29/09/2026
The reality of fishing in community reserves π
This rescue was called into multiple organisations by multiple people last Tuesday by people who saw this poor pacific duck struggling, tethered by 3 seperate pieces of fishing line unable to get free.
When I (Maddi) arrived, I knew time was of the essence but needed a second person for safety before entering the water. Waders at the ready I hoped it would be shallow enough to take it all the way across. Looking around I looked for someone who may be able to help 'spot' me. I remembered seeing a man going on a walk and went looking for him. As luck would have it Geoff was on his way back when I asked him "funny question but would you be able to watch me go into to the lake to save a duck and make sure the water doesn't go above my waders". (Now there's something you don't get asked everyday).
Geoff helped me prepare and helped make a plan to use the rope the attached the island to the shore as a guide. It was touch and go as I got close to the duck, Geoff yelled from the sure to alert me it was getting close, I decided to take a tiny step to see what would happen but as luck would have it (again) the final step I took went up and not down ππΌ
As I cut the line I started to move away to turn around to leave but realised the duck was still attached, I went back to cut yet another piece of line, I went to leave again, this time realising there was another piece of line attached to the ducks foot, then to a large stick and the island. I cut for a third time, removing the line from the enviroment as I went.
3rd time was a charm and I headed back to shore to remove further line wrapped around this duck, put him in a transport crate and take him to Perth Wildlife Hospital for treatment. The amazing news is one week later - today I picked him up and released him. Honestly witht he amount of line and thrasing he was doing it is amazing he didn't sustain worse injuries.
Huge thank you to everyone who called this rescue in - it got through to Western Australian Seabird Rescue who we proudly volunteer for. Thank you to local ledgend Geoff who stopped his morning walk to go above and beyond to ensure I was safe, and help me with all my gear. Thank you to the team at Perth Wildlife Hospital for giving him the best care and for providing updates on his recovery.