City May Shut Pier at Times to Protect Pelicans

On the heels of an autumn that saw unprecedented numbers of pelicans injured off the wharf, the City Council, on a 7-0 vote, moved toward letting the city close the pier to fishing when needed to protect the birds.

But the plan, which got preliminary approval, stresses education and includes trained volunteers, who would walk the pier to inform fishermen about how their gear and trash can harm the state and federally endangered birds.