Wildlife experts raise alarm after disturbing discovery about 'bellwether species' at local park — here's what's happening

Conservationists in Massachusetts are calling for a temporary ban on recreational fishing at a pond after a series of concerning incidents involving local wildlife.

What's happening?

As YourArlington reported, activists from Save Arlington Wildlife were alarmed by the discovery of a deceased blue heron caught in fishing gear in Hill's Pond in Menotomy Rocks Park in Arlington. This came a couple of months after two other herons were injured in the pond. In both cases, the cause was a discarded fishing line all but invisible to the birds that feed from shallow waters.

The lines are made from materials that don't break down for centuries, and the unfortunate wildlife entangled in them have no means of freeing themselves. Without human intervention, they are doomed to an agonizing demise. A resident speaking to the outlet explained that "this is like putting multiple new plastic leg-hold traps in the pond every year."

Why is plastic waste in ponds such a concern for wildlife?

The great blue heron is common throughout North America and plays an important role in controlling the prey populations of the diverse areas they inhabit. Accordingly, they are considered a "bellwether species," meaning that they are indicative of the overall health of the ecosystem, per Great Ecology. 

Animals being caught in or otherwise harmed by plastic waste is an all-too-common occurrence worldwide. On a wider scale, bycatch is when nontarget marine species are unintentionally caught in fishing gear. The World Wildlife Fund estimates that about 300,000 whales and dolphins are needlessly killed each year. 

What's being done to protect wildlife from plastic?

The story highlights the crucial work of local community action to address the issue. Importantly, the group is seeking a compromise with recreational fishers through education and by offering a service to help collect entangled lines before they harm wildlife. This shows that it's possible to enjoy the outdoors in a sustainable way.

Preventing plastic from entering the environment in the first place by using less of it is also essential. You can take numerous practical steps, such as eliminating single-use plastics and opting for nonplastic alternatives to everyday products.

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