Monofilament recycling

Used fishing line is a problem in the world’s oceans. West Marine has just announced that as a leading source of fishing line for boaters, it will now collect line at its Florida stores in special recycling bins.

From the press release: West Marine, Inc., the country’s largest retailer of boating supplies and accessories, is partnering with  Monofilament Recovery & Recycling Program (MRRP) of Florida by placing fish  line recycling bins at its Florida West Marine stores.

“Fishing line discarded in our oceans is a major problem affecting sea life,”  said Geoff Eisenberg, chief executive officer, West Marine. “Through our  partnership with MRRP of Florida, we are helping address the problem, while  educating people about the importance of recycling monofilament line.”  According to MRRP, it is estimated that monofilament fishing line will last in  our oceans for 600 years and could potentially entangle numerous marine  animals and even endanger boaters, divers and swimmers before it’s broken  down.

To encourage anglers to recycle their fishing line, West Marine is launching a  Fishing Club Card. When anglers recycle and spool their reels at any West  Marine store, the sixth reel is free (bulk fishing line only). Fishing Club Cards  are available at most West Marine stores.

About Monofilament Recovery & Recycling Program (MRRP) The Monofilament Recovery & Recycling Program (MRRP) is a statewide effort  in Florida to educate the public on the problems caused by monofilament line  left in the environment, to encourage recycling through a network of line  recycling bins and drop-off locations in Florida, and to conduct volunteer  monofilament line cleanup events. The MRRP is supported by federal, state  and local government agencies, volunteers, non-profit organizations,  academic institutions, private businesses, and environmental groups. Go to  www.fishinglinerecycling.org for more information about the program.

By Ocean Navigator