Angler perceptions of pelican entanglement reveal opportunities for seabird conservation on fishing piers in Tampa Bay.

ABSTRACT: Injuries from entanglement in marine debris are a significant threat to seabirds globally, and fishing gear is the most common debris affecting seabirds. In Tampa Bay, Florida, entanglement of brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis) at fishing piers has been a highly contentious issue for years, especially at the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park. With entanglements continuing to rise, new fishing regulations were adopted at the pier to reduce the likelihood of severe entanglements, which include a controversial seasonal ban on certain high-risk fishing gear during the pelican breeding season. To better understand the extent of this problem and identify potential leverage points for promoting behavioral change, this study analyzed data on pelican condition and abundance near the south Skyway

SUBMITTER: Simmons BA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11936238 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature