Fishing life line

The campaign was launched to reduce fishing line entanglements among dolphins, pelicans and other wildlife in the Swan and Canning Riverpark.

City of Bayswater Mayor Sylvan Albert said the bins would ensure birds, dolphins and other wildlife were preserved for future generations.

‘Fishing on our Swan River is an activity enjoyed by thousands every week and this initiative is an important way to enable residents to continue to enjoy their favourite pastime while ensuring protection of wildlife,’ he said.

Trust Riverpark manager Chris Mather said three Riverpark dolphins had died from injuries caused by fishing waste in the last five years.

‘A fourth dolphin, Fingers, which has been visiting the Riverpark for 20 years, has life-threatening injuries caused by an entanglement of his tail fluke and he has not been sighted since July,’ he said.

Native Animal Rescue (NAR) chief executive officer Lizzie Aravidis said many waterbirds such as pelicans and other wildlife were suffering a similar fate and animal rescuers were dealing with bird entanglements on a weekly basis.

‘The fishing line bin initiative is a perfect project for the NAR inflatable boat and the River Connections program, which operates in partnership with Youth Policing Operations working with at risk youth,’ she said.

‘Emptying and auditing the fishing line units adds another dimension and important learning experience for our at risk youth who are already out on patrol removing fishing waste.’

Recfishwest chief executive Andrew Rowland said the units would provide a cost-effective solution to benefit the river environment and urged the recreational fishing community to embrace the project.