The Key West Wildlife Center (KWWC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife in the Lower Keys, has issued a public reminder emphasizing that intentionally feeding brown pelicans at fish cleaning stations violates Florida state law and contributes to some of the most preventable injuries among these iconic seabirds.
Brown pelicans, a common sight along Florida's coastlines, naturally feed by diving from the air to capture small bait fish in their expandable throat pouches. However, at marinas, docks, and fish cleaning stations—particularly popular spots in Key West where anglers fillet catches—people sometimes toss filleted fish carcasses, scraps, or bones to the birds. This practice, while seemingly harmless or kind, is prohibited under Florida Administrative Code 68A-4.001, which bans the intentional feeding or placement of food that attracts pelicans in ways detrimental to their survival or health, including modifying natural behaviors or causing harm to local populations.
Experts from the KWWC and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) explain that filleted fish remains often include sharp, exposed bones from larger species like mahi-mahi (dolphinfish) or other game fish. These bones can become lodged in a pelican's throat or pouch, puncturing the delicate tissue, exposing the trachea, or causing internal injuries. Such damage frequently leads to severe complications, including infection, peritonitis (inflammation of abdominal tissues), pneumonia, or a slow and painful death. In one documented case highlighted by the FWC in 2019, a juvenile brown pelican treated at the KWWC suffered a torn pouch from ingested fish carcasses; despite surgical repairs using staples, the bird developed pneumonia from an exposed trachea and died about a month later. These injuries are among the most preventable wildlife issues in the region.
The KWWC, located at 1801 White Street in Indigenous Park, rehabilitates over 1,400 wild birds annually, with brown pelicans frequently among the patients due to feeding-related harm, fishing line entanglements, or hook injuries. First-year juveniles, which migrate to the Keys from northern states like the Carolinas, are especially vulnerable as they learn to forage naturally.The reminder also addresses proper disposal of fish waste. It is illegal in Key West to dispose of fish carcasses, scraps, or remains directly into marina waters, canals, or other surface waters.
Local regulations, including Monroe County land development codes and city ordinances, prohibit discharging fish waste into waterways to prevent water quality degradation, oxygen depletion from decomposition, and attraction of wildlife to hazardous areas. Anglers are urged to use lidded trash cans, designated fish waste repositories (where available), or take scraps home for disposal. Large-scale dumping from fish houses or facilities that attracts pelicans en masse is explicitly restricted to protect populations.Enforcement of these rules can result in citations, fines, or even arrest. In a notable 2022 incident at a Key West marina, a tourist was jailed after throwing dolphinfish scraps to pelicans during filleting and resisting officers issuing a citation.
The FWC actively patrols areas like Charter Boat Row, where signs post the relevant codes. The KWWC, which operates 24/7 emergency rescue services (contact: 305-292-1008), stresses that well-intentioned actions can have devastating consequences. By avoiding feeding and properly discarding waste, residents and visitors help preserve natural foraging behaviors, reduce injury risks, and support healthier ecosystems in the Florida Keys.
For more information on wildlife protection, visit the Key West Wildlife Center at keywestwildlifecenter.org or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at myfwc.com. Report violations or injured wildlife to the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).