Darter days from death with fishing line wrapped around beak saved by Gold Coast rescuer

IT’S a problem that few of us see. But this stunning photo of a local darter hides a grim problem slowly killing waterbirds across the Gold Coast.

Did you spot what’s wrong with this picture? This image captured by a local reveals the heartbreaking reality for waterbirds. Picture: Jan Rodgers

WILDLIFE rescuers are saving an increased number of birds entangled in fishing line.

This week, Rowley Goonan, from Wild Bird Rescues Gold Coast, caught his fifth darter in the past month. Normally, he would save five in 12 months.

He said the water-diving bird had braided fishing line tightly wrapped around his beak, which meant he couldn’t swallow any of the fish he caught for more than nine days.

“If they’re not caught (in time) they starve and get kidney failure,” he said.

“Lots of the issues I deal with are related to fishing-line entanglements, fish-hooked birds. But these darter, their beak is serrated and they catch anything in the water: socks, rags, carry bags and stockings.

Rowley Goonan helped to save a darter with braided fishing line caught on his serrated beak. Picture: Jan Rodgers

“Once on, it never comes off — unless cut off. The bird is doomed to starve.”

Mr Goonan said it took three attempts to catch the wary bird this week.

He finally managed to catch the bird at Oxenford Weir nine days after it was first spotted by a member of the public. After feeding the bird, the darter was released.

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A darter rescued by Rowley Goonan has its first meal after nine days following fishing line wired around its mouth. Picture: Wild Birds Rescues Gold Coast

He could catch, but he couldn’t eat. Picture: Jan Rodgers

Darters are not the only birds suffering from fishing-line entanglements. A pelican was snarled by three fishing hooks this week at a Mermaid Beach canal.

Mr Goonan said it was highly likely the pelican had swum through unattended fishing rods, which tended to hold more hooks in a “sophisticated rig”.

“They’re largely preventable issues,” he said.

A pelican with one hooks caught in her body and two on her leg from unattended fishing rods and lines. Picture: Wild Bird Rescues Gold Coast

“These birds are so vulnerable. Our waterways (have) so much crap in the water, these guys are in trouble with it.”

The pelican is expected to make a full recovery after the hooks were removed.

While members of the public were quick to call Mr Goonan when they saw a bird stuck in fishing line, he said he only received two or three calls from fishermen each year.

Unattended fishing rods and pelicans close by. Picture: Wild Bird Rescues Gold Coast

He rescues about 250 birds each year specifically caught in fishing tackle.

“Most fishers don’t give it a thought, but it’s fatal,” he said.

“My message to fishers is call and get it help immediately. Do not fish amongst water birds, move away.”