Today, on August 30, 2026, my heart broke at Carr Park, located off Springdale, where I witnessed a tragic sight: a beautiful mallard duck with a fishing hook embedded through her beak. The duck was bleeding, clearly suffering from an infection, and struggling to preen, swim, and fly. This heartbreaking scene is a stark reminder that fishing in public parks poses a profound threat to our waterfowl population.

Parks like Carr Park, Greer Park, and Central are sanctuaries teeming with diverse species of waterfowl; ranging from Geese to ducks, seagulls to pelicans, and more. However, these innocent creatures are increasingly falling victim to discarded fishing gear, or active fishing, which can inflict deadly injuries and cause severe suffering, ultimately resulting in a decline in their numbers. The fishing lines and hooks can easily become entangled in the birds’ wings or bodies, leading to infections, starvation, drowning, and even death. 

We can no longer ignore the escalating impact of recreational fishing in these sensitive areas. Protecting our waterfowl should be a priority, and making fishing illegal in specified parks and spaces is a vital step towards ensuring their safety. By imposing a ban on fishing in parks with significant waterfowl populations, we will be taking a proactive approach to preserving these essential members of our ecosystem.

Consider the benefits: safer habitats for ducks, geese, and other birds, increased biodiversity, and an enriched experience for park-goers who can enjoy observing these creatures thrive without the shadow of harm looming over them. Moreover, enforcing such a ban requires minimal resources while providing long-term benefits.

To make this change a reality, I urge local councils and park authorities to implement and enforce fishing restrictions in designated parks immediately. Let us come together as a community to prevent such heartbreaking incidents and preserve the beauty and health of our parks and their inhabitants.

I invite you to sign this petition and support this cause, ensuring that our parks remain a safe haven for waterfowl for generations to come. Together, we can make a difference.