Bottlenose Dolphins Encountering New Hazards

Bottlenose dolphins, which are protected by federal law in the United States, are facing new hazards off American shores. These hazards are fishermen who are angry at the dolphins for continually stealing their so-called catch. Groups on both side of the issue argue over the reason for the new habit of the dolphins.

In recent years, it is becoming more common for dolphins to take fish on fishermen’s hooks. This has, of course, annoyed anglers. Disturbingly, it has caused a rash of retaliation on the part of the fishermen, including such acts as using .357 caliber Magnum pistols and pipe bombs.

Reasons for the increased brazenness of the dolphins vary. One of the main reasons conservationists point to is sightseeing groups and other individuals feeding the dolphins. Others blame federal fishing laws which limit over fishing of certain species. This has caused many fish to be thrown back into the waters, only to be immediately taken by nearby dolphins. Thus the dolphins have become expectant in the presence of anglers.

Reported attacks on dolphins apparently have not increased in recent years, however this could be due to the attacks mostly occurring about 30 miles from shore. Such attacks would rarely be witnessed and the dolphins would most likely not wash ashore if they were to be killed. However, in 2007 four dolphins washed ashore with bullet wounds in California. The shooters were never found, however.

In addition, forty-six dolphins along the Florida coast have died since 2005 from swallowing fishing gear or from being tangled in lines. Therefore, the dolphins not only face the angry anglers but also the impacts of taking the fish from the anglers directly.

Recently, one boat captain was found to be making pipe bombs to throw at the bottlenose dolphins. The captain was charged with illegally possessing explosives and attempting to take marine mammals. The captain was sentences to two years in jail. Additionally, two other captains were charged $1,000 and placed on probation for shooting at the dolphins while fishing.

No one is certain how to resolve the issue between the anglers and dolphins. However, conservation and fishing agencies will most likely be the ones to come to some sort of terms in order to uphold the federal protection of the dolphins.