Pelican unhooked at Narooma, volunteers needed

Just how proactive is evident by the story of the successfully released giant southern petrel and now its latest rescue involving a pelican in Narooma with a fishing hook through his foot.

The local ASR branch focusses on the rescue and rehabilitation of native sea and shorebirds on the South Coast.

The current membership spreads from Wollongong to Bermagui and branch co-ordinator Kirsten Hort based in Wollongong said there is a desperate need for people to support ASR in the Far South Coast area.

“ASR is represented by a broad demographic of the community from local business people to students and retirees,” she said.

“There are a range of activities that people can undertake from rescues, rehabilitation of birds, fund raising, clean-ups, education campaigns and proactive patrols.

“Many people like the fact they are supporting their local wildlife and the outdoor nature of the work undertaken.”

The South Coast branch has rescued more than 1000 birds in recent years, including 930 pelicans.

A number of calls are received from members of the public spotting an injured or sick seabird.

This recently occurred at Narooma’s Wagonga Inlet, when a pelican was entangled by a ganged fishing hook and 10 metres of fishing line.

The pelican was caught after four attempts from dedicated ASR member Penny Beaver who lives in Bermagui, as well as a kind member of the community Mark who happened to be in the vicinity.

Fishing line entanglements account for approximately 94 per cent of injuries to pelicans and can be avoided through safe fishing practices.

Birds and aquatic animals can be injured by accidental hooking and they can also become entangled in unattended lines or discarded fishing tackle.

The injuries can be severe but can be reduced by fishing away from bird feeding and nesting sites.

Also avoid using unattended lines and stainless steel hooks, collect and dispose of discarded fishing line other gear or rubbish, cut discarded fishing line into small pieces to avoid later entanglements.

If you accidently hook a bird, ASR’s official advice is don’t panic and stay calm, don’t cut the line and gently reel the bird in slowly.

Even pelicans can be hauled ashore with patience, and quite often the hook and line can be carefully removed.

If the hook is embedded too deeply to remove easily or it has been swallowed please call ASR for guidance and advice.

The ASR Hotline is 0431 282 238, which can also call if you wish to become a member and do something for your local coastal birds and environment.