An unidentified 19-year-old teenager is facing heavy criticism after an Instagram photo opportunity resulted in the tragic death of a dolphin. The incident occurred on Amelia Island, Florida, and the teenager shared a photo on social media in which he was seen holding a dolphin calf, grinning. Sadly, the young dolphin was discovered lifeless in the same area just days later.
The social media post garnered attention and prompted an investigation the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee (FWC) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The FWC report revealed a distressing image of the dolphin with bloating and blood coming from its mouth. Dr. Quincy Gibson, an associate professor specializing in coastal and marine biology at UNF, explained that these signs were likely due to the fish’s natural decomposition process.
While the exact timeline is uncertain, Dr. Gibson believes that the dolphin likely died after the photograph was taken. There is a slight possibility that the dolphin was already dead when it was pulled from the water, but the evidence suggests otherwise. The teenager’s behavior in the photo and the circumstances surrounding it indicate that the dolphin was caught while alive.
Despite claims of it being an accident, the teenager’s actions have been met with strong criticism. He described it as a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity to unintentionally catch a dolphin while fishing from the shore. However, this explanation has been heavily criticized surfing enthusiasts and other users on social media platforms. One surfer named Beaugrand referred to the incident as a “crime against nature.”
It is important to recognize the negative consequences of such actions on marine wildlife. Dolphins are protected animals, and any harm caused to them is a serious offense. It is crucial for individuals to be aware of the impact their actions can have on the environment and to treat wildlife with respect and care.
Definitions:
– Instagram: a social media platform for photo and video sharing.
– Amelia Island: an island located along Florida’s northeast coast in the United States.
– FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee): a governmental organization responsible for the management and conservation of Florida’s fish and wildlife resources.
– National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: a scientific agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce focused on studying and preserving the Earth’s oceans and atmosphere.
– UNF (University of North Florida): a public research university located in Jacksonville, Florida.
Sources:
– The New York Post
