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Each year, hundreds of pelicans and other sea, shore and water birds are the unfortunate victims of hooks and fishing tackle.
Approaching these birds and removing hooks or untangling lines might seem difficult, but Australian Seabird Rescue South Coast, which has been rescuing and rehabilitating seabirds for more than 20 years, has some advice.
The voluntary organisation will hold a pelican and seabird rescue workshop at Port Kembla Sailing Club, Northcliffe Drive, Berkeley, on March 23 from 9.30am to 3.30pm.
ASR South Coast founder and senior Julie Dunn said the workshop was open to beachwalkers, lifesavers, fishers, wildlife carers – anyone who is interested in reducing human impact on coastal wildlife.
‘‘It will cover how to capture birds that are sick and injured as well as performing emergency first aid in the field, rehabilitation of birds and releasing birds,’’ Mrs Dunn said.
‘‘We got a lot of calls from people who have found injured birds or see a hook in a bird and are unsure what to do – this actually teaches people what to do.’’
ASR South Coast actively look for injured birds around Lake Illawarra and other waterways and rescue hundreds of pelicans and seabirds each year – 92per cent of injuries are caused by unsafe recreational fishing practices. Toxins, pollution and animal cruelty were also a problem.
‘‘Hooks don’t rust away, they kill the bird and line entanglement can mean that the bird will lose a leg or wing, making it a slow, agonising death.’’
Mrs Dunn said new volunteers were always needed and if people didn’t want to rescue birds they could always come on patrol and look out for injured birds.
Workshop places are limited. Bookings essential. Cost is $30/$25.
Registrations: 0400 121 775 or ASR hotline 0431 282 238