Residents and visitors are being reminded to dispose of fishing hooks, line and other tackle responsibly after a number of discarded items were recently found on beaches around the Island.
The reminder comes after a local dog required emergency veterinary treatment when a fishing hook became lodged in its tongue during a walk at Fort Victoria Country Park, near Yarmouth.
The Isle of Wight’s beaches are enjoyed by a wide range of users, including anglers, families, dog walkers and visitors.
The Isle of Wight Council is keen to emphasise that the overwhelming majority of anglers act responsibly and take great care to protect the environment and other beach users.
However, even a single discarded hook or length of fishing line can pose a risk to people and animals.
Children playing in the sand, dog walkers, barefoot beachgoers and wildlife can be particularly vulnerable to injury from hooks, line and other discarded tackle.
Animal welfare organisations have warned that fishing litter can also cause serious harm to birds and other animals through entanglement or ingestion.
Natasha Dix, service director for waste, environment and planning, said:
“Fort Victoria is a fantastic place for people to enjoy the beach, whether they’re fishing, walking the dog, exploring the rockpools or spending time with family and friends.
“Most anglers are considerate and take their equipment and litter home with them, but unfortunately we’ve found a number of discarded hooks around the site recently.
“We’ve also seen first-hand the consequences when tackle is left behind, including a local dog needing emergency veterinary treatment after a hook became lodged in its tongue.
“A hook left in the sand or among the stones may be easy to miss, but it has the potential to seriously injure a child, pet or local wildlife.
“We’re simply asking everyone using our coastline to check their area before they leave and dispose of any tackle safely, so that our beaches remain safe and enjoyable for everyone.”
Beach visitors are encouraged to remain vigilant and safely report or dispose of any hazardous items they find where appropriate.
Simple actions such as collecting unwanted hooks, removing discarded fishing line and taking litter home can make a significant difference in protecting people, pets and wildlife while helping to keep the Island’s beaches clean and welcoming.
Councillor Karen Lucioni, chair of the council’s environment and community protection committee, added:
“Most anglers act responsibly and play an important role in helping us care for these special places.
“This reminder is not about blaming any one group, but about encouraging everyone to think about the impact that even a small item left behind can have.”
