New rules proposed by FWC for Skyway Fishing Pier amid seabird deaths

New rules proposed by FWC for Skyway Fishing Pier amid seabird deaths

By Shannon Clowe

Source: wtsp

1/26/2023

Florida wildlife officials proposed new rules for people who fish at the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park.

During a virtual meeting Wednesday night, The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said their goal is to keep pelicans safe by minimizing injuries and deaths from fishing gear.

FWC showed data that illustrated in January 2022, over 600 seabirds had to be rescued from entanglement. To reduce that, FWC is proposing new rules for fishermen.

The proposed rules include banning fishing gear, and one rule would also ban sabiki rigs and treble hooks from November to March. Another rule would ban sabiki rigs year-round along the portion of the South pier.