Fishing enthusiasts urged to adopt bird-safe fishing practices
Recreational fishing enthusiasts are being urged to adopt bird-safe fishing practices as wildlife rescuers continue to find birds injured and killed by fishing equipment.
In the most recent incident two weeks ago, an RSPCA South Australia rescue officer was called to assist in the rescue of a Cormorant found hanging from a branch at the weir end of the River Torrens. RSPCA SA Rescue Team leader Nalika van Loenen attributed the bird's successful rescue to "perfect collaboration" between rescue organisations and concerned members of the public.
"Our rescue officers and volunteers frequently work alongside volunteers from other wildlife rescue organisations, and in this case a volunteer from SOWFI (Save Our Wildlife Foundation) called for help with the tricky rescue operation," Nalika said.
"They used tree loppers and nets to cut and lower this poor bird into a boat that had been kindly provided by the owner of BBQ Buoys, a nearby business."
After being taken to a specialist wildlife clinic, where a vet removed the hook embedded near his beak, the Cormorant was released where it had been found.
"Fishing lines and hooks inflict terrible injuries on birds and other wildlife as they struggle to free themselves," Nalika said.
"This Cormorant is one of the lucky ones, many birds do not survive and those that do have often suffered for hours or days before being rescued.
"And since some people like to fish in remote locations, it's highly likely that some birds and other wildlife caught in fishing gear are not being found."
Bird-safe fishing practices are:
- Do not feed wild birds
- Do not cast a line when birds are close
- Always watch active lines
- Protect your landed catch from birds
- Remove all rubbish or place it in a covered bin
- Cut up or burn unwanted line to prevent bird entanglements at waste management facilities
- If a bird is hooked, do not cut the line but instead slowly reel it in or encourage the bird to fly
towards you.
- Protect your eyes with glasses or sunglasses, wear gloves and use a net if you have one, place a
towel or clothing over the bird's head and wings and immediately call a rescue organisation (listed
in link below)
- If a hooked bird breaks the line, watch its location to assist rescuers when they arrive. A photo of the bird and drop pin on a map will help rescuers to locate and identify it.
"You won't get into trouble for accidentally catching a bird, and we urge anyone in this situation to do all they can to help the bird and the rescuers who turn up, often in a volunteer capacity," Nalika said.
"If a hooked bird breaks the fishing line and you're able to direct rescuers to where the bird has landed, it greatly increases the chance of a timely and successful rescue."
Rescue callouts to RSPCA SA in the past 12 months for birds caught in fishing lines and hooks include:
March 2024 – Corella caught in fishing line at Aldinga, rescued and released.
June 2024 – Swamp Hen caught in fishing line at Happy Valley, rescued and released.
July 2024 - Magpie injured by fishhook at Christie Downs - hook removed, bird released
Sept 2024 - Pacific Black Duck injured by fishhook at Highbury. Hook removed, bird rehabilitated and then released
Oct 2024 - Grebe caught in fishing line at Munno Para (Curtis Wetlands) - died from extensive injuries to his wings and leg after struggling for likely hours to free itself
Nov 2024 - Pacific Black Duck injured by fishhook at Gilberton (River Torrens) - Hook removed, bird rehabilitated and then released
Jan 2025 - Cormorant injured by fishhook in the city (River Torrens) - Hook removed by vet and bird released.
Jan 2025 - Pacific Gull injured by fishhook at Brighton - Bird remains uncaught, with hook still attached
Wildlife Rescue Organisations are listed here: https://www.rspcasa.org.au/services/rescue/
