Can Brooklyn’s Swans and Anglers Coexist?

By Corey • December 15, 2009 • 1 comment

The Mute Swans in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park have repeatedly suffered injuries from fishing line and hooks left behind by fishermen. While Mute Swans are an introduced species, that doesn’t excuse the harm caused by careless anglers, and it is almost certain that Mallards and Canada Geese are suffering the same types of injuries. Obviously, enforcement of litter laws would help, but perhaps it is time to ban fishing in what is a heavily-used urban park?

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About the Author

Corey

Corey is a New Yorker who has lived most of his life upstate but has spent the last three years in Queens. He's only been birding since 2005 but has garnered a respectable life list by birding whenever he wasn't working as a union representative or spending time with his family. He lives in Forest Hills with Daisy, their son, Desmond Shearwater, and their two indoor cats, Hunter and B.B.

One Response to “Can Brooklyn’s Swans and Anglers Coexist?”

Carrie Dec 15th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
I see that all fishing in the park is catch-and-release (and I’m not surprised, I doubt the fish in that lake are good eats.) I have to admit – if it’s not for food, I really don’t see the point. You’re perfectly free to sit by the side of the lake without a rod or line and drink beer, after all.

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