Cast. Catch. Collect.
A simple habit that saves wildlife.
Look closely at the photo above and you will see the fishing line attached to the osprey's head. She has been lucky but is still in danger. She was able to untangle most of the line but this last part remains as she flies, dives, and forages to help feed her young. Her journey to her wintering grounds will be more perilous this year.
NCMV is working to remove the hazard of fishing line in our local lakes and rivers.
A Fishing Line Lasts Much Longer Than a Fishing Trip
You can make a difference
Most of us enjoy spending time on our lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. Fishing is a treasured tradition in our community, but there's a hidden danger that many people never see.
Discarded fishing line can remain in the environment for years. Birds become entangled in it around their legs, wings, necks, and beaks. Some are unable to fly. Others cannot feed themselves. Many suffer severe injuries, infections, amputations, or die from starvation and exhaustion.
Recently, we have seen several local birds affected by fishing line entanglement. These injuries are heartbreaking because they are almost entirely preventable.
The good news is that every angler can make a difference:
🎣 Always collect and properly dispose of used fishing line.
🎣 Pick up any discarded line you find, even if it isn't yours.
🎣 Use designated fishing line recycling containers when available.
🎣 Check your fishing area before leaving.
🎣 Share this message with friends and family who fish.
A few moments of care can save a bird's life.
Conservation isn't always about large projects or major investments. Sometimes it's as simple as taking home a piece of fishing line that might otherwise become a deadly trap.
Together, we can help keep our waterways healthy and safe for both wildlife and people.
If you fish, thank you for helping protect the birds that share our lakes and rivers.
