<
https://theconversation.com/yabby-traps-and-discarded-fishing-tackle-can-kill-platypuses-its-time-to-clean-up-our-act-224242>
"Recreational fishing is a popular pastime in Australia’s inland rivers and
streams. Unfortunately in the process, many people are unwittingly killing
platypuses.
The animals can become trapped in nets commonly used to catch yabbies such as
“Opera House traps” (so-called because their shape resembles the sails of the
Sydney Opera House). The enclosed structure stops platypuses swimming back to
the surface to breathe, causing them to drown in minutes.
Enclosed traps are banned in most states, but they are still being used. They
are sold online and can be shippped across Australia. During our field
research, we frequently encounter these traps and clumps of discarded fishing
line. We have also conducted research on the bodies of platypuses killed by
these hazards.
It’s time for a national ban on these inhumane traps. And recreational fishing
waste should be kept out of our waterways. We must save our platypuses, before
it’s too late."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
