The Department of Environment, Food & Agriculture is urging anglers to take care with their equipment after two birds tangled in fishing tackle had to be rescued from West Baldwin Reservoir.
On Saturday 20th July, a DEFA Forestry Warden discovered a heron being attacked by crows in the shallows of the reservoir and found that, not only was a hook caught in its foot but that the attached line was wrapped around a duck, which also had a hook lodged in its throat. An MSPCA Officer was called to the scene to help rescue the birds. The heron has since recovered and been released but, unfortunately, the duck could not be saved.
Kate Beecroft, MHK and Member for Fisheries, said ‘This highlights how unfortunate the consequences can be when care is not taken to avoid fishing tackle being lost or discarded. The majority of anglers are responsible conservationists and it is a shame that the behaviour of a careless minority has the potential to tarnish the reputation of this popular sport.’
Anglers can help avoid a repeat of such incidents by following these simple rules;
• Never drop litter or discard tackle
• Take damaged line home and either burn it or cut it into short lengths before disposal
• If you see discarded tackle when out fishing, please take it home for disposal
• Report irresponsible behaviour to DEFA Fisheries tel. 685857
