Pelicans are large, charismatic coastal birds frequently injured by discarded fishing line, hooks, and monofilament entanglement.
Fishing line-related injuries cause some of the most acute welfare harms in coastal birds. Hooks embedded in the mouth or throat cause pain with every movement and feeding attempt. Monofilament wrapped around wings and feet restricts circulation and causes tissue death. Entangled pelicans often cannot fly or feed and die slowly without human intervention. Most injuries are preventable by responsible disposal of fishing line.