Platypus entangled in fishing line, prompting community action this Clean Up Australia Day
The death of a platypus, found entangled in fishing line in the Nepean River at Penrith, highlights the importance of keeping waterways clean ahead of Clean Up Australia Day this Sunday.
Western Sydney University’s Dr Michelle Ryan and PhD candidate Katherine Warwick, both from the School of Science, call on the community to learn about the consequences of discarding fishing line on the riverbanks and showcase the work underway by Penrith City Council to tackle the issue.
“This platypus is the fourth found dead in just 18 months during our research in the Nepean River between Yarramundi and Penrith. With the local platypus population already under immense pressure, losing them to preventable causes is a heartbreaking and urgent crisis,” said Dr Ryan.
“This platypus, a male, less than 2 years old, was found near Penrith Weir, drowned, entangled in over 2 meters of fishing line. Platypuses become entangled in abandoned fishing line as they search for food along the edge of waterways,” said Katherine.
“Fishing line can cut through skin and muscle, causing a slow painful death, or as was the case of this platypus, entangled platypus can drown after they become caught on underwater debris.”
“Penrith City Council are working to improve habitat across the Local Government Area to increase the numbers of platypus in the LGA including undertaking habitat restoration (opens in a new window) and in partnership with OZFish Australia will be installing Tangle Bins at popular fishing sites along the Nepean River, making it super easy to dispose of unwanted tackle,” said Dr Ryan.
“Clean Up Australia Day is an excellent opportunity for individuals to get down to their local creeks and pick up litter including fishing line. There are a number of clean ups you can join along the Hawkesbury-Nepean River. Your actions can save a platypus’s life.”
ENDS
28 February 2025
Photo credit: Sally Tsoutas
Latest News
ABC RN transcript: Vice-Chancellor Professor George Williams discusses higher education sector, student support, and the impact of AI
The following is a transcript of an interview that aired on ABC Radio National Saturday Extra between presenter, Nick Bryant and Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO.
Western Sydney University are the number one Australian solar car team at the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge
Western Sydney Solar Car team has crossed the finish line placing preliminarily sixth in the world overall, and the number one Australian team in the world’s most prestigious solar car challenge.
Western Sydney University Statement on Cyber Incidents
Western Sydney University has issued an update to its community following confirmation that previously stolen personal information was published online, including on the dark web.