Seabirds

Ever seen a waterbird with fishing line entanglement, around its leg or wing perhaps, and thought there was no hope for it because it can still fly?

Because they share the habitat we humans love to go boating and fishing in, pelicans, seagulls and crested terns are just some of the species that suffer fishing line entanglement and accidental hooking.

What to do? There’s nothing worse than feeling helpless!

In 1992, the late Lance Ferris discovered that over one-third of the local pelican population in the Richmond River at Ballina was hooked, entangled, crippled and suffering infection. Most of them could still fly. The challenge was to figure out how to capture them in order to alleviate their suffering.

For the purposes of rescuing sick, injured or orphaned wildlife in NSW, and for your own personal health and safety, why not become a member of a group licensed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and complete one of our training courses? Training courses are offered by each branch of Australian Seabird Rescue. Participants receive a copy of “Rescuing the Australian Pelican” (Ferris et al, 2004) including valuable veterinary case studies and rehabilitation advice, and for a limited time, a hard copy of the complementary First Responders Resource Guide for Seabird Emergencies and Pocket Guide published by Australian Seabird Rescue in collaboration with the NSW Government and funded by the NSW Environmental Trust*. A DVD training aid has also been produced and is available on request to Australian Seabird Rescue Inc, Ballina.

Follow this title to a permanent link to the free pdf download of the First Responders Resource Guide for Seabird Emergencies.

Follow this title to a permanent link to the free pdf Pocket Guide for First Responders to Seabird Emergencies.

ASR members deliver training for the capture, handling and first aid of seabirds, shorebirds and other wildlife found along our coastline. Book training for your area by contacting our Ballina office or follow our branches on social media for news of upcoming events.

*This project has been funded by the NSW Environmental Trust. The Trust is an independent statutory body established by the NSW government to fund a broad range of projects that enhance the environment of NSW. The Trust is administered by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage

Ferris, L.I., Bonner, M and Kosack, E. (2004). Rescuing the Australian Pelican. Australian Seabird Rescue Incorporated, Ballina, NSW.

Because these birds share their habitat we humans love to go boating and fishing in, pelicans, silver gulls, crested terns and penguins are just a few of the species that suffer fishing-line entanglements and accidental hooking. You can read our report on the Impacts of Recreational Fishing on Estuarine Birdlife on the Far North Coast of New South Wales, which gives a representative sample of what we see around the country.

Our members are also very active in the protection of important shorebird foraging and breeding areas, and can educate groups on conservation and protection of migratory waders. Shorebird identification workshops are available at cost on request. Enquire now!

We are active in our communities running awareness and education programs to all ages through social media. We also connect with the thousands of visitors to our WildlifeLink Sanctuary and coastal education centre each year. You can book a tour of the Ballina Byron Sea Turtle Hospital in Ballina by contacting our head office. Tours are for ten or more guests and cost $7 per person. Enquire about our morning teas and lunch tours for an extra cost.