Today on Marine Science Minute with Florida Sea Grant: Bird-friendly fishing! 

Birds in flight are a beautiful sight, but disturbance by boaters threatens the nesting success and survival of coastal birds. If birds fly away as you approach, you are too close. Aim to stay at least 300 feet away from nesting or resting birds.

What’s more, it’s best to keep bait and fish carcasses away from birds. Feeding pelicans and other birds might seem harmless, but it can lead to injury, malnutrition, aggressive behaviors, and messy droppings around marinas and piers.  

Bird-friendly fishing means watching from a respectful distance and letting birds find their own food. Learn more about ethical fishing by taking the free Florida Friendly Angler online course offered by Florida Sea Grant. 

For information about this and other coastal topics, contact your county extension office or visit Florida Sea Grant at flseagrant.org.