Boaters Who Popped Balloons In Biscayne Bay Fined, 1 Man Charged: MDPD

Miami FL

12 May, 2022

11:13 AM

Description

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FL — After a viral Instagram video caught boaters popping balloons into Biscayne Bay, 10 civil citations, totaling more than $25,000 in fines, were issued and one person was charged in relation to the incident, according to a news release from Miami-Dade Police Department. David Torres-Bocanegra faces charged related to this "crime against the environment" following an investigation by its Illegal Dumping Unit, the agency said. Balloons are a significant threat to sea life, according to the Ocean Conservation Society. Animals might become tangled in their strings or could die from starvation when balloons they've eaten block their digestive tracts. It's especially dangerous for sea turtles and seabirds. The video was recorded by MMG Outboard Division, a division of Miami Maritime Group, Tuesday afternoon at Bayshore Landing Marina in Coconut Grove, according to the company's Instagram post. (Watch the video below.) "At MMG we pride ourselves on protecting and spreading awareness on the beautiful waters we get to call home. The same waters our friends, colleagues and clients get to enjoy on the beautiful vessels we sell," the company wrote. "We do not pride ourselves in exposing the mistakes of others, however we decided the events we witnessed today deserve to be seen with your own eyes to truly understand the level neglect and complete lack of care of which numerous boaters, captains and passengers alike are treating our oceans with." The boat had more than 200 balloons wrapped around the bow rail of what appeared to be a paid charter, MMG added. Those on board used knives to pop the balloons one by one, letting them fall or throwing them overboard. MDPD Interim Director George A. Perez said, "As a community, we share the responsibility to protect our environment. I am extremely proud of our Illegal Dumping Unit, for their thorough investigation and swift conclusion to this case. I would like to thank all the agencies and the State Attorney's Office for their collaboration in bringing these individuals to justice. Our coastal waterways are the natural beauty of our county, and our marine life depend on us to keep them safe." Watch the Instagram video of boaters popping balloons into Biscayne Bay: View this post on Instagram A post shared by MMG Outboard Division (@mmgoutboarddivision)