Pelican Deaths

The moves are intended to protect pelicans, which nest nearby at rookeries along the mouth of Tampa Bay.

State wildlife officials moved to increase protections for pelicans who become entangled in fishing lines at the Sunshine Skyway pier. But many bird advocates say it's not enough.

A letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says more than 2,300 birds have been rescued over the past two years after they became tangled in fishing lines.

Red tied may have contributed to the deaths of 70 pelicans in St. Petersburg early this year, the Tampa Bay Times reports.