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FWC To Anglers Who Accidentally Hook Seabirds: Don’t Cut The Fishing Line

FWC's facebook page

If you hook a pelican or any other seabird by mistake, Florida wildlife officials want anglers to know it’s important not to cut the line. Craig Faulhaber is the Avian Conservation Coordinator with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. He says to start, it’s better to reel the bird in slowly and evenly.

“And, use a net to lift it out of the water and then you can firmly grasp the bird with one hand behind the eyes, sort of gently fold up the wings, and firmly hold the bird against your body, so it can’t flap its wings,” said Faulhaber. “And, then you can sort of push the hook through, cut off the barb, and then back the hook out. And, then if the bird doesn’t show any signs of distress, you can release the bird.”

In other words, he says simply, reel, remove and release. Pelicans are typically caught in these hooks. Faulhaber says if the line is cut, the bird could fly away, become entangled in the line, and entangle other birds as well. And, he adds that could lead to death or injury.

But if you don’t feel up to the task, take the bird to a local rehabilitator or contact the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.