The Role of Fishing Piers in Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) Entanglement

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Brown Pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis) are frequently entangled in fishing gear, particularly in areas with piers. Our study quantified the rate of pelican entanglement on four fishing piers in Tampa Bay, Florida, and measured variables we suspected might influence the number of entanglements. Over 7% of the Brown Pelicans seen near piers were entangled in fishing gear. Pelicans were more likely to be entangled at the two piers that had extensive perches near the piers. Reducing pelican perching near piers or reducing fishing near areas where pelicans perch would likely lead to a reduction in entanglement. ABSTRACT: Throughout their range, Brown Pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis) are one of the most common species to become entangled in fishing gear. We surveyed four piers every other week for one year (6/2019–5/2020) in the Tampa Bay region, FL, USA, to determine frequency of pelican entanglement associated with fishing piers, and explored factors that might influence the rate of entanglement. We conducted a generalized linear model (GLM) to determine the influence that pier, pier closure due to COVID-19, time of day and season, number of anglers, and presence of human behaviors that might attract pelicans to the pier had on the number of entangled pelicans. We conducted 144 surveys and counted 3766 pelicans of which 254 (7%) were entangled. The variables significantly associated (p < 0.05) with entanglement were the pier, time of day, and pier closure status, while the number and behavior of anglers were not significant. The two piers that most significantly influenced the number of entanglements both had extensive perches within 10 m of the fishing pier. The management action most likely to reduce the number of entangled pelicans appears to be deterring pelicans from perching near piers or decreasing fishing near perching structures.