Wildlife

Pelican Welfare and Coastal Fisheries Conflict

Pelicans face persecution from fisheries, entanglement in fishing gear, and habitat disturbance at breeding colonies across their global range.

Key Facts

Pelicans are highly colonial breeders sensitive to nesting disturbance
They are often persecuted by fish farmers and commercial fishers
Fishing line entanglement is a major source of injury and death
Brown pelicans recovered from near extinction after DDT was banned
Pelicans have uniquely flexible throat pouches adapted for scoop fishing

Welfare Considerations

Fishing line entanglement causes prolonged suffering with hook injuries to the mouth, esophagus, and pouch. Monofilament line wrapping around bill or body causes slow strangulation. Persecution through shooting and poisoning by aquaculture operators causes direct suffering. Nesting colony disturbance causes mass chick abandonment with starvation following.

What You Can Do

Properly dispose of fishing line using collection bins at fishing sites
Support non-lethal deterrent programs for fish farms
Donate to pelican rehabilitation centers treating entangled birds
Advocate for protection of pelican nesting colonies from disturbance
Support monofilament recycling programs in coastal communities