Skyway Fishing Pier

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

This comes after dozens of meetings with stakeholders, including avian rescue groups, anglers, wildlife conservation groups, pier concessionaires, local and state government representatives, and others.

Thousands of pelicans had to be rescued from possible death by becoming entangled in fishing lines and hooks in the past several years. A compromise between bird advocates and fishermen is in the works.

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.