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Charity tackles ghost fishing gear
Ghost fishing gear
Ghost fishing gear can have a devastating impact on marine animals and the environment.

World Animal Protection promotes Sea Change week

World Animal Protection are running a dedicated Sea Change week (4-11 June) to highlight the devastating impact ghost fishing gear has on marine animals and the environment.

Ghost fishing gear refers to any fishing equipment or fishing related litter that has been lost, abandoned or discarded.

The majority of fishing gear is made out of plastic meaning that it can remain in oceans for centuries, accumulating year on year.

World Animal Protection estimates that over 136,000 whales, sea lions and seals are killed by ghost fishing every year and an 'unimaginable number' of birds, fish, turtles and other species are also injured or killed.  

In the UK, seals, minke whales, seabirds and dolphins are at particular risk.

During Sea Change week, the charity is hoping that members of the public will help them track the presence of this gear right across the UK.

“We are dedicating a whole week to encouraging local beach users, coastal walkers, divers and ocean lovers to send us evidence of ghost fishing gear that is littering their local coastline," said World Animal Protection UK country director, Suzi Morris.

"We are hoping that those who are heading to the beach over Sea Change Week will take two minutes to look for any type of fishing litter, such as rope or netting, collect it, upload a quick photo to our website and then dispose of it safely in a bin.

"All of the photo uploads we receive will be used when meeting with Government and seafood companies to discuss the devastating impact of this problem on our environment.”

For more information visit www.worldanimalprotection.org.uk

Image (C) World Animal Protection

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.