Wild Pelican Welfare and Fishing Gear

Brown and white pelicans face entanglement in fishing lines and hooks causing serious injuries, with wildlife rehabilitation and line collection programmes providing welfare benefits.

Key Facts

Brown pelicans were removed from the Endangered Species List in 2009 following DDT bans
Pelican entanglement in monofilament fishing line is a major cause of injury and mortality
Birds become tangled in line wrapped around wings or bodies, causing gangrenous limb loss
Monofilament recycling boxes at fishing sites reduce line entering the environment
Pelicans swallow fishing hooks that penetrate the digestive tract causing serious injury

Welfare Considerations

Pelicans entangled in monofilament line experience prolonged suffering as the line tightens and cuts off circulation to wings and legs. Amputations at rehabilitation centres are common outcomes of entanglement injuries. Hooks penetrating the digestive tract cause internal injuries and slow deterioration. Each piece of discarded fishing line represents a potential welfare hazard for multiple birds. Line recycling and responsible disposal are simple interventions with meaningful welfare benefits.

What You Can Do

Never leave fishing line or hooks on beaches or in water
Use monofilament recycling boxes at fishing sites where available
Report entangled pelicans to wildlife rehabilitation centres immediately
Support wildlife rehabilitation centres treating fishing gear injuries
Advocate for monofilament recycling infrastructure at popular fishing locations