Pelicans face threats from fishing line entanglement, fish hook injuries, and deliberate persecution by fishers who view them as competition, creating significant welfare and conservation concerns.
Pelicans entangled in fishing line or impaled on hooks experience prolonged suffering before rescue or death. Embedded hooks cause infection, feeding impairment, and slow deterioration. The birds' large size and conspicuous feeding behavior make them particularly vulnerable to fishing gear conflicts. Simple behavioral changes by anglers dramatically reduce pelican welfare impacts.