Zackery Brandon Barfield, a commercial fishing captain from Florida, had a reputation for success on the water. That changed after a series of shocking incidents left local families, animal advocates, and the fishing community stunned.

Barfield, 31, was sentenced to one month in prison and fined $51,000 for shooting and poisoning dolphins that approached his fishing lines—a case that has drawn national attention for its disturbing details and legal consequences. According to PEOPLE, Barfield’s actions, which occurred in front of elementary school children and fellow fishermen, have sparked fierce debate about wildlife protection and angler frustration.

Court documents and official statements reveal that Barfield’s actions took place in 2022 and 2023. He pleaded guilty to two counts of illegal taking of a marine mammal and one count of using a federally prohibited pesticide. The story has drawn condemnation from prosecutors and animal rights groups, while some in the fishing industry have demanded a broader look at regulations and dolphin interactions with charter boats.

Disturbing acts on open waters

According to prosecutors, Barfield grew increasingly “frustrated” with dolphins eating red snapper off his clients’ fishing lines. Instead of seeking legal solutions, authorities said, he began placing methomyl—a highly toxic pesticide—inside baitfish to poison dolphins that surfaced near his boat. On several occasions, Barfield also used a 12-gauge shotgun to shoot at the marine mammals, including during trips with both children and adult anglers aboard.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, said Barfield “knew the regulations protecting dolphins, yet he killed them anyway — once in front of children.” Acting United States Attorney Michelle Spaven described the acts as “serious crimes against public resources, threats to the local ecosystem, and a devastating harm to a highly intelligent and charismatic species.” NOAA Fisheries, the federal agency overseeing marine wildlife enforcement, estimated that Barfield fed poison-laced bait to between 24 and 70 dolphins during his charter trips.

Community backlash and legal response

Barfield’s case has stirred strong emotions in Florida’s fishing towns. Many animal advocates and parents expressed shock that such actions could occur in front of school-aged children and tourists seeking recreational fishing experiences. Critics say the case highlights the need for stricter enforcement and education about marine mammal protections.

Acting Assistant Director of NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement Southeast Division, Paige Casey, called Barfield’s behavior “intentional and heartless.” She credited investigators and state wildlife officers for pursuing the case, stating: “These cruel and unnecessary deaths may have gone unsolved without the determination and expertise of our investigator and the close working relationship we have with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.”

Barfield’s defense has not issued a public comment on the sentencing. However, sources close to the fishing community argue that increasing dolphin interference with fishing operations has created mounting frustration for charter captains, leading some to claim that current laws do not effectively address the realities faced by those who make their living on the water.

Weighing fishing frustrations and wildlife law

While animal rights organizations have praised Barfield’s conviction as a win for wildlife, several charter boat operators say the case exposes a growing conflict between protected dolphin populations and fishing businesses. For years, dolphins have been known to approach boats, snatching bait and catch from lines—a behavior some believe is encouraged by tourists feeding or interacting with the animals.

NOAA Fisheries noted that Barfield told law enforcement he was “frustrated with dolphins ‘stealing’ his catch.” This sentiment is echoed by a segment of the fishing industry, which has called for more research and possible reforms to ensure both marine mammal safety and economic stability for charter captains.

Despite these concerns, federal law strictly prohibits harming dolphins, and the use of toxic substances like methomyl is considered especially egregious by environmental authorities. Prosecutors emphasized that alternatives exist for deterring dolphins, including non-lethal deterrents and better angler education, rather than resorting to violence.

Barfield’s sentence includes a one-month prison term, a $51,000 fine, and a year of supervised release. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has stated that further violations will result in more severe penalties. The case is expected to influence how wildlife enforcement agencies and the fishing industry handle similar incidents going forward.