Letter to the editor: Lost fishing equipment harmful to animals

Regarding the article “Good for the gander: Wildlife Works heals goose injured by discarded fishing line” (June 17, TribLive): Fortunately, kind people worked to heal a Twin Lakes Park goose whose leg was caught in discarded fishing line. Many other animals aren’t so lucky.

A study by the University of Portsmouth in England found nonbiodegradable fishing gear is wreaking havoc on our fragile aquatic ecosystem. “Ghost fishing” — when lost or abandoned equipment continues to trap and kill marine animals (including whales, dolphins, turtles, seals, etc.) — is fueling a dangerous surge in plastic waste.

Of course, the safest, most “biodegradable” fishing gear is that which is never produced. The best way to protect the planet is to stop fishing and stop eating fish. Fish might not look like human beings, but they are sensitive, intelligent beings. They form emotional bonds, grieve when they lose their mates, can count and tell time, think ahead and “talk” to each other underwater. And, like you and I, they feel pain.

Let’s conserve the planet by saving it. “Fish” for trash — and leave animals alone.

Scott Miller

Norfolk, Va.

The writer is a fishing and waterways research specialist with the PETA Foundation.