An endangered Pied Oystercatcher has been found dead on the NSW South Coast, entangled in fishing line that had almost severed both its feet.
The bird was discovered by a paddler on Mogareeka Inlet, near Tathra, and has led to renewed appeals for fishers to leave no trace of line, hooks, or any other equipment.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Ranger for Ben Boyd National Park George Malolakis asked fishers to be wildlife aware.
“When fishing, try and cast away from foraging birds and make sure you collect any discarded fishing line or other fishing gear,” Mr Malolakis said.
“Death by entanglement is not humane and while most fishers have great respect for the environment, a thoughtless few can do serious harm
“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.
“This entangled bird carcass was delivered to WIRES and, while nothing could be done, this was the right thing to do.
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