Why Protect Seabirds ?
• Seabirds are an important part of the marine environment. • Seabirds generally feed on bait fish and are not competing with sport fishermen. • Some seabirds are ENDANGERED or THREATENED; of particular concern in California are the • CALIFORNIA BROWN PELICAN • CALIFORNIA LEAST TERN • MARBLED MURRELET • Seabirds, especially young pelicans, are particularly susceptible to being hooked or entangled by fishing line. How YOU Can Protect Seabirds? • Don’t let seabirds grab your bait, watch your bait all the time, and look carefully before you cast and retrieve your line. • If fishing from a boat, don’t begin chumming if seabirds are nearby. • Don’t leave fishing lines unattended or reeled up with bait dangling from the hook. • Don’t foul your line around telephone or electric wires; dangling hooks are a hazard to seabirds. • Don’t throw fishing line into the water; even small amounts can tangle a bird (throwing plastic into the ocean is illegal). • Avoid roosting and nesting areas – disturb
