We found this Indian Pond Heron or Paddybird (Ardeola grayii) fatally entangled in a plastic fishing net, at Hoskote kere (lake), rural Bangalore, on 28th December, 2013. I did not how to address the problem, and posted the picture on my Facebook page. Miraculously, someone on my timeline took up the issue with officials locally in Hoskote, and the farmers were told to remove the net. My friend went a few days later and confirmed that the net was indeed taken down.
The dreadful practice of putting up vertical nets over pisciculture areas to prevent birds from getting at the fish, seems to be on the rise. The old tradition, of farmers sharing their yield (whether grain, fruits, vegetables or fish) with other creatures seems to be fallng by the wayside…and must be revived.
See how fishing nets are a threat to wildlife.
CI is a non-profit, non-commercial portal that aims to facilitate wildlife and nature conservation by providing reliable information and the tools needed to campaign effectively.
Chosen as 'Picture of the Week'
Fishing nets, including discarded ones, cause immense harm to wildlife. Crocodiles, otters, turtles and birds unwittingly get entangled, and are unable to extricate themselves.