Dangerous discovery at harbour beach prompts warning to anglers: ‘Not a good look’
A Sydney woman's warning comes as authorities plea with fishers to clean up after themselves across the city.
An inner city council is warning locals "to keep their pets on a leash at all times" while walking them along a popular harbourside foreshore, after a concerned resident "picked up six fishing hooks at the dog beach" in a single day, which she said highlights the need for special tackle bins in the area.
The Sydney woman, from Glebe, said if a dog were to swallow a discarded fish hook it could result in a "very big vet bill" — or worse. The woman's warning comes as authorities plea with anglers in general to clean up after themselves across the city, reminding people that "police conduct regular patrols around ferry wharves" and "heavy penalties apply if you are caught doing the wrong thing."
Posting on social media, the Glebe local called on the City of Sydney council to install tackle bins at Blackwattle Bay to avoid pets or children coming into contact with dangerous fishing equipment.
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"Be careful with your dogs around the foreshore," she said. "Yesterday I picked up six fishing hooks at the dog beach and this morning I found this with the lure still attached. Speaking from experience, it's a very big vet bill if your dog decides to have a chomp.
"City of Sydney please install tackle bins like this one around Blackwattle Bay," she posted, sharing a picture of a tackle bin from an unknown location.
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People responding shared their similar experiences at the spot. "I picked up a line and hook yesterday at the beach further around, towards Blackwattle Bay. Looked like it had been washed ashore," a man said.
"Last time that happened to my dog, cost me $3000," a woman wrote. "Disgusting, and a lack of respect for everyone using the foreshore," another frustrated local said.
Council weighs in on tackle bin request
Yahoo News Australia asked the City of Sydney council whether they had any plans to install tackle bins in the area in response to the woman's pleas. A spokesperson said "anglers are responsible for disposing of their rubbish" encouraging them to dispose of unwanted tackle in the park bins already provided..
"We recognise the environmental importance of a clean and healthy harbour and we work to minimise the litter and pollutants that flow into waterways," the spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia.
"Anglers are responsible for properly collecting and disposing of their rubbish. This will help protect marine life and pets while keeping this area looking its best. Bins are available within the parklands to dispose of rubbish, including fishing tackle.
"Along the Glebe Foreshore Walk dog owners are reminded to keep their pets on a leash at all times as this shared space also used by people walking and riding. The City of Sydney encourages residents to contact us directly if they have concerns about litter of any kind in our area."
Fishers warned to obey rules in public spaces
Meanwhile, the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries yesterday issued a statement urging fishers to act appropriately in public spaces.
"School holidays are here and many people and families will be using the Sydney Harbour and Parramatta River ferry wharves to destinations across the Harbour," the statement read.
"Recreational fishing is permitted on most of the wharves, however, signage on the wharves points out the rules for fishers to abide by while throwing a line from them.
"Images such as this from Kissing Point ferry wharf is not a good look. Remember: No fish remains or bait to be placed or left on wharf, or commuter seating. No knives to be left unattended whilst fishing at wharf (i.e knives are not to be in open view or unsecured when not in use)."
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