Death of osprey Queenie leads to new tackle bins on Fraser Coast

The death of a much-loved osprey has led to new measures at the Fraser Coast’s popular fishing spots to encourage fishers to dispose of hooks and tackle properly.

In August 2020, well-known Urangan osprey, Queenie, was snagged and pierced in her chest by a double gang fishhook.

The death of a much-loved Hervey Bay osprey has led to new measures being introduced to help protect the region’s sea birds from hooks and tackle.

The Fraser Coast Regional Council has introduced brighter and easier-to-use tackle bins, along with educational stickers, to help protect wildlife.

In recent years, several ospreys have died from injuries sustained by being entangled in incorrectly disposed of fishing tackle.

In August 2020, well-known Urangan osprey, Queenie, was snagged and pierced in her chest by a double gang fishhook.

She underwent emergency surgery, but died from her injuries.

“The brightly coloured bins will stand out more, so hopefully will be used more,” Fraser Coast councillor Zane O’Keefe said.

In August 2020, well-known Urangan osprey, Queenie, was snagged and pierced in her chest by a double gang fishhook.

The bins were supplied by recreational fishing group Ozfish for free to supplement existing bins installed as part of previous environmental campaigns.

“The bins will be emptied regularly, and I urge fishers to use them rather than discarding their unwanted bait bags, fishing line and tackle into the waterways or leaving it on the piers, beaches and riverbanks,” Mr O’Keefe said.

“The project is part of council’s focus on preserving our unique natural environment and lifestyle.”

Bins will be placed at Urangan Pier, Maaroom boat ramp, Toogoom boat ramp, Tuan boat ramp, and at the boat ramps at Burrum Heads.

Litter impacted on birds, fish, and other marine life, Mr O’Keefe said.

“The litter pollutes habitats; it snares and entangles birds, marine creatures and fish, and many marine animals mistake floating plastic rubbish for food,” he said.

“It accumulates in their stomach, and they starve, or animals such as turtles cannot swim or dive for food.

“The rubbish also has an impact on our fishing experience. No one likes to fish when the fishing spot is littered with rubbish, discarded tackle, or smelly bait bags.”

Councillor Zane O'Keefe with one of the new tackle bins.

To help spread the word about the tackle bins and the danger posed by discarded tackle, a free bumper sticker is available from council customer service centres, libraries and the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery.

“We hope people will display the sticker to spread awareness about the bins and the need to clean up discarded tackle,” Mr O’Keefe said.

The council has now also installed information signs at the entrance to the Hervey Bay jetties and Urangan Pier outlining how fishing tackle can harm wildlife.

The signage includes helpful hints on what to do if you come across animals affected by fishing tackle.

People who come across injured animals can contact the Animal Hotline RSPCA: 1300 264 625 or the Department of Environment and Science on 1300 130 372.

Originally published as Death of osprey Queenie leads to new tackle bins on Fraser Coast