Don’t let the catch of the day be an osprey

Brighter, easier-to-use tackle bins and new awareness stickers have been rolled out on the Fraser Coast to help protect wildlife.

In recent years, several Ospreys have died from injuries sustained by becoming entangled in incorrectly disposed of fishing tackle.

In August 2020, well-known Urangan Osprey, Queenie, was snagged and pierced in her chest by a double gang fishhook.

Despite undergoing emergency surgery, she died from her injuries.

“The brightly coloured bins will stand out more, so hopefully will be used more,” Cr Zane O’Keefe said.

The bins have been supplied free by recreational fishing group Ozfish to supplement existing bins installed as part of previous environmental campaigns.

“The bins will be emptied regularly, and I urge fishers to use them rather than discarding their unwanted bait bags, fishing line and tackle into the waterways or leaving it on the piers, beaches and riverbanks,” Cr O’Keefe said.

“The project is part of Council’s focus on preserving our unique natural environment and lifestyle.”

Bins will be placed at:

• Urangan Pier
• Maaroom boat ramp
• Toogoom boat ramp
• Tuan boat ramp
• Ross Street boat ramp, Burrum Heads
• Lions Park boat ramp, Burrum Heads

Litter impacts birds, fish, and other marine life, Cr O’Keefe said.

“The litter pollutes habitats; it snares and entangles birds, marine creatures and fish, and many marine animals mistake floating plastic rubbish for food.

“It accumulates in their stomach, and they starve, or animals such as turtles cannot swim or dive for food.

“The rubbish also has an impact on our fishing experience. No one likes to fish when the fishing spot is littered with rubbish, discarded tackle, or smelly bait bags.”

To help spread the word about the tackle bins and the danger posed by discarded tackle, Council has produced a free bumper sticker available from Council customer service centres, libraries and the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery.

“We hope people will display the sticker to spread awareness about the bins and the need to clean up discarded tackle,” Cr O’Keefe said.

Council has also installed information signs at the entrance to the Hervey Bay jetties and Urangan Pier outlining how fishing tackle can harm wildlife.

The signage includes helpful hints on what to do if you come across animals affected by fishing tackle.

Supporting Information –

People who come across injured animals can contact the Animal Hotline RSPCA: 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) or the Department of Environment and Science (DES) on 1300 130 372.

• Dispose of used fishing line in the tackle bins provided, or take it home and bin it.
• Pick up and responsibly dispose of any discarded fishing line and other tackle you find.
• Encourage others to do the same.
• DON’T CUT THE LINE! Any animal entangled in fishing line will need to be carefully pulled to shore so the hook and/or line can be removed and its injuries properly assessed.
• Call for assistance and advice. Hooked or entangled wildlife often have injuries or trauma that aren’t always obvious. A thorough examination by an experienced carer or vet is always recommended.