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Volunteers To Pick Up Discarded Fishing Line

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By YVETTE C. HAMMETT | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 18, 2007

TAMPA - Adult brown pelicans are under increasing pressure from habitat loss, storm damage and predation. The No. 1 killer of these birds, though, is discarded fishing line.

Audubon of Florida Coastal Islands Sanctuary Program and Tampa Bay Watch are seeking volunteers to help in a regional monofilament cleanup Saturday.

The cleanup can benefit a wide variety of birds, including skimmers, terns, herons, anhingas and roseate spoonbills, as well as pelicans, Audubon field biologist Mark Rachal said.

Birds become entangled in the line and often die when they are unable to escape. They are also susceptible to getting hooked.

The cleanup is scheduled during the fall because it is outside of the colonial nesting season for the sea birds in this part of Florida. Because the islands in Tampa Bay are typically off limits to the public, volunteers should contact Audubon or Tampa Bay Watch before cleaning a site, Rachal said.

To participate in this year's event, either as a boat captain or a crew participant, call Rachal at (813) 623-6826 or John Hadley at Tampa Bay Watch at (727) 867-8166.

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