Swans and Angling – Tackling the Problems

In May, this swan was found with a treble hook in his eye at Wensum Park, Norwich. Two barbs were in the eyelid, and the other in the eyeball. A delicate but successful operation took place at RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre in Norfolk.

The RSPCA is working with the Angling Trust, the Environment Agency and the National Swan Convention to reduce the impact of lost and discarded fishing tackle which causes injuries to swans and other wildlife.

The groups plan to share information, co-ordinate campaigns and work closely with local authorities to manage ‘hot spot’ fishing lakes where the problems are particularly bad. Anglers are being asked to be careful with their fishing litter over the summer holidays – a time of year when the numbers of swans suffering from related injuries rise.

Already this month two injured cygnets have been taken to the RSPCA’s Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre in Cheshire - one entangled in line and the other with line hanging from the mouth. Other recent casualties include a swan with a hook stuck in his eye in Norwich and another from North Wales which had line wrapped around her neck and a float hanging from her beak.

For the first time the RSPCA is joining forces with The Angling Trust, the Environment Agency and the National Swan Convention (NSC), which represents swan rescue groups, in an attempt to tackle these problems.

Dr Andrew Kelly, the RSPCA’s head of wildlife, said:

“If people could see some of the sights which come into our wildlife centres, I think they would think twice about what they do with their fishing litter.

Line wraps around swans causing deep wounds in their flesh, hooks pierce their beaks and weights are swallowed causing internal injuries and blockages. It can be heartrending.

What is so frustrating is that these horrific injuries are so unnecessary and all it takes is a bit of care to avoid them. Angling is enjoyed by many people, and many anglers invest substantial time and money in improving the waterside environment. The vast majority of them do dispose of their unwanted fishing tackle properly.

Now we need to reach the minority who don’t – particularly at this time of the year when the situation seems to get particularly bad.”

Injuries caused by carelessly discarded fishing tackle are a problem for wildlife throughout the year, but particularly for swans in the summer.

The number of swans admitted to RSPCA wildlife centres with fishing injuries more than tripled during the summer months in 2011, zooming from 22 in May to 92 in July. The number of related calls received by our complaints line rose from 187 in May to 334 in July and 393 in August.

This dramatic rise is thought to be due to novice anglers choosing to fish at this time, making the most of warmer weather and holiday time. Being inexperienced, they do not always dispose of their tackle properly. Low water levels also mean discarded tackle becomes exposed and swans are more likely to come in to contact with it.

Mark Lloyd, of the Angling Trust, said:

“Most anglers have a real love of the environment and hate to hear of swans and other wildlife being injured in this way.

It is just the irresponsible few who cause the problems, and many of them may just not be thinking about the consequences of their actions. We hope that by raising a bit of awareness we can make them think twice.

We are delighted to be working with the RSPCA and NSC for the first time to find a solution these problems – the more people work together the more chance we’ll have of tackling this problem at source.”

Tackling the problem - what you should do

• Take unwanted fishing line home and cut it into pieces before putting in the bin.

• Be aware of surrounding trees – discarded line caught in foliage causes many problems for wildlife.

• Don’t leave bait unattended – always remove from the hook and put in safe place.

This news story was first posted on our sister site FishActive