Let this video be a reminder that our actions have a direct impact on the most vulnerable around us – including ecosystems and the wildlife that call them home.

During our most recent Sweat to Protect event, we noticed this leopard shark thrashing shallow waters under the pier. I immediately ran over to try to help only to find he was entangled in fishing wire while also painfully impaled by a large fishing hook.

The wire had somehow wrapped itself around the base of the pier across two different pylons and was crushing additional marine wildlife attached to the pier as well.

I don’t know how long this poor young leopard shark had been trying to escape while half suffocating from this painful trap.

I did my best to help and was finally able to cut the wire, but was not able to get the hook out of his mouth. I tried but it was so deeply connected and I feared hurting him further.

Once freed, I cut the line as short as I could and carried him to deeper water where he hopefully gathered some strength to at least swim into deeper waters.

I don’t know if he made it or not, I prayed for peace for him and Grace that he might.

But as in rescue work, the outcomes are not always known and being brave in the moment, helping as much as you can, and keeping the faith is priority. We must remember that hobbies like fishing are not necessarily fun for all creatures on our planet. And littering is one of the most irresponsible and immature acts we as humans can allow. Especially in ecologically sensitive areas.

This fishing wire and hook should not have been in left in the ocean capable of wrapping up on the pier and quite likely taking a life in the process.

Wild and domestic animals deserve equal care. Whether sitting waiting in a shelter for over a year, or painfully trapped by litter under a pier.

Let’s all think twice about our actions and encourage each other to leave as minimal of an impact as we can – while doing the most good possible for ALL living beings.

Every life, every heart beat, every beautifully created animal matters.

And it’s up to us to ensure we respect and value the gifts that they are.

I hope you made it little buddy.

I’m sorry.