Angler perceptions of pelican entanglement reveal opportunities for seabird conservation on fishing piers in Tampa Bay
B. Alexander Simmons

TL;DR
This study explores how angler perceptions and behaviors at a Florida fishing pier affect pelican entanglement and suggests ways to reduce risks through education and regulation.
Contribution
The paper introduces audience segmentation of anglers and identifies strategic messaging for promoting seabird conservation behaviors.
Findings
Pelicans are attracted to anglers, increasing entanglement risks during peak angler activity.
Anglers generally support education and enforcement to reduce pelican entanglements.
Five distinct angler groups were identified, each with different potential for targeted behavior change.
Abstract
Injuries from entanglement in marine debris are a significant threat to seabirds globally, and fishing gear is the most common debris affecting seabirds. In Tampa Bay, Florida, entanglement of brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis) at fishing piers has been a highly contentious issue for years, especially at the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park. With entanglements continuing to rise, new fishing regulations were adopted at the pier to reduce the likelihood of severe entanglements, which include a controversial seasonal ban on certain high-risk fishing gear during the pelican breeding season. To better understand the extent of this problem and identify potential leverage points for promoting behavioral change, this study analyzed data on pelican condition and abundance near the south Skyway Fishing Pier, as well as data from questionnaires conducted on the pier capturing anglers’…
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Taxonomy
TopicsWildlife Ecology and Conservation · Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior · Social and Intergroup Psychology
