Flotilla 87 -
Lemon Bay
Englewood, Florida
Used Fishing Lines
are harmful to wildlife and boat motors but can be RECYCLED
Flotilla 87 is participating in the Monofilament Recovery and Recycling Program (MRRP) sponsored by the Florida fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. This in an innovative project dedicated to reducing the environmental damage caused by discarded fishing line. Monofilament line lasts up to 600 years in the environment where it entangles wildlife; is eaten by birds, fish, manatees, and sea turtles; and is hazardous to boaters and swimmers. MRRP strives to decrease the negative impacts of fishing line left in the environment by conducting regular cleanups and by encouraging anglers to recycle their used fishing line at tackle shops and outdoor bins.
Funding has been provided by the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program and Flotilla 87 is building and installing monofilament line bins at several locations in our area. These include:
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is monofilament?
Most fishing line used today is monofilament--a strong, flexible plastic line which is made as a single strand.
Is it OK to throw old fishing line in the garbage?
Even this line may end up in the environment--birds, mammals, or even wind can pull it out of the garbage can or landfill. If you throw line away, it is best to cut in into pieces less than 12" long first.
How can line be an environmental problem?
UV rays can cause fishing line to become brittle. However UV cannot penetrate very far into the water, so line that is underwater or in the shade will not be broken down by UV.
How is monofilament line harmful?
Birds and animals cannot see the lines, so it is easy for them to become tangled in it. Then they may starve, drown, or lose a limb. If it is accidentally eaten it cannot be digested. Line can also wrap around boat props causing damage.
How can I recycle used fishing line?
Look for the outdoor PVC recycling containers at boat ramps, fishing piers, parks, etc. Ask your tackle shop if they recycle fishing line. If not, encourage them to call (877) 777-3850, ext. 8419 and ask for a free monofilament recycling box. Fishing line cannot be recycled in domestic curbside bins.
What happens to the line that is put in the outdoor collection bins?
The line is collected by Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers, cut into small pieces, and stored in a mailing container. When this is full it is mailed to Pure Fishing in Iowa where it will be recycled.
How is fishing line recycled?
The used line is chopped up, melted, and used to make small plastic pellets. These are then used in making new fishing related products such as tackle boxes.
Who does the recycling?
Pure Fishing, the parent company of Berkley, in Spirit Lake, Iowa is presently the only place that recycles used fishing line.
What else can I do?
Don't leave line behind. Store it until it can be properly disposed of.
Don't leave fishing line unattended.
Cast with care. Avoid trees, utility lines, bridges, reefs, wildlife, etc.
Make every effort to retrieve snagged lines.
Collect discarded line when encountered.
Don't feed wildlife.
Participate in a monofilament line recycling program.
Develop your skills so gear is not lost.
How should I help entangled marine wildlife?
Report it to the Florida fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at (888) 404-3922.
Sea Partners
Flotilla 87, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary of Englewood announces their participation in the Coast Guard's Sea Partners Program. This is a public information program aimed at introducing concepts for improving the marine environment. Trained Auxiliarists come to your facility to present a short program which includes a variety of visual and verbal presentations for children and adults. Topics include pollution and its effects on marine life and tips on “environmentally friendly” boating. Children will receive coloring and activity books relating to the topics presented. This program is free and is ideal for schools, camps, clubs, and any group interested in protecting the marine environment. For additional information contact the Marine Safety & Environmental Officer, FSO-PB, 474-0168.