Concern for the safety of pelicans has prompted Manitoba Conservation to consider a change in the rules on how close people can fish to St. Andrews lock and dam on the Red River.
Local anglers have been raising the alarm that discarded fishing line is getting wrapped around the feet, beaks and wings of the big birds in the area.
The changes could mean people who fish near the dam have to move further down shore to cast their line in the water.
Angler Ken Schultz says he had to come to a pelican's rescue last week during a boat ride on the Red River.
He says he had to cut fishing line that was wrapped around the bird's feet.
Schultz says the problem could be solved if the province stops people from fishing near the dam's fish ladder, a popular gathering spot for pelicans.
"That's just the worst area that people congregate into because they can catch so many fish in such a short time," said Schultz.
"It's so rocky and they lose so many hooks in there… with line wrapped around it, it doesn't take much (for the pelicans) to get it wrapped around themselves."
There's already a ban on angling near the fish ladder in order to protect fish populations but there's no barrier, meaning many people still cast their lines into an area where they're not supposed to — the same area where the pelicans bunch up.
Manitoba Conservation Minister Tom Nevakshonoff said Monday the province is planning to create a special conservation area below the dam.
"It was an encroachment, people aren't respecting it so we are putting in place changes," said Nevakshonoff. "People will still be allowed to fish in the river itself, how close to the structure remains to be seen."
Angler Robert Ikkert understands the concerns, but said he'd be disappointed if the area was closed because the fishing is so good.
"They should still open it once in a while, maybe spring time," said Ikkert.
Schultz said in the end, the changes will likely only amount to a small area closed off to the public which he said could make a big difference for the pelicans.
Manitoba Conservation will hold a public meeting in Lockport later this month to get more feedback from the community on the issue.
(CTV Winnipeg)
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