This is the sad reality for many underwater creatures living in close proximity to human activity. Several of the big smooth stingrays in Port Phillip Bay are missing part, or all of, their tails including the barb they use to protect themselves. This is known as "docking", which means that if they are caught by fishermen, their tail and barb is cut off so that the fisherman can retrieve their hook. This is of course illegal and it is recommended to cut the line and leave the hook.

This ray also has a hook and line stuck to its underside which is trailing behind it. This can be very dangerous for the animals as they can easily get tangled, injured and it can prevent them from feeding properly.

Local authorities were alerted of the situation and the same ray was later spotted without the hook and line gone. The next time this beautiful ray might not be so lucky though.