Busy Time for Seabird Rescuers

Vicki Chapman of Gosnells, visiting Mandurah for a day's fishing at the Dawesville Cut on Wednesday, saw a juvenile cormorant in real trouble and made the call to WA Seabird Rescue. The juvenile cormorant had hooks embedded in its foot, with fishing line and a blob wound round the elbow, cutting through the tendon on its wing.

Volunteers caught the little Cormorant (pictured with Vicki) and removed the hooks, line and blob.

Continuing their work after the influx of many summer recreational fishers to Mandurah, WASR volunteer Craig Lester was called to the Mandurah Ocean Marina with a report of two pelicans tied together with hooks and a lure in their beaks. One of the pelicans drowned, however with the assistance of DPI officers Norm and Dean, the second pelican was relieved of the lure and hooks, treated and released.ss

"Recreational fishers often accidentally hook seabirds" said WASR President Marg Larner. "But they can help prevent unnecessary suffering if they know what to do". "Cast away from foraging birds if possible and don't cut the line - make the call - we'll do the rest". "In most instances, we can remove the entanglements and release the seabirds immediately."

If you see an injured seabird please call WA Seabird Rescue on 0418 952 683.