Platypus drowned by abandoned fishing net at Warburton

The Conservation Regulator is seeking information from the public about abandoned fish nets found in the Yarra River that drowned a platypus.

The abandoned hoop nets were found at Warburton East last week by Trevor Davy who patrols the river in his own time, removing discarded nets, traps, hooks and line to reduce the risk they pose to native wildlife and local river users.

Illegal or abandoned nets and traps in waterways are a threat to native wildlife including turtles, platypus and rakali.

Penalties can apply for abandoning nets and traps that harm wildlife and the Conservation Regulator Victoria is seeking information from the public to investigate this incident.

Anyone with information relating to incidents of wildlife cruelty, please contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000. If you would like to report illegal or abandoned nets, please call 13FISH (133474).

In Victoria it is illegal to use certain types of fishing equipment in public waterways. For instance - It is illegal to leave a hoop net that has not been tagged with the owner’s name and licence number.

To find out more about permitted fishing equipment, visit using equipment in inland waters.

Quotes attributable to Chief Conservation Regulator Kate Gavens:

'Platypus, turtles and rakali are at risk of being trapped in abandoned or illegal nets and we are hoping that someone will come forward with information about these nets'.

'Volunteers do a great job reducing the risk posed by abandoned fishing gear to our native wildlife, but they shouldn’t have to do it. We need everyone to make sure their fishing gear is being used legally to reduce the risk to our native wildlife.'

'Platypus are listed as vulnerable in Victoria. They are protected and it is an offence to injure or kill them.'