Manitoba Conservation has plans to change how close people can fish to St. Andrews Lock and Dam on the Red River.

It comes after concerns were raised from local anglers about discarded fishing line getting wrapped around the feet, beaks and wings of pelicans 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.

A boat ride on the Red River last Wednesday brought fisherman Ken Schultz to the aid of a pelican in trouble.

It's not the first time he's seen discarded fishing line wrapped around a bird's feet and, as he's done in the past, Schultz cut the line to release the pelican.

"We've already rescued…four, I think, in two and a half weeks, three weeks," said Schultz.

He said there's a simple way to prevent this from happening in the first place and it all starts just north of St. Andrews Lock and Dam on the east bank of the Red River.

Schultz wants the province to stop 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."

The province already bans angling near the fish ladder mostly to protect fish populations.

With no barrier, 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 and Water Stewardship 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.