ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) says the Skyway Fishing Pier is one of the most popular fishing spots in the entire state of Florida.

On Monday night, more than 120 people logged into an FWC virtual workshop on possible bans on some fishing gear there.

The commission says the gear makes it easier for pelicans to get entangled in fishing line or hooked.

At the virtual workshop, a representative with FWC said a study showed seabirds — especially pelicans — got caught up in line and hooks at the Skyway Fishing Pier as much as ten times more than at other entanglement spots.

The commission also reports that from 2021 to 2022, more than 3,300 birds were rescued from entanglement, more than 1,000 were so severely injured that they required veterinary care and more than 500 were either confirmed or presumed entanglement-caused deaths.

At the meeting, dozens of people asked questions and offered their opinions during the public comment session.

Some people spoke in favor of the regulations, noting the catastrophic injuries the gear in question can cause birds.

Many spoke about concerns, questioning how the rules would be enforced and whether there are measures that can be taken to keep birds away from the pier.

Several people also said they don’t think sabiki rigs should be banned, telling FWC they’re used for catching bait, something that’s popular at the pier.

At the pier on Monday, Pinellas County resident Jason Dougherty said he saw an example of what FWC said is a major problem.

“We just saw a pelican with a weight hanging right next to his beak, so I’m sure there’s a hook in there, as well,” said Dougherty.

Dougherty said he wouldn’t mind following the proposed rules if they go into effect.

Somkiat Chareonsook of Dade City was also fishing at the pier. He said he and his son usually come out three times a month. He said he’s never seen a bird entangled there. When it comes to the proposed rules, Chareonsook said he also doesn’t want to see sabiki rigs banned.

“I understand they want to protect the environment and the birds,” he said. “But right now with the sabikis, that’s how, sometimes when kids come out here, that’s how they fish. They don’t try to cast out there. They drop the line, and it’s exciting when they catch something just on that line.”

FWC plans to present its recommendations for the proposed rules at its February meeting. A representative said at the workshop it will continue taking public comment through small group meetings with stakeholders and more public workshops early next year.

People can also submit comments via email at Marine@MyFWC.com or at the FWC website here.