The Skyway Piers

Dear Skyway Pier Stakeholders,

The Skyway Pier is an important resource in the Tampa Bay area. It is open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year, with up to 200,000 visitors annually making it among the most frequented fishing piers in the state. Skyway Pier’s height and length allow for angling opportunities that are rarely found in other parts of the state. Concurrently, there are several important seabird rookeries located near the pier.

Fishing-line entanglement of seabirds, primarily brown pelicans, has been occurring at Skyway Pier for many years. Despite past actions and educational programs to address the issue, the frequency of entanglements resulting in severe injury or death of seabirds is increasing.

It is the Commission’s duty to ensure responsible recreation and enjoyment of Florida’s wildlife and fishery resources while minimizing the likelihood of severe harm these activities may pose to wildlife. At the December Commission meeting, the Commission asked staff to increase stakeholder engagement on this issue and bring draft rules and other actions to the February Commission meeting.

FWC staff has been actively working to find the balance between supporting popular recreational fishing activity and reducing severe entanglement and harm to pelicans and other seabirds at the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park. To bring the best collaborative solution to the Commission, it is critical that staff has participation from all interested parties.

Over the next few months, there will be multiple opportunities for your input and engagement to determine a suitable course of action that will address this complex issue. We ask our management partners, anglers, pelican rescue organizations, and other interested stakeholders to come to the table and work together to develop a solution for pelicans and anglers.

Sincerely,

Rodney Barreto
Chairman