendant's selfish acts are more than illegally poisoning and shooting protected animals – they are serious crimes against public resources, threats to the local ecosystem, and a devastating harm to a highly intelligent and charismatic species." Barfield, who's been a licensed charter and commercial fishing captain in the Panama City area throughout his adulthood, poisoned and shot bottlenose dolphins on multiple occasions from 2022 to 2023, the U.S. attorney's office said, citing court documents and statements made in court. He pleaded guilty to his crimes in February, court records show. When did Barfield begin poisoning and shooting dolphins? Federal prosecutors reference a time in the summer of 2022 when Barfield became frustrated with the dolphins eating red snapper from the lines of his charter fishing clients. To rid the problem, he began placing methomyl, a highly toxic pesticide that's harmful to humans and wildlife, inside baitfish to poison the dolphins that came up near his boat, according to the U.S. attorney's office. Methomyl is restricted by the Environmental Protection Agency to control flies in non-residential settings, federal prosecutors said. Despite knowing the toxicity of methomyl, Barfield continued to feed poisoned baitfish to the dolphins for months, including on an estimated six to seven charter trips, the U.S. attorney's office said. While Barfield was captaining fishing trips in December 2022 and the summer of 2023, he used a 12-gauge shotgun to shoot at least five dolphins when he saw them eating snapper from his client's fishing lines, federal officials said, adding that he killed one during this period. Other times, Barfield shot but did not immediately kill dolphins near his boat. Barfield shot a dolphin in front of elementary-aged children The U.S. attorney's office said on one trip, Barfield shot a dolphin while two elementary-aged children were aboard his boat, along with more than a dozen fishermen. "He knew the regulations protecting dolphins, yet he killed them anyway — once in front of children," Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson, of the DOJ's Environment and Natural Resources Division, said in a statement. How did federal authorities find out about Barfield's crimes? The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration learned about Barfield's behaviors in 2023 when one of its special agents received a tip about a fisherman killing bottlenose dolphins, the government agency said, adding that this information culminated in a two-year investigation. Evidence obtained throughout the investigation determined that Barfield fed between 24-70 dolphins poison-laden baitfish on charter trips that he captained, according to the NOAA. When asked why, the captain said he was "frustrated with dolphins stealing his catch," the government agency said. From 2014 to 2024, there were 21 known intentional dolphin killings from gunshot wounds, arrows, explosives and other sharp objects, the NOAA said. "There are consequences to individuals who decide to harm protected and endangered species," Paige Casey, acting assistant director of the NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement Southeast Division, said in a statement. "We take these types of actions seriously and we will exhaust any and all leads related to marine mammal deaths to prosecute bad actors to the full extent of the law." Barfield's prison sentence will be followed by a one-year term of supervised release, the U.S. attorney's office said.
Global News
27-05-2025
- Global News
Florida fisherman sentenced to prison for shooting, poisoning dolphins
A Florida charter boat captain is looking at both jail time and a hefty fine for poisoning and shooting dolphins. Zackery Brandon Barfield, a 31-year-old fishing boat operator, was sentenced to 30 days in prison and ordered to pay a US$51,000 fine after a court found him guilty of three counts of poisoning and shooting the animals from his boat. The Department of Justice says that in 2022 and 2023, Barfield both fed bottlenose dolphins a poisonous pesticide and slaughtered them after he became frustrated that the marine mammals were eating the red snapper on his clients' fishing lines. His actions violated both the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, according to federal prosecutors. View image in full screen Seized evidence showing a shotgun and pesticide used by Zackery Barfield to kill dolphins. Handout / NOAA Prosecutors said that Barfield understood the dangers of feeding the dolphins methomyl, a harmful pesticide, but chose to do it anyway. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, methomyl can cause problems in the nervous systems of mammals. Story continues below advertisement 'He knew the regulations protecting dolphins, yet he killed them anyway — once in front of children,' said Adam Gustafson, an acting assistant attorney general in the Justice Department's environment and natural resources division, according to The New York Times. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy According to the outlet, an investigation into Barfield's assault on the animals began in 2023, after an agent at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) fisheries division received a tip that dolphins were being killed by a fisherman. NOAA, in a statement distributed Friday, said Barfield used a 12-gauge shotgun to shoot at least five dolphins, and one was confirmed killed. The organization says at least one of the shootings happened during a fishing tour, where multiple witnesses watched it happen, including two elementary school-aged kids. 'Based on evidence obtained in the course of the investigation, Barfield fed an estimated 24–70 dolphins poison-laden baitfish on charter trips that he captained,' NOAA said, adding that Barfield stated he was 'frustrated with dolphins 'stealing' his catch.' 'The subject's actions were intentional and heartless, and we'll continue to pursue any harmful acts against marine mammals,' Paige Casey, the acting assistant director of NOAA OLE Southeast Division, said in the statement. 'Egregious crimes such as in this case have serious consequences.' The sentencing follows Barfield's guilty plea to three counts on Feb. 12. Story continues below advertisement His prison sentence will be followed by a one-year term of supervised release.
Vancouver Sun
27-05-2025
- Vancouver Sun
Sadistic Florida fisherman jailed and fined for killing dolphins in front of kids
A Florida fishing boat captain was sentenced to one month behind bars after he admitted to poisoning and fatally shooting dolphins, sometimes in front of children. Zackery Brandon Barfield, 31, of Panama City, Fla., used a 12-gauge shotgun during fishing trips in 2022 and 2023 when he opened fire on five bottlenose dolphins, the U.S. Attorney's Office said in a news release . Barfield also fed poisoned bait to dozens more of the marine animals, using methomyl, a highly toxic pesticide that affects the nervous system of humans, mammals and other animals. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'Barfield recognized methomyl's toxicity and impact on the environment but continued to feed poisoned baitfish to the dolphins for months,' the release stated. Barfield's sick spree, which took place between December 2022 and the summer of 2023, began over frustration that dolphins were eating red snapper from his clients' fishing lines. He shot at dolphins that surfaced near his vessel, immediately killing one. 'On other occasions, Barfield shot, but did not immediately kill, dolphins near his vessel,' the U.S. Attorney's office said. 'On one trip he shot a dolphin while two elementary-aged children were on board, and another with more than a dozen fisherman on board.' Barfield fed an estimated '24–70 dolphins poison-laden baitfish' during six to seven charter trips that he captained, NOAA Fisheries said in a statement . 'Barfield was a longtime charter and commercial fishing captain,' said acting assistant attorney general Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division. 'He knew the regulations protecting dolphins, yet he killed them anyway — once in front of children,' Gustafson noted. Barfield pleaded guilty to two counts of illegal taking of a marine mammal and one count of federally prohibited use of a pesticide, according to court documents obtained by NBC News . He was also ordered to pay a $51,000 fine for three counts of poisoning and shooting dolphins, a violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act. 'The Gulf of America is a vital natural resource,' acting U.S. attorney Michelle Spaven said in a statement. 'The defendant's selfish acts are more than illegally poisoning and shooting protected animals — they are serious crimes against public resources, threats to the local ecosystem, and a devastating harm to a highly intelligent and charismatic species.'
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Yahoo
Sadistic Florida fisherman jailed and fined for killing dolphins in front of kids
A Florida fishing boat captain was sentenced to one month behind bars after he admitted to poisoning and fatally shooting dolphins, sometimes in front of children. Zackery Brandon Barfield, 31, of Panama City, Fla., used a 12-gauge shotgun during fishing trips in 2022 and 2023 when he opened fire on five bottlenose dolphins, the U.S. Attorney's Office said in a news release. Barfield also fed poisoned bait to dozens more of the marine animals, using methomyl, a highly toxic pesticide that affects the nervous system of humans, mammals and other animals. 'Barfield recognized methomyl's toxicity and impact on the environment but continued to feed poisoned baitfish to the dolphins for months,' the release stated. Barfield's sick spree, which took place between December 2022 and the summer of 2023, began over frustration that dolphins were eating red snapper from his clients' fishing lines. He shot at dolphins that surfaced near his vessel, immediately killing one. 'On other occasions, Barfield shot, but did not immediately kill, dolphins near his vessel,' the U.S. Attorney's office said. 'On one trip he shot a dolphin while two elementary-aged children were on board, and another with more than a dozen fisherman on board.' Barfield fed an estimated '24–70 dolphins poison-laden baitfish' during six to seven charter trips that he captained, NOAA Fisheries said in a statement. 'Barfield was a longtime charter and commercial fishing captain,' said acting assistant attorney general Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division. 'He knew the regulations protecting dolphins, yet he killed them anyway — once in front of children,' Gustafson noted. Barfield pleaded guilty to two counts of illegal taking of a marine mammal and one count of federally prohibited use of a pesticide, according to court documents obtained by NBC News. He was also ordered to pay a $51,000 fine for three counts of poisoning and shooting dolphins, a violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act. 'The Gulf of America is a vital natural resource,' acting U.S. attorney Michelle Spaven said in a statement. 'The defendant's selfish acts are more than illegally poisoning and shooting protected animals — they are serious crimes against public resources, threats to the local ecosystem, and a devastating harm to a highly intelligent and charismatic species.' Costco must face lawsuit over 'dolphin safe' tuna claim Teen girl killed by shark while trying to swim with dolphins in Australia Pod of Dolphins comfort each other before hunters move in for kill
Toronto Sun
26-05-2025
- Toronto Sun
Sadistic Florida fisherman sentenced for killing dolphins in front of kids
Two dolphins jumping and spraying water Getty Images A Florida fishing boat captain was sentenced to one month behind bars after he admitted to poisoning and fatally shooting dolphins, sometimes in front of children. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Zackery Brandon Barfield, 31, of Panama City, Fla., used a 12-gauge shotgun during fishing trips in 2022 and 2023 when he opened fire on five bottlenose dolphins, the U.S. Attorney's Office said in a news release. Barfield also fed poisoned bait to dozens more of the marine animals, using methomyl, a highly toxic pesticide that affects the nervous system of humans, mammals and other animals. 'Barfield recognized methomyl's toxicity and impact on the environment but continued to feed poisoned baitfish to the dolphins for months,' the release stated. Barfield's sick spree, which took place between December 2022 and the summer of 2023, began over frustration that dolphins were eating red snapper from his clients' fishing lines. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. He shot at dolphins that surfaced near his vessel, immediately killing one. 'On other occasions, Barfield shot, but did not immediately kill, dolphins near his vessel,' the U.S. Attorney's office said. 'On one trip he shot a dolphin while two elementary-aged children were on board, and another with more than a dozen fisherman on board.' RECOMMENDED VIDEO Barfield fed an estimated '24–70 dolphins poison-laden baitfish' during six to seven charter trips that he captained, NOAA Fisheries said in a statement. 'Barfield was a longtime charter and commercial fishing captain,' said acting assistant attorney general Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division. 'He knew the regulations protecting dolphins, yet he killed them anyway — once in front of children,' Gustafson noted. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Zackery Brandon Barfield's fishing vessel, based out of Panama City, Florida. ( Fisheries) Photo by / NOAA Fisheries Barfield pleaded guilty to two counts of illegal taking of a marine mammal and one count of federally prohibited use of a pesticide, according to court documents obtained by NBC News . He was also ordered to pay a $51,000 fine for three counts of poisoning and shooting dolphins, a violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act. 'The Gulf of America is a vital natural resource,' acting U.S. attorney Michelle Spaven said in a statement. 'The defendant's selfish acts are more than illegally poisoning and shooting protected animals — they are serious crimes against public resources, threats to the local ecosystem, and a devastating harm to a highly intelligent and charismatic species.' Read More Columnists Relationships Football Ontario Celebrity
