Wednesday, May

Dozens of Brown Pelicans rescued, illness unknown

Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network (SBWCN) reported on Monday having experienced an unusually high influx of brown pelican patients over the weekend. In just two days, more than 30 brown pelicans were rescued and brought to SBWCN to receive care. Most of these birds arrived severely emaciated, weak and unable to fly. The exact cause of their condition is unknown at this time.

Pelicans have been rescued from all over Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Most of them are beached, unable to fly or move, or are found in an unusual location. SBWCN’s team of rescuers and volunteers has been retrieving and transporting these patients to their rehabilitation facility in Goleta. Seven pelicans were rescued on Saturday, and 25 pelicans were rescued on Sunday.

All new patients received a full intake exam upon arriving at SBWCN. Most pelicans were found to be emaciated, some are hypothermic, and a few have additional injuries. The SBWCN team is treating these birds by providing fluids, medication, warmth and supportive care. The team is working with other nearby wildlife centers to transport some of these birds and assist in their rehabilitation.

SBWCN’s brand new Wildlife Hospital is providing critical space and resources to assist in this emergency. The hospital opened in February 2022 and features 5,400 square feet of state-of-the-art facilities. The Seabird Bay, where seabirds in critical condition are held, usually only houses a handful of patients. The bay has been converted into a large pen to accommodate new pelicans in care. The rescued brown pelicans are among many orphaned baby birds and mammals in need of care during the middle of spring baby season, where SBWCN receives hundreds of new patients. Currently, there are more than 250 patients in care.

“I’m so proud of our staff, volunteers, and the entire community for jumping into action to help these pelicans,” said Ariana Katovich, executive director of SBWCN.

“While we’re still unsure what’s causing this emergency situation, we are continuing to take in these birds and help them in any way we can,” Katovich added.

Brown pelicans are large seabirds that range anywhere from 8–10 pounds with a wingspan between 6.5–7.5 feet. They are common residents of the southern coasts of the United States, with ranges extending down to South America. They are known for plunge-diving into the ocean to catch their food – one of only two pelican species to do so.

These social birds can be found congregating in large flocks almost year-round. Populations reached dangerously low numbers in the 1960s due to pollution from the pesticide DDT, and the species was listed as endangered by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1972. Thanks to DDT regulations and conservation recovery efforts, the brown pelican has since been removed from the endangered species list.

BWCN noted that if someone finds a pelican they believe needs help, they should call the SBWCN Helpline and provide the details and exact location of the bird: (805) 681-1080. “If the bird is deceased, do not touch or handle it. Please report it to the SBWCN Helpline.”

SBWCN is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. To make a donation, visit sbwcn.org/donate.

Pelicans have been rescued from all over Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Most of them are beached, unable to fly or move, or are found in an unusual location.

Two and a half dozen brown pelicans fell ill with an unknown condition last weekend and were rescued by the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network.

CHUCK GRAHAM

A pelican is found dead floating in Carpinteria Creek.

Watershade Brigade to tackle lobster traps in removal event

On Saturday, May 21, from 8 a.m. to noon, the public is invited to help Channelkeeper’s Watershed Brigade remove derelict lobster traps from Black Rock Beach below More Mesa in Santa Barbara.

More than 80 lobster traps have drifted ashore from a fishing area off More Mesa, and the Channelkeeper’s Watershed Brigade plans to remove these traps from the beach. Volunteers will use hand-tools to dig out buried traps, remove rocks and debris, and stage traps for removal offshore to a commercial fishing boat. Commercial fisherman Chris Voss from Fishermen of Santa Barbara and his team will provide vessel support to load traps and transport them to the Santa Barbara Harbor for proper recovery and disposal.

Derelict lobster traps can entangle marine wildlife, release microplastics, create safety hazards for vessels and beachgoers and wash up on beaches as pollution. The U.S. Department of Fish & Wildlife calls marine debris “one of the most pervasive threats to the health of the world’s coastal areas, oceans and waterways.”

In 2017, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) implemented a lobster trap tag system to track lost gear and aid in its recovery. According to CDFW, during the 2019-2020 season, a total of 6,503 lobster traps were reported

Volunteers with Channelkeeper’s Watershed Brigade will remove derelict lobster traps from Black Rock Beach in Santa Barbara this Saturday.

as lost off California’s coast – a statistic considered low because it reflects only the losses that were reported. The Santa Barbara Channel was identified as a hotspot for lost traps due to the high level of catch and fishing in the area.

“It’s amazing what a motivated group of community members can accomplish when we work together as a team,” Channelkeeper Science and Policy Director Benjamin Pitterle said.

“We’re excited for this chance to keep one of our local beaches pristine again and free of fishing gear. We hope that many more volunteers decide to join us.”

Volunteers will gather at the east end of the Goleta Beach parking lot (close to the slough) at 8 a.m. Volunteers will walk together about 1.5 miles east down the beach to remove traps. Participants are asked to bring a hat, sunscreen, appropriate clothing for wading in the surf zone and shoes that can get wet, along with water, gloves and a towel to dry off. All volunteers will be required to sign liability waivers. To sign up, visit: bit. ly/3Pl3VVV.