Birds at Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake getting tangled in discarded fishing line, advocates warn

Advocates are raising concerns over ducks and other birds getting tangled in fishing wires at Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake.

Ducks and other birds are being injured after becoming tangled in discarded fishing line at Lafarge Lake, prompting concern from wildlife advocates and a warning from the City of Coquitlam for anglers to clean up after themselves.

“There’s bound to be more fishing line and hooks and debris in the water,” said Jane Thomsing.

Thomsing, a former member of the Wildlife Rescue Association of B.C., regularly walks the shoreline of the lake, which is a popular fishing destination in the spring and summer months.

Her goal is to prevent birds from becoming entangled—a situation she says is difficult to resolve once it happens.

“The biggest problem is that when we get a call, it’s really hard to catch a bird that’s entangled in fishing line,” she said.

The lake is stocked with rainbow trout from March to November, drawing anglers throughout much of the year.

City officials say they are aware of the issue and have received at least one injured animal report.

“We’re working very closely with the Wildlife Rescue Association on trying to capture the bird and get it assisted and rehabilitated,” said Caresse Selk, manager of environment for the city.

The city says fishing is encouraged at Lafarge Lake, but is reminding people to properly dispose of gear.

“We just ask that if you’re out there fishing at the lake that you’re really diligent, cleaning up your fishing line, making sure any fishing hooks or lures, you take all of that material with you at the end of the day,” Selk said.

Thomsing says anyone who spots a bird in distress should contact the Wildlife Rescue Association, noting that untrained attempts to help can make things worse.

“This is trained staff—they know how to deal with injured wildlife, how to handle injured wildlife. (Injured birds) can die just of stress,” she said.