Preserving aquatic habitats : utilising fishing line bins to safeguard platypus populations

Research output: Chapter in Book / Conference PaperConference Paperpeer-review

Abstract

![CDATA[Discarded and abandoned fishing line poses a substantial environmental threat, with repercussions for aquatic ecosystems, wildlife, and public safety. While fishing line bins, commonly known as TAngler Bins, can be found in many beach and estuary areas in Australia, their scarcity in freshwater fishing locations raises concerns. In the Hawkesbury-Nepean River catchment, wildlife, including waterbirds such as water hens and pelicans, frequently fall victim to fishing line entanglement. Notably, platypuses inhabit the Hawkesbury-Nepean River catchment, and in 2021, a platypus drowned as a direct consequence of fishing line entanglement. This project aimed to determine if installing fishing line bins at three fishing “hotspots” in the Hawkesbury Local Government Area would reduce the amount of discarded fishing line on the water’s edges. Monitoring was conducted across three locations over a three-month period to assess the prevalence of discarded fishing line. TAngler Bins were then installed and between April 2019 and May 2022 continuous monitoring of both TAngler Bins and the riverbanks revealed that 2,662 meters of fishing line were successfully disposed of in the TAngler Bins, while 612 meters of fishing line were discarded on the riverbank. The implementation of TAngler Bins along the banks of the Hawkesbury-Nepean River demonstrated success in mitigating the amount of discarded fishing line on the riverbank. However, the project also revealed valuable insights, highlighting considerations such as strategic site selection, prevention of theft, and the crucial role of community education and signposting in ensuring the effectiveness of TAngler Bins in freshwater systems. These learnings contribute to the ongoing refinement and optimisation of initiatives aimed at fostering responsible fishing practices and protecting the aquatic environment.]]
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 11th Australian Stream Management Conference, 11-14 Aug,2024. Victor Harbor, South Australia
PublisherCooperative Research Centre for Catchment Hydrology
Number of pages9
Publication statusPublished - 2024
EventAustralian Stream Management Conference -
Duration: 1 Jan 2024 → …

Conference

ConferenceAustralian Stream Management Conference
Period1/01/24 → …

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