Few places in Florida offer the kind of fishing experience found at the Skyway Fishing Pier. Stretching into Tampa Bay, it attracts thousands of anglers each year and has become a hotspot not only for fishing, but also for wildlife encounters. Among the most visible are brown pelicans, iconic coastal birds that have learned to gather where fishing lines and bait are plentiful.
But this close interaction comes with risks. Pelicans often become entangled in fishing line or accidentally hooked while trying to grab an easy meal. These incidents can lead to serious injury or even death if birds are not handled properly.
Thanks to funding from our Foundation’s Conserve Wildlife specialty license plate, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission launched a project to reduce these harmful encounters and give anglers the tools they need to help.
This grant supported the purchase and distribution of specialized rescue equipment and educational materials directly to anglers at the Skyway Fishing Pier. Instead of relying solely on signage or outreach campaigns, the project focused on putting practical tools into the hands of the people most likely to encounter an entangled bird.
More than 13,500 items were distributed, including cutting tools for safely removing hooks, hoop nets for capturing birds during rescues, high visibility fishing line to reduce accidental entanglements, and educational pamphlets explaining what to do if a pelican is hooked.
The goal was simple but powerful: help anglers prevent entanglements before they happen and ensure they are prepared to respond safely when they do. Early efforts included installing permanent rescue stations along the pier, but challenges like theft and vandalism led the team to adapt. Instead, they shifted to a more effective approach by distributing equipment directly to anglers, turning them into “Angler Ambassadors” who could model safe practices and assist others.
The response from the fishing community was overwhelmingly positive. Anglers eagerly accepted the gear and expressed appreciation for having the right tools on hand. With proper equipment, rescue time is reduced significantly and the chances of safely releasing an entangled bird improve dramatically.
This project also works alongside new regulations and required education courses at the pier, reinforcing a culture of responsible fishing. Together, these efforts are helping reduce the number of severe entanglements and decreasing the need for professional wildlife rescue interventions.
At its core, this grant recognizes that conservation does not only happen in remote wilderness areas. By empowering anglers with knowledge and tools, this project is turning a potential conflict into an opportunity for stewardship.
If you care about protecting Florida’s wildlife and supporting projects like this, consider purchasing the Conserve Wildlife specialty license plate. A portion of every plate goes directly toward conservation efforts that help species like brown pelicans thrive alongside the people who share their habitat.
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