By Jodie Symonds
ANGLERS who are incorrectly disposing discarded fishing line at Emerald Park Lake have caused an alarming number of waterbird deaths each year, says Cardinia Shire Council.
Council has asked fisherman to take care when discarding fishing line, as rangers have recently found a number of water birds entangled.
Rangers have raised concern over the use of different types of fishing line, and discourage the use of heavy duty nylon fishing line and high tensile lines such as the Kelvar brand.
Cardinia Shire Council Open Space Team leader Kevin Alexander said rangers were regularly collecting disused fishing lines during routine patrols of the lake.
“The need for rangers to regularly deal with waterbirds … occurs on an unfortunately regular basis and council believes that approximately four to six birds are affected each year,” Mr Alexander said.
“Some Grebes and Coots have been able to be rescued, but an Australasian darter was not. This is very distressing and unnecessary.”
He said the darter discovered had fishing line tabled around its beak.
Mr Alexander said rangers were working toward minimising potential damage to wildlife caused by recreational activities at the lake including fishing.
Seal the loop boxes have been supplied by Zoos Victoria to provide a safe place to put discarded line.
The bins have been designed to prevent wildlife from pulling rubbish out.
Mr Alexander said the amount of injured water birds was disappointing, considering the number of seal the loop boxes made available for anglers to use.
Signage sponsored by Emerald and District Lions Club has been placed around the lake to alert fishermen of the problems caused by discarded fishing line.
“Our rangers encourage recreational fishers to minimise damage to wildlife at Emerald Lake Park by fishing responsibly and being aware of local bird populations,” Mr Alexander said.
For more information, visit http://www.cardinia.vic.gov.au
