Shocking Discovery along an Australian River: A Dire Warning Issued to Fishers Who Don’t Think Twice!
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As the gentle waves of the Maroochy River lapped against the banks, a scene unfolded that was anything but serene. A family, out to enjoy the simple pleasures of a fishing trip in Maroochydore on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, found themselves witnessing a distressing sight. A pelican, that majestic bird often seen gliding effortlessly over Australian waters, was in trouble, struggling against the current, its movements hampered by a cruel and careless snare.
The family's quick thinking led them to call upon Paula and Bridgette Powers, twin sisters and licensed wildlife rescuers, who rushed to the scene. The discovery they made under the bird's wing was nothing short of heartbreaking. Entangled in a mess of gang hooks—a series of fish hooks linked together on a line, typically used for large bait—the pelican was also ensnared by additional hooks in its other wing and leg, burdened by a heavy sinker, and wrapped in a labyrinth of fishing line. It was a stark reminder of the unintended consequences of human leisure on wildlife.
The twins, experienced in the delicate art of wildlife rescue, worked with patience and care to coax the hesitant pelican towards them, a task that took about ten minutes but felt like an eternity. The family who had found the bird watched on, their concern palpable, especially for their little girl, Lizzie, who was deeply worried for the pelican's fate. In a touching gesture, the twins named the rescued bird after her.
The rescue operation was a success. The twins managed to remove all the hooks and fishing line from the pelican right there on the riverbank. A kind-hearted fisherman even stepped in to assist, helping to cut off the barbs from the hooks. The pelican, now free from its bindings, was calm and collected, a testament to the gentle approach of its rescuers. It was taken to the twins' centre for some much-needed rest, antibiotics, and pain relief, as it had developed a slight limp from its ordeal.
This incident has reignited the urgent plea for fishers to be more responsible and to clean up after themselves. The environment continues to suffer from the thoughtless disposal of fishing gear, and wildlife, like the pelican now known as Lizzie, pay the price for our negligence. The community has rallied, with many voicing their frustration and calling for greater awareness on social media and television, particularly on fishing shows where responsible practices could be promoted.
The problem is not isolated. Another concerned citizen found dozens of discarded fishing hooks and lures by a lake in Beachmere, north of Brisbane, a potential hazard not only to wildlife but to pets and their owners who frequent the area. The message is clear: our actions have consequences, and it is up to us to mitigate the harm we cause.
As the winter season brings pelicans back from their breeding grounds, coinciding with prime fishing times, the risks increase. Paula and Bridgette Powers have been busier than ever, rescuing pelicans that find themselves in similar predicaments. Their advice to fishers is simple yet profound: look around before you cast out, use bait strategically to distract birds from your line, and most importantly, dispose of your tackle properly.
The Queensland Government has outlined measures for responsible fishing, emphasizing the importance of not littering, using environmentally friendly tackle, recovering and reusing fishing gear, checking lines and gear regularly, avoiding bird feeding and nesting areas, and disposing of discarded fishing line safely. Should you encounter wildlife in distress, the RSPCA hotline is available for assistance.
As members of the Seniors Discount Club, we understand the joy that fishing can bring to our lives, but we also recognize our duty to preserve the natural beauty and wildlife of our beloved country. Let's take this story to heart and commit to being stewards of the environment, ensuring that our leisure activities do not become a death sentence for the creatures that share our world.
Have you witnessed the impact of discarded fishing gear on wildlife? Do you have tips for responsible fishing practices? Share your stories and advice in the comments below, and let's work together to protect our precious Australian fauna.
The family's quick thinking led them to call upon Paula and Bridgette Powers, twin sisters and licensed wildlife rescuers, who rushed to the scene. The discovery they made under the bird's wing was nothing short of heartbreaking. Entangled in a mess of gang hooks—a series of fish hooks linked together on a line, typically used for large bait—the pelican was also ensnared by additional hooks in its other wing and leg, burdened by a heavy sinker, and wrapped in a labyrinth of fishing line. It was a stark reminder of the unintended consequences of human leisure on wildlife.
The twins, experienced in the delicate art of wildlife rescue, worked with patience and care to coax the hesitant pelican towards them, a task that took about ten minutes but felt like an eternity. The family who had found the bird watched on, their concern palpable, especially for their little girl, Lizzie, who was deeply worried for the pelican's fate. In a touching gesture, the twins named the rescued bird after her.
On Sunday, wildlife carers were called to the Maroochydore River to rescue an injured pelican. Credit: Twinnies Pelican and Seabird Rescue / Facebook
The rescue operation was a success. The twins managed to remove all the hooks and fishing line from the pelican right there on the riverbank. A kind-hearted fisherman even stepped in to assist, helping to cut off the barbs from the hooks. The pelican, now free from its bindings, was calm and collected, a testament to the gentle approach of its rescuers. It was taken to the twins' centre for some much-needed rest, antibiotics, and pain relief, as it had developed a slight limp from its ordeal.
This incident has reignited the urgent plea for fishers to be more responsible and to clean up after themselves. The environment continues to suffer from the thoughtless disposal of fishing gear, and wildlife, like the pelican now known as Lizzie, pay the price for our negligence. The community has rallied, with many voicing their frustration and calling for greater awareness on social media and television, particularly on fishing shows where responsible practices could be promoted.
The problem is not isolated. Another concerned citizen found dozens of discarded fishing hooks and lures by a lake in Beachmere, north of Brisbane, a potential hazard not only to wildlife but to pets and their owners who frequent the area. The message is clear: our actions have consequences, and it is up to us to mitigate the harm we cause.
As the winter season brings pelicans back from their breeding grounds, coinciding with prime fishing times, the risks increase. Paula and Bridgette Powers have been busier than ever, rescuing pelicans that find themselves in similar predicaments. Their advice to fishers is simple yet profound: look around before you cast out, use bait strategically to distract birds from your line, and most importantly, dispose of your tackle properly.
The Queensland Government has outlined measures for responsible fishing, emphasizing the importance of not littering, using environmentally friendly tackle, recovering and reusing fishing gear, checking lines and gear regularly, avoiding bird feeding and nesting areas, and disposing of discarded fishing line safely. Should you encounter wildlife in distress, the RSPCA hotline is available for assistance.
As members of the Seniors Discount Club, we understand the joy that fishing can bring to our lives, but we also recognize our duty to preserve the natural beauty and wildlife of our beloved country. Let's take this story to heart and commit to being stewards of the environment, ensuring that our leisure activities do not become a death sentence for the creatures that share our world.
Have you witnessed the impact of discarded fishing gear on wildlife? Do you have tips for responsible fishing practices? Share your stories and advice in the comments below, and let's work together to protect our precious Australian fauna.
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