When fishing near rookeries, use caution and take care

Fishing action is heavy right now in island waters, as is juvenile bird season. Many of our local feathered brethren are taking care of their young in their nests in local rookeries. When you combine fishing and a heavy bird presence, it doesn’t always end up well.Even when precautionary steps are taken, birds can get […]

Fishing action is heavy right now in island waters, as is juvenile bird season. Many of our local feathered brethren are taking care of their young in their nests in local rookeries. When you combine fishing and a heavy bird presence, it doesn’t always end up well.
Even when precautionary steps are taken, birds can get hooked by accident. If this happens to you or someone else fishing nearby, it is important to remember to NOT CUT THE LINE and to allow the bird to fly away with it attached. It’s not just about the inconvenient loss of line; this act can lead to entanglement and to the death of birds, especially in our local rookeries.
Anywhere you see a prolific number of birds is a rookery. They are relatively small areas in which large numbers of water birds congregate to nest. They are typically located in a place where it is difficult for predators to reach, such as an island or a group of trees located over water. There are many rookeries on the small mangrove islands around the inland bays and sounds.
If you cast a line near one of these rookeries — especially when adult birds are feeding their young — you run the risk of having a bird dive down and grab your bait. This leads to the bird’s being caught by the hook, which leads to a frantic display from the bird. It can be daunting to think of trying to free it, but there are steps you can take to try to help in this situation.
Pelicans are number one on the list of birds that get caught in fishing line. They are a lot easier to handle than you might think, as long as you secure their wings and hold their beak open just enough for them to breathe while you try to release the hook (see tips at right for all birds).
“We are currently in nesting season,” says Gina Thomsen, Boca Grande’s volunteer bird rescuer. Gina, along with a team of volunteers, works closely with the Friends of the Pelicans, headquartered in Bradenton, monitoring our local rookeries and assisting birds that are in distress. Nesting birds are protected under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the state of Florida. It is illegal to disturb the nests or harm the eggs, chicks or adult birds.
Upon entering a rookery zone, whether it’s for photography, observation of birds or a rescue attempt, it is imperative to be extremely cautious. “The birds get upset and the baby birds fall out of the nests and usually end up drowning if one of the monitors is not there to rescue them,” Gina explained.
You can keep the seabirds away from your fish and reduce entanglement by disposing of fishing line in a monofilament recycling bin or cutting it into small pieces and placing it in a trash bin. Cover bait buckets and take unused bait home. Do not feed the birds. Cast carefully to avoid getting the line snared on trees, bridge piles, power lines or other obstacles. Help others learn what to do when they accidentally hook a bird. If you see something, say something. You can use the link to the Florida Wildlife Commission at MyFWC.com to learn more or make a report.