Brown and white pelicans are frequently injured by discarded fishing line, hooks, and lures. These injuries cause significant welfare harm and require intensive rehabilitation, yet are almost entirely preventable.
Fishing line injuries cause severe and prolonged suffering for pelicans. Monofilament entanglement around wings and legs restricts blood flow, causing tissue necrosis that may require amputation. Birds found tangled may have been suffering for days before rescue. Ingested hooks cannot be removed without veterinary intervention; untreated birds face prolonged digestive injury. Because fishing debris is the cause, the welfare harm is almost entirely preventable through responsible disposal and modified fishing practices. Monofilament recycling stations, lead hook alternatives, and increased awareness among recreational fishers all directly reduce the frequency of these injuries.