Trapped in the Net

submitted by St. Margaret College Boys Secondary Verdala : Luke Agius  for 11-14
dissemination(s): Annual School Exhibition, newspaper, other, school magazine, website
Proof of dissemination: Click to view
Dissemination description: Info about the aims of the YRE projects will be disseminated through the school magazine school website and during our annual school exhibition. The photo and related write-up has been sent to the Times of Malta.
filed under Photos


A dead Scopoli’s Shearwater (in Maltese ‘Ciefa’) was noticed on shore at Gnejna Bay. This scene shocked many Maltese people and tourists who happened to be at Gnejna Bay on Saturday, 14th March 2015. I reckon the orange line this bird got entangled in and most probably drowned was an anchor or floater line of fishing net or of other fishing gear. I doubt that the line was placed deliberately to catch/kill the bird. This kind of litter is unfortunately commonly found in the sea and imposes a high risk for seabirds, turtles and dolphins alike. Raising awareness amongst fishermen and other sea users is very important. Lines and other litter should be always brought back to shore and floating litter be picked up from the sea when found. Bird Life Malta was informed for further investigation and prevention.