Florida FWC fueled tension between bird conservation and fishing groups

13 min readFeb 19, 2023

Closeup of a Pelican, with the text, Florida Fish and Wildlife Investigation Case Report Scalped Pelican story unfounded

February 19, 2021. Robert Neff. Updated: June 7, 2023.

FWC Investigators: Based on the interviews, evidence, and information gathered to date, I find it unlikely an individual or group of individuals were intentionally causing harm to brown pelicans at the South Skyway Fishing Pier. During the investigation, the FWC did not establish any credible leads, evidence, motives, or suspects from past incidents involving injured brown pelicans. I find it more likely that the brown pelicans sustained their injuries from one of the following explanations provided by FWC Biologist Rebecca Scheider. The status of this case will be suspended and it will be closed as unfounded

On June 10, 2021, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Law Enforcement Division Investigative Case Report ISR039259 (03) was accompanied by Law Enforcement Division statement. The Investigative Case Report found the complaint to be unfounded. However, the Law Enforcement Division statement removed critical information from the first draft that would have diffused the tension between bird conservationists and fishing groups, allowed the news media and bloggers to correct or update their stories, and educated the public.

The Investigative Case Report had investigated the complaint filed by Jeanette Edwards, Founder of Friends of the Pelican whose February 18, 2021, Facebook Post stated “Pelicans are being scalped by an individual. We believe there is an individual or individuals doing this. That is what we believe. We never said we had proof but it is disturbing enough to us that…“

The Law Enforcement Division statement’s initial draft by Melody Kilborn-FWC SW Region Public Information Director included the critical information from the Case Investigation Report. But was removed by Shannon Knowles, Public Information Coordinator, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Division of Law Enforcement

FWC biologists have also been working hard to attempt to determine what might be causing these injuries to the pelicans if there is no intentional injury to the pelicans from humans. Biologists consulted with experts in the field and determined that there may be other possible explanations for the head injuries to the pelicans, including blunt-force trauma from hitting a concrete piling or subsurface object, monofilament entanglement, injury during feeding frenzy, boat propeller strike, or oyster shell barnacle injuries.
In addition to investigative efforts and consultations with experts, the FWC and partner agencies have focused on educating the public about reducing negative interactions with wildlife by modifying their actions while at the pier. These efforts included additional educational signage with information about what to do if you hook a pelican while fishing, additional staff and volunteers on the pier to provide support if a pelican is hooked or injured, and modifications to fishing rules at the pier with a goal of decreasing the chance of injury to pelicans while fishing.

From the Case Investigation Report, “On April 15th, 2021, I received a statement from Rebecca Schneider, an FWC Regional Species Conservation Biologist. Rebecca Schneider was assisting with the investigation by consulting with professional wildlife rehabilitators and pelican researchers. She received the following explanations for the observed head injuries:”

• Blunt force trauma: pelicans are hitting their heads on the concrete pilings or sub-surface objects when they dive, especially when they are thrown off balance by wind.
• Monofilament: fishing line litter could slice through the skin if it’s wrapped around the mandible.
• Feeding frenzy: intentional feeding of bait, guts, or chum causes the birds to fight leading to incidental or aggressive injuries from competitors’ bills.
• Boat propeller: when fed from a charter fishing boat, pelicans may dive or lunge toward a moving prop blade.
• Oyster shell barnacles: clusters of razor-sharp oyster shells on pier pilings may slice the scalp when pelicans lunge or dive. Rebecca Schneider went on to say that she believes any of these explanations have equal credibility and are more likely than intentional harm given the progress of the investigation. She also pointed out that at least 2 of the possibilities are directly related to feeding.

The emails were obtained through Public Records Request W164896–121322 and W164899–121322. The sequence shows the between Shannon Knowles-Public Information Coordinator, Melody Kilborn-FWC SW Region Public Information Director, and Rob Klepper-Division of Law Enforcement.

On June 8, 2021, Melody Kilborn-FWC SW Region Public Information Director sent the draft to Shannon Knowles-Public Information Coordinator. On June 9, 2021, Knowles- Public Information Coordinator replied with edits, removing the verbiage from the biologist’s statement,

“FWC biologists have also been working hard to attempt to determine what might be causing these injuries to the pelicans if there is no intentional injury to the pelicans from humans. Biologists consulted with experts in the field and determined that there may be other possible explanations for the head injuries to the pelicans, including blunt-force trauma from hitting a concrete piling or subsurface object, monofilament entanglement, injury during feeding frenzy, boat propeller strike, or oyster shell barnacle injuries.”

On June 10, 2021, FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement statement released was:

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) initiated an investigation in February 2020 in response to reports of possible intentional injuries to several pelicans on the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park in Manatee County. FWC officers conducted a thorough investigation, logging more than 400 hours using multiple investigative techniques. In addition to investigative efforts and consultations with experts, the FWC and partner agencies also focused educating the public using signage, videos and a comprehensive “Don’t Cut the Line! Reel. Remove. Release.” campaign.
At the conclusion of the investigation, officers and advising biologists found no evidence of intentional injury to pelicans at the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park. The investigation was subsequently suspended. We continue to encourage anyone with information about possible wildlife violations to call the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1–888–404–3922 and the FWC will follow up on any information that we receive.
The FWC would like to express our gratitude to the numerous partner agencies, support organizations, rescue groups and members of the public who came together to increase assistance, support and awareness about pelicans and successfully coexisting with wildlife.

On February 6, 2021, Friends of the Pelicans’ Facebook post had used the term “Scalped Pelican.” Members of Friends of the Pelicans were interviewed by the media. The story went viral after stories such as February 11, 2021, Bay News 9 article, Scalped Pelicans Found At South Skyway Fishing Pier.

After FWC’s statement said, “no evidence of intentional injury to pelicans at the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park,” and the Case Investigative Report stated “Unfounded,” the media outlets did not update the articles, TV news, and online video. Public Records Request shows the Case Investigative Report was only distributed to a reporter and County official who had requested the report — The Islander and Office of Commissioner Kathleen Peters, Pinellas County Commissioner. Public Records Requests have been submitted to determine if this report, which had been posted on Google Drive, was shared with the media and public.

Kane Kaiman, a reporter for the Islander, was one of two reporters who reported FWC’s findings. FWC finds no evidence of pelican abuse at Skyway Fishing Pier — Anna Maria Islander.

Public Records Requests to FWC provided responsive documents W164896–121322 and W164899–121322. The email sequence provided insight into the edit process:
• June 8, 2021 6:12 PM, Kilborn to Knowles
• June 9, 2021 1:40 PM, Knowles to Kilborn
• June 9, 2021 1:51 PM, Kilborn to Klepper Cc Knowles
• June 10, 2021 4:11 PM, Klepper to Kilborn Cc Knowles
• June 10, 2021 5:17 PM, KIlborn to Klepper Cc Knowles
• June 10, 2021 5:19:33 PM, Kilborn to Overend-Office of Commissioner, Kathleen Peters, Pinellas County Commissioner
• June 10, 2021 5:23 PM, Klepper to Kilborn Cc Knowles
• June 10, 2021 5:24 PM, Kilborn to Klepper Cc Knowles

June 8, 2021 6:12 PM, Kilborn to Knowles

Subject: Skyway pelican investigation DRAFT STATEMENT

Shannon,

What do you think of this?

Melody

Over the course of the investigation, FWC officers logged a total of more than 400 hours while utilizing multiple investigative techniques. We would like to thank the public for keeping a keen eye out for any illegal activities at the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park and for reporting any suspicious activities to the FWC through the Wildlife Alert Hotline. At the conclusion of this investigation, we found no evidence of intentional injury to pelicans at the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park and for that reason, we have suspended this investigation. We continue to encourage anyone with information about possible wildlife violations to call the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1–888–404–3922 and the FWC will follow up on any information that we receive.

FWC biologists have also been working hard to attempt to determine what might be causing these injuries to the pelicans if there is no intentional injury to the pelicans from humans. Biologists consulted with experts in the field and determined that there may be other possible explanations for the head injuries to the pelicans, including blunt-force trauma from hitting a concrete piling or subsurface object, monofilament entanglement, injury during feeding frenzy, boat propeller strike, or oyster shell barnacle injuries.

In addition to investigative efforts and consultations with experts, the FWC and partner agencies have focused on educating the public about reducing negative interactions with wildlife by modifying their actions while at the pier. These efforts included additional educational signage with information about what to do if you hook a pelican while fishing, additional staff and volunteers on the pier to provide support if a pelican is hooked or injured, and modifications to fishing rules at the pier with a goal of decreasing the chance of injury to pelicans while fishing.

We are thankful for the efforts of a partners at the DEP and other state agencies, as well as the organizations who have stepped up to assist with wildlife rescues and educating the public about coexisting with wildlife.

June 9, 2021 1:40 PM, Knowles to Kilborn

Subject: RE: Skyway pelican investigation DRAFT STATEMENT

What about this version?

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) initiated an investigation in February 2020 regarding reports of possible intentional injuries to several pelicans on the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park in Manatee County. FWC officers conducted a thorough investigation, logging a total of more than 400 hours while utilizing multiple investigative techniques. In addition to investigative efforts and consultations with experts, the FWC and partner agencies have focused on educating the public using educational signage and videos with information about what to do if you hook a pelican while fishing.

At the conclusion of this investigation, both officers and biologists, found no evidence of intentional injury to pelicans at the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park and for that reason, we have suspended this investigation. We would like to thank the public for their assistance by reporting any suspicious activities to the FWC through the Wildlife Alert Hotline. We continue to encourage anyone with information about possible wildlife violations to call the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1–888–404–3922 and the FWC will follow up on any information that we receive.

We are thankful for the efforts of our partner agencies, as well as the organizations who have stepped up to assist with wildlife rescues and educating the public about coexisting with wildlife.

Shannon Knowles.

Public Information Coordinator

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Division of Law Enforcement

June 9, 2021 1:51 PM, Kilborn to Klepper Cc Knowles

Subject: FW: Skyway pelican investigation DRAFT STATEMENT

Good afternoon Rob,

Shannon and I have been working on a statement for the Skyway pelican case and have shortened it some (see below). Let us know what you think. I’ve attached the redacted ISR as well.

Thanks,

Melody Kilborn, FWC SW Region Public Information Director

June 10, 2021 4:11 PM, Klepper to Kilborn Cc Knowles

Subject: RE: Skyway pelican investigation DRAFT STATEMENT

Hi Melody and Shannon! I’ve made a couple of small tweaks — looks good! Take or leave whatever you choose.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) initiated an investigation in February 2020 in response to reports of possible intentional injuries to several pelicans on the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park in Manatee County. FWC officers conducted a thorough investigation, logging more than 400 hours using multiple investigative techniques. In addition to investigative efforts and consultations with experts, the FWC and partner agencies also focused educating the public using signage, videos and a comprehensive “Don’t Cut the Line! Reel. Remove. Release.” campaign.

At the conclusion of the investigation, officers and advising biologists found no evidence of

intentional injury to pelicans at the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park. The investigation was

subsequently suspended. We continue to encourage anyone with information about possible wildlife violations to call the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1–888–404–3922 and the FWC will follow up on any information that we receive.

The FWC would like to express our gratitude to the numerous partner agencies, support organizations, rescue groups and members of the public who came together to increase assistance, support and awareness about pelicans and successfully coexisting with wildlife.

Rob Klepper

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Division of Law Enforcement

June 10, 2021 5:17 PM, KIlborn to Klepper Cc Knowles

Subject: RE: Skyway pelican investigation DRAFT STATEMENT

Hi Rob!

I just tried to send the report to the contacts below and the file size is too large. Is this something that our PRR staff could send to the two contacts below tomorrow? I will make sure that they get the statement below.

Kane Kaiman

Ashley Overend, Office of Commissioner Kathleen Peters, Pinellas County Commissioner

Thanks,

Melody

June 10, 2021 5:19:33 PM, Kilborn to Overend-Office of Commissioner Kathleen Peters, Pinellas County Commissioner

Subject: RE: Skyway follow-up

Hello Ashley,

The report that you have requested is complete, however, it looks like I won’t be able to send it to you via email because the file is too large. I will have our public records staff send it over to you tomorrow morning via our GovQA system. Here is the FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement statement that accompanies this report:

At the conclusion of the investigation, officers and advising biologists found no evidence of

intentional injury to pelicans at the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park. The investigation was

The FWC would like to express our gratitude to the numerous partner agencies, support

organizations, rescue groups and members of the public who came together to increase assistance, support and awareness about pelicans and successfully coexisting with wildlife.

Thank you,

Melody Kilborn

FWC SW Region Public Information Director

June 10, 2021 5:23 PM, Klepper to Kilborn Cc Knowles

Subject: RE: Skyway pelican investigation DRAFT STATEMENT

Hi Melody — I uploaded it to a Google Drive if you want to share it with them today –

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oGJdkycrnVYwKM4_qSeWcwiVM9-MAyKr/view?usp=sharing

Thanks,

Rob Klepper

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Division of Law Enforcement

June 10, 2021 5:24 PM, Kilborn to Klepper Cc Knowles

Subject: RE: Skyway pelican investigation DRAFT STATEMENT

That’s perfect. Thanks Rob!

Background

On 02/08/202, FWC received the initial call at 17:32.

OFFENSE NUMBER [FWSW21OFF002076]

LOCATION OF VIOLATION SKYWAY FISHING PIER STATE PARK
SAFETY CONCERNS WHY AREN’T YOU DOING SOMETHING ABOUT THE PELICANS THAT ARE BE TORTURED AND KILLED AT NIGHT?!!! IT’S HORRIFYING WHAT’S BEING DONE TO THESE POOR ANIMALS. SKYWAY FISHING PIER STATE PARK NEEDS TO CLOSE FROM SUNSET TO SUNRISE LIKE FLORIDA’S OTHER STATE PARKS. PEOPLE THAT DO THIS ANIMALS, DO THIS TO PEOPLE. PLEASE DEDICATE MORE RESOURCES TO MONITORING THIS PLACE AT NIGHT (AND DAY)! (THERE’S FISHERMAN DOING TERRIBLE THINGS TO THE PELICAN’S THERE DURING THE DAY AS WELL!) YOU CAN CONTACT “FRIENDS OF THE PELICANS, INC.” FOR MORE INFORMATION.
DID YOU OBSERVE THE VIOLATION? NO

While the “Scalped Pelican” went viral, Investigators

“conducted daily patrols on the Skyway South Fishing Pier from FWC Officers in both a covert capacity while in uniform, coordinated with FWC Biologist to assist with responding to the scenes of injured pelicans and to provide a professional assessment of the injuries, and conducted interviews with the complainant, Jeannette Edwards, Founder Friends of the Pelicans, the FWC Biologist, and subject matter experts from around the state to identify past occurrences along with a likely cause for the injuries.”

On February 19, 2021, FWC investigator spoke with Jeanette Edwards, the founder of Friends of Pelicans.

“The following was obtained from that conversation: I explained that I would like all the relevant information she has regarding pelicans that were discovered injured on the south skyway fishing pier. I explained that I would like to document each incident by date and time to identify any patterns or trends. I then asked Jeanette Edwards if she had any evidence to support the theory that individuals or groups of individuals were purposely harming the pelicans. Jeanette Edwards told me she did not have proof, but it was her opinion that it was the case. Jeanette Edwards described several pelicans that had suffered severe trauma that also sustained a wound to the top of their head. She explained that the injuries appeared to have been caused by a person and that those injuries with the wound to the head would associate the two. I requested Jeannette Edwards complete a sworn written statement to document what she and her team have experienced since the start of the incidents. Jeannette Edwards provided pictures of the injured pelicans for each specific incident, identified by date of occurrence. She did not provide a sworn written statement.”

On April 15th, 2021, FWC Investigator “received a statement from Rebecca Schneider, an FWC Regional Species Conservation Biologist. Rebecca Schneider was assisting with the investigation by consulting with professional wildlife rehabilitators and pelican researchers. She received the following explanations for the observed head injuries:

Blunt force trauma: pelicans are hitting their heads on concrete pilings or sub-surface objects, when they dive, especially when they are thrown off balance by wind. • Monofilament: fishing line litter could slice through the skin if it’s wrapped around the mandible. • Feeding frenzy: intentional feeding of bait, guts, or chum causes the birds to fight leading to incidental or aggressive injuries from competitors’ bills. • Boat propeller: when fed from a charter fishing boat, pelicans may dive or lunge toward a moving prop blade.• Oyster shell barnacles: clusters of razor-sharp oyster shells on pier pilings may slice the scalp when pelicans lunge or dive. • Rebecca Schneider went on to say that she believes any of these explanations have equal credibility and are more likely than intentional harm given the progress of the investigation. She also pointed out that at least 2 of the possibilities are directly related to feeding.”

FWC investigator expended over 416.5 hours and found the animal cruelty complaint to be unfounded.

Florida FWC Finds Jeanette Edwards, Friends of the Pelicans claims of Scalped and Tortured Pelicans] to be Unfounded

Florida FWC cited Friends of the Pelicans volunteers for Feeding Pelicans

Skyway Fishing Pier State Park had over 1.29 million visitors from 2018 to 2022