July 12.

The report that discarded fishing tackle may have caused a disaster at

the osprey eyrie at Loch Garten shows the great danger angling poses to

wildlife (July 7).

This is not the only incident of an osprey bringing a fish tangled in

nylon line back to the nest. I believe the last time wardens retrieved

the tackle before any damage was done.

Incidents at high-profile sites such as a protected eyrie are only the

tip of the iceberg. In my angling days I often found dead birds

entangled in line or impaled on hooks. When fly fishing I occasionally

lost casts which could not be recovered and also lost fish through lines

breaking or the fish getting into underwater obstructions.

Trapped or injured fish become easy prey for birds, aquatic mammals,

and larger fish. These easy meals cause a slow death when ingested by

predators.

It is not unknown for bats and swallows to take flies as they are

cast. I have caught and released both.

Even the best angler loses hooks and line. All discarded tackle is a

potential danger to wildlife. Angling is a bloodsport which puts at risk

far more than the prey species.

John F. Robins,

Organising Secretary,

Animal Concern,

62 Old Dumbarton Road,

Glasgow.