The leading cause of death among brown pelicans is now officially threats created by humans. Fishing-related deaths are increasingly common on fishing piers across the state of Florida. X-rays show that the birds are ingesting and becoming entangled in fishing lines, in part because they typically perch and hunt along the same fishing piers that humans use. But, if Florida authorities take simple steps to address these risks, brown pelican lives can be saved!
Sign now to urge the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to take action to protect brown pelicans near sea piers!
Experts say that fishers will tangle the birds with their lines, and then simply cut the line to let the bird go, instead of freeing the bird from the line. Then, the pelican will fly away with a line hanging off its body. By the time the bird goes to roost and sleeps in its typical mangrove rookeries, it'll get tragically tangled and end up caught or hanging, unable to escape.
Brown pelican populations are decreasing, and state authorities in Florida must take this problem seriously to save these iconic birds from any more needless deaths.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission must take action on sea piers to protect brown pelicans! Sign now if you agree!
