Australian Seabird Rescue

Seabird and Shorebird Capture, Handling and First Aid

Ever seen a waterbird with fishing line entanglement, around its leg or wing perhaps, and thought there was no hope for it because it can still fly?

Because they share the habitat we humans love to go boating and fishing in, pelicans, seagulls and crested terns are just some of the species that suffer fishing line entanglement and accidental hooking.

What to do?  There’s nothing worse than feeling helpless!

In 1992, Lance Ferris discovered that over one-third of the local pelican population in the Richmond River at Ballina was hooked, entangled, crippled and suffering infection. Most of them could still fly. The challenge was to figure out how to capture them in order to alleviate their suffering.

In travelling throughout the coast to raise awareness about the plight of the pelicans, conducting workshops and establishing pelican rescue teams throughout Australia, other volunteers have risen to the challenge and added their ideas. The following is a compilation of these methods, which are used extensively and successfully by ASR volunteers.

*Note:  Capturing wildlife without an appropriate license is illegal in NSW, sever penalties apply.  For the purposes of rescuing sick, injured or orphaned wildlife in NSW, and for your own personal health and safety you must be a member of a group licensed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and have completed the appropriate training course.

Capture techniques for birds that can be lured.

ASR President and co-founder Marny Bonner, and South Coast Branch founder Julie Clarke, deliver training for the capture, handling and first aid of seabirds, shorebirds and other wildlife found along our coastline.  Check our calendar for dates, or book training for your area by contacting us.