Wildlife

Wild Osprey Conservation and Fishing Line Hazards

Ospreys are recovering raptors that face ongoing threats from fishing line entanglement and pollution at their aquatic foraging sites.

Key Facts

Osprey populations have recovered strongly since DDT was banned in 1972
They are exclusively fish-eating raptors that plunge-dive to catch prey
Monofilament fishing line entanglement causes wing injuries and drowning deaths
Nest material contamination with fishing line harms chicks that become entangled
Ospreys are now common across North America, Europe, and Australia

Welfare Considerations

Ospreys entangled in monofilament line face a slow death from strangulation, wing damage, or inability to escape from water. Proper disposal of fishing line prevents most entanglement deaths. Nest monitoring programs that remove line from nests protect chicks from entanglement as they develop.

What You Can Do

Always collect and properly dispose of used fishing line
Use monofilament fishing line recycling stations at boat launches
Support osprey nest monitoring programs that remove debris
Report entangled wildlife to local wildlife rehabilitation centers
Use biodegradable fishing line alternatives where available