OPERA nets used in the Campaspe River and Campbells Creek have caused the deaths of aquatic protected species this year, prompting the Environment Department to urge people to use wildlife friendly yabby nets.
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One platypus, nine rakali – Australian water rates resembling otters – and one eastern long-necked turtle have died in opera nets in waterways in the Loddon Mallee region in 2018.
DELWP forest and wildlife office Georgia de Salis said the nets were still being used illegally in the region.
“These deaths occurred in the Campaspe River, Campbells Creek and Kow Swamp as well as waterways at Gunbower, Leitchville, Woodend and Swan Hill,” she said.
“Opera house nets trap and prevent air breathing animals, like platypus, from escaping.
“Platypus and rakali are vulnerable to these traps due to their underwater foraging behaviour.”
DELWP described this year the second-worst for platypus drownings in eight years and the worst on record for the rakali.
Across Victoria, nine platypuses and 20 rakali have died in opera nets this year.
About five per cent of drownings are reported or known about, according to some experts.
Ms de Salis said data from the past eight years showed the period after school holidays or public holidays was when discarded and ‘ghost fishing’ opera house nets were most often encountered.
Related:
Using opera house nets in or near Victorian public waters is illegal. Opera house nets will be banned in all Victorian waterways from July 1, 2019.
Maximum penalties associated with taking or being in possession of protected wildlife or using prohibited equipment include a $38,562 fine and/or 24 months of imprisonment.
An opera house net exchange program has been established to provide people with wildlife friendly open top lift nets.
“We are urging all Victorians who own opera house nets to support this phase-out and take advantage of the exchange program,” Ms de Salis said.
A list of venues participating in the yabby net swap program is available on the Victorian Fisheries Authority website.
To confidentially report crimes against wildlife call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au/report-a-crime/
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