Warning to fishermen after seal and seabird die from line injuries

Fishermen across Scotland are being urged to ensure they clear up after themselves after a seal and a cormorant died through fishing-related injuries.

The Scottish SPCA said the vast majority of fishing enthusiasts are responsible and clear away their equipment after use but line and wire left in Linlithgow and Peterhead last month harmed animals.

The cormorant became attached to a tree on 28 March after swallowing fishing line tangled around a branch in Linlithgow Loch.

Rescue officer Connie O’neil was called out to help the bird.

She said: “Thankfully I was able to go out on a canoe with a member of the public to rescue the cormorant.

“The poor bird had swallowed a fishing hook and it had been pulling at his insides so he was really struggling. It was very lucky that someone spotted him and alerted us when they did as he would have been suffering greatly. After rescuing him from the tree I realised he also had a broken wing, which was caused by his struggle to get away. Unfortunately due to the extent of his injuries and suffering, he was put to sleep.”

Officer Kyle Mcwhirr was alerted to an injured seal near Peterhead power station on 16 March.

He said: “The fishing wire had wrapped tightly around the seal’s neck and cut deep into his skin.”