freedomforwhales: More than 300,000 whales, dolphins and...

freedomforwhales:

More than 300,000 whales, dolphins and porpoises die every year as a result of being caught in fishing gear and nets.

This ‘bycatch’, as it is known, is the single biggest killer of whales, dolphins and porpoises in all the oceans across the globe. It also causes horrific injuries.

When trapped, these animals can either experience a long and slow death through lack of oxygen or suffer great distress as they struggle to escape. In the struggle they can sustain injuries from cuts down to the bone, broken jaws, amputations and fractures, and those that do escape often live short and painful lives before slowly dying as a result of their injuries.

Via the WDC

How to help:

• Properly dispose of ALL fishing gear. When you leave your fishing area after the day is over, the spot should look exactly as it did when you got there, no trash or debris left behind.


• When you see fishing gear or netting around, even if it’s on the shore and not in the water, take it and dispose of it properly. Even if it’s not in the water, it will eventually make its way there, or harm other terrestrial animals along the way.


• When you see a dolphin or whale that is entangled, do a quick google search for the nearest marine animal rescue organization and call them. Do not try to chase the animal or approach it, as you can injure yourself or the animal even more, and you can startle it and cause it to get away before help arrives. Keep the animal in your sight until help arrives, but don’t pursue.


• Encourage others to dispose of their fishing gear properly!


• Don’t support commercial fishing companies that use harmful fishing techniques.


• Sign petitions, write letters, do all you can to encourage legislation to pass laws that will reduce bycatch!

via Tumblr http://ift.tt/1AL59ew