MSN_020118

18 | February 1, 2018 | Malibu surfside news Sound Off
malibusurfsidenews.com
On Common Ground
Preventing, addressing animal entanglement incidents
Michael Remski
Marine Mammal Program
Manager,
California Wildlife Center
A
topic of concern
amongst us all
lately is the impact
of society on the environment,
especially where
it affects the ocean and
its inhabitants. Although
many of our impacts are
unclear, or difficult to
trace back to root causes,
nothing is more poignant
or immediate than seeing
an entangled seal or sea
lion. Fortunately, this is
not something we at the
California Wildlife Center
encounter often. But when
we do, it hits home and
makes us reflect on what
we could be doing better
as a society.
In 2017, four animals
were rescued from Malibu
beaches with confirmed
cases of human interaction
contributing to their demise.
Three of them were
fishing entanglements, and
the fourth suffered a gunshot
wound. All of the sea
lions involved were considered
yearlings, which
are animals between 1
and 2 years of age. This
is not surprising, as we
know that young animals
fending for themselves
for the first time without
mom will often venture
into dangerous territory,
especially where man and
animal are competing for
the same fish.
Typically, these entanglements
happen when
an animal swims into
fishing nets, either derelict
debris, or nets from active
fishing operations. Many
drown in the nets and are
never found or reported.
The ones lucky enough to
break free (or be cut free)
will take a piece of the net
with them, usually stuck
around their head or neck.
Typically, this will not
immediately negatively
affect the animal. However,
as the animal grows,
the net remains intact,
becoming tighter around
their neck. This will result
in a pinching effect on
the animal, eventually
cutting through necessary
tendons, muscles and
eventually blood vessels
in the entangled animal’s
neck.
Although fishing gear
is the most common type
of entanglement, the same
dilemma can happen
with other debris such as
plastics, particularly packing
straps and bands. This
is why great emphasis is
placed on putting trash
in its place. These items
improperly discarded
will find there way to the
ocean and endanger the
wildlife.
The good news is that
entangled animals that are
rescued often heal well
and, aside from a permanent
scar, can usually go
on to live a normal life at
sea. The difficult part is
that entangled animals are
often difficult to catch.
They are initially healthy
and aware enough to
evade rescuers. Sometimes,
it is only after becoming
debilitated that a
Malibu Glass & Mirror 310.456.1844
Come visit our showroom
Windows and Doors
Showers and MIrrors
Railings and Skylights
Screens and Glass Repair
Additional Services
www.malibuglass.com
fax: 310.456.2594
3547 Winter Canyon, Malibu CA 90265
Licensed Contractor #396181
In 2017, the California Wildlife Center treated three
sea lion yearlings which were trapped in fishing
entanglements and found on Malibu beaches. CWC
warns members of the public to avoid interacting with an
entangled animal and to promptly call the wildlife center
at (310) 458-9453. Photo Submitted
successful rescue attempt
can be made.
What can you do? If
you see an animal that appears
to be entangled, do
not approach the animal
or attempt to free it of the
debris. Aside from the obvious
danger of being bitten
by the injured animal,
disentanglement often involves
surgical procedures
to prevent further damage
to vital tendons and blood
vessels. If the entanglement
has been on the animal
for a long time, flesh
will grow over the debris,
making removal even
trickier. Also, supportive
care and medications
are usually needed for a
period of time afterward.
Any sighting of animals
in need of help should
immediately be reported
to the California Wildlife
Center at (310) 458-9453.
If a picture can be taken
from a safe distance, that
can be very helpful to our
rescue team in determining
the extent of the injury
and in developing a rescue
strategy.
On Common Ground is a
monthly column written by
various California Wildlife
Center employees. CWC, a
nonprofit located in Calabasas,
cares for injured wildlife
in Malibu and beyond.