'Absolutely disgusting' act leaves dozens of animals dead
A kayaker has criticised fishermen for leaving nets behind killing a handful of animals in a waterway south of Brisbane.
Corey Cameron was in a boat at Jimboomba Lions Park last month when he made the “absolutely disgusting” find.
“I came across four nets all about 80-100m long, bass, turtles, bullrout and even a wedge-tailed eagle all left for dead,” he wrote.
“Such a sad sight.
“Has been reported to fisheries and all nets removed from the water.”
Mr Cameron uploaded video of what he found too.
“Absolute oxygen thieves that put these nets in the river,” he wrote.
“What chance have our native species got with people doing s**t like this?”
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People on Facebook were mortified by what Mr Cameron found.
“Poor animals would have died a slow death,” one man wrote.
Others called the find “heartbreaking” and “horrendous”.
Gold Coast Vet Surgery’s Dr Kevin Cruickshank spoke with Yahoo News Australia in August about the dangers of discarded fishing lines after a bird became entangled and lost two toes.
Dr Cruickshank told Yahoo News the video from Jimboomba is “next level”.
“It’s really saddening because it causes such widespread suffering,” Dr Cruickshank said.
“These nets catch all types of wildlife and that turtle is a prime example.
“Turtles need to come to the surface for oxygen and that turtle would have drowned, which is a horrible way to die.
“It’s extremely sad.”
The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries told Yahoo News Australia Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol is investigating.
‘Appalled and sickened’
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner confirmed four nets had been found.
“As many as 120 turtles, a water dragon, freshwater bullrouts and Australian bass were found dead in these nets,” Mr Furner said.
“Most of these creatures were decomposing, suggesting these nets have been there for some time.”
He clarified the bird found was actually a white-bellied sea eagle and it had died after being caught in the net.
“Fortunately our QBFP officers managed to free two turtles that were still alive,” Mr Furner said.
“I am appalled and sickened by these wanton acts of destruction because they cause great damage to local native wildlife populations as well as fish stocks.”
He added the nets found are “not allowed in fresh water”.
“Those found responsible for putting these types of nets in the river could face fines of up to $131,000,” he said.
“I would like to thank members of the public who reported these nets using our Fishwatch hotline.
“Queensland’s native wildlife and fisheries resources are owned by the community and everyone is responsible for ensuring they’re managed and fished sustainably for future generations.”
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