On the evening of Nov. 17, 5th District Councilmember Gerrie Schipske and the Lakes, Ponds and Wetlands Taskforce held a special meeting to discuss solutions to the threat to wildlife that the improper discarding of fishing lines and hooks creates. As part of the effort, volunteers were invited to help educate participants in the annual Youth Fishing Derby that took place Nov. 22 at El Dorado Regional Park, which lies within Schipske’s district. The annual derby is sponsored by the Daniel Hernandez Youth Foundation, in cooperation with the LB Parks, Recreation and Marine Department.
“We want people to be responsible stewards for our lakes and ponds,” Schipske said. “This is also a humane point.”
The Taskforce is composed of a number of concerned individuals who work to improve the quality of lakes, ponds and wetlands for the well-being of the animals and plants that live in them, and in turn for the good of human beings. The Taskforce has been instrumental in educating the public about the harm done to waterfowl from feeding them bread and other food not found in nature; and of keeping track, through periodic bird counts, of the waterfowl species in wetland areas.
During the meeting, environmental activist Jill Brennan showed a medium-size jarful of fishing line and a display of hooks that she’d collected at various fishing locations. Brennan said that waterfowl often get tangled up in the lines, and humans and animals can sustain injury by stepping on the hooks. One frequent fisher’s description of how he once caught a bird on a fishing line and the animal drowned despite his attempts to save it elicited horrified gasps from the audience.
“This type of situation with the fishing line has been going on for years,” said Billie Schaeffer, 40-year bird rehabilitator and 2009 Friends of Long Beach Animals Hero to Animals honoree.
During the Derby, volunteers set up an education table for the young fisherfolk. Derby participants were instructed to use recycling bins for tackle and to cut lines into segments of six inches or take it home with them. They were also given tackle bags, donated by the LB Environmental Services Department’s refuse division, and information on proper disposal of fishing gear.
“Our volunteers were phenomenal,” said Tiffany Andrews, 5th District Neighborhood Liaison. “There were 2,000 kids there, and we went around to educate them. There were kids practicing by casting into trees, and we alerted them that there is a greater environment around us than just the fishing. We got positive response from parents as well as children.”
Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.
– Chief Seattle
Courtesy of the office of Councilmember Gerrie Schipske
A duck with a hook through its beak. Courtesy of International Bird Rescue Research Center
Links
Tom Hennessey
Task Force
International Bird Rescue Research Center
Nature Center
Long Beach Animal Hospital
In the News
Taxing veterinary services will result in more animals surrendered to shelters. Please join us in demanding that Gov. Schwarzeneggar finds something else to tax instead of veterinary services: cosmetic surgery, movie theater tickets, gambling….If this proposal is signed, veterinarians may be performing more euthanasia procedure, and more sick and injured animals will be dumped in neighborhoods and feral colonies. Contact the governor at:
The Honorable Arnold Schwarzenegger
Governor of California
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
916.558.3160 Fax
Ask the city council and mayor to offer their support as well.
Paws to Remember: Events and Efforts for Animals
Pearl’s Party Celebration, Nov. 30, 2:30-5:30 p.m.
Enjoy jewelry, bubbly and goodies for you and your dog at this benefit taking place at Wiskers, 4818 E. Second St., Belmont Shore. Raffle tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5; prizes include a pair of diamond earrings and a pearl necklace. Tickets available at event or at Mood Swings, 455 Ocean Blvd. in Downtown Long Beach. 100% of the proceeds will go to Hearts for Hounds rescue.
Belmont Shore Christmas Parade, Dec. 6, starting 6 p.m.
Calling all members, citizens and dogs—or no dogs—join us this year to celebrate and honor our animal friends at this special time of year. This year, Friends of Long Beach Animals will have a 50-foot float adorned with water-playing polar bears and reindeer, with plenty of room for our guests to ride and party! Bring the entire family to enjoy this special hometown parade. Make sure your dog can handle the noise and the crowds—leave the poor cat at home, please!
Operation Santa Paws for Abused and Abandoned Dogs and Cats
Justin Rudd, organizer of this annual holiday effort that started in 2001, is encouraging animal lovers to purchase a new dog or cat toy, treat or supply to drop off or donate, and they will be delivered to shelters and rescues in time for Christmas. If you, your company or your organization would like to become a part of Operation Santa Paws, please contact the organizer at [email protected], and he will e-mail you a PDF file that you can print and place on a cardboard box or large plastic tub and then place it in your office, at a pet store, veterinary, church, school, etc. Be sure to include the exact business name, address, and phone number of the drop-off box location. For complete information, click here.
Coats for Cubs, To Earth Day, Apr. 22, 2009
Fur belongs on animals and not on us. And animals belong on fur. Bring any real-fur apparel — condition not important — to Buffalo Exchange, 4608 E. 2nd St. in LB or to any Buffalo Exchange, and it will be sent for bedding for orphaned wildlife. Program sponsored by HSUS.