WHILE many recreational anglers are active conservationists, the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage is reminding anglers of the dangers of discarded fishing line.
The call comes after an endangered Pied Oystercatcher was found dead near Tathra, on the NSW South Coast. A local paddler discovered the bird entangled in a piece of fishing line that had nearly severed both its feet.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Ranger for Ben Boyd National Park George Malolakis asked anglers to be “wildlife aware”.
“When fishing, try to cast away from foraging birds and make sure you collect any discarded fishing line or other fishing gear,” Malolakis said.
“Death by entanglement is not humane… the shortest piece of line or the smallest hook or lead weight left behind can injure or kill wildlife.
“If you do inadvertently hook a bird, please don’t panic and do not cut your line.
“Gently reel the bird in and place a towel or shirt over the bird’s head, then very gently try to remove the hook or line.
“Do not release the bird if hooks have been swallowed or are too difficult to remove, instead call your local wildlife care group.”
The Pied Oystercatcher’s entangled carcass was delivered to NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service (WIRES). While nothing could be done, this action was the right thing to do.
Report injured wildlife on the Far South Coast to WIRES on 02 6495 4150.
