THE SUGARLOAF DOLPHIN RELEASES:

Ric O'Barry and other AR activists are fined for illegally releasing dolphins back to the wild.
NOAA press releases , background and links.

ACTIVISTS CHARGED IN SUGARLOAF DOLPHIN RELEASE
The Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has filed charges against several dolphin freedom activists for harassing and illegally transporting two captive dolphins in connection with their deliberate release six miles off the coast of Key West, Florida, on May 23, 1996. Alleging multiple violations of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, NOAA assessed a maximum allowable $10,000 for each of the six counts charged, resulting in a total of $60,000 in penalties against those involved.

DOLPHIN REMOVED FROM UNSAFE CONDITIONS AT SUGARLOAF
Responding to concern about the health and safety of dolphins being held at Sugarloaf Dolphin Sanctuary in Sugarloaf Key, Fla., the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) joined to remove a dolphin from the public display facility on June 7, due to repeated violations of federal animal welfare requirements there.

DOLPHINS RETURN TO NAVAL VETERINARY CARE IN SAN DIEGO
Two of the three former U.S. Navy dolphins previously held at the Sugarloaf Dolphin Sanctuary in Sugarloaf Key, Fla., known as "Luther" and "Jake," are returning to their former home at the Navy's marine mammal program in San Diego today, the National Marine Fisheries Service announced. Agency officials said the third trained dolphin, known as "Buck," will make the trip after he recovers from a lack of care, substantial weight loss, and wounds he sustained when he was released and abandoned in the wild for nearly two weeks.

ACTIVISTS FINED IN SUGARLOAF DOLPHIN RELEASE:
Former "Flipper" dolphin trainer Richard O'Barry, and his associate Lloyd A. Good III, have been found guilty of violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act for releasing two captive dolphins off the Florida coast in May that were not prepared to survive in the wild and sustainedlife-threatening injuries.