I cast a lump of luncheon meat close to a swan once - in an attempt to scare it away from my swim. The swan saw the bait coming and grabbed it - for a few seconds I had a swan on my line and felt quite ashamed. The swan luckily didn't seem to bother much.
Whoever issues Fishing Licences these days would do well to issue a small leaflet with it containing guidance and advice - cut up discarded or tangled line - put it in a bag - take it home with you etc.
Peccavi
March 2010