Federation launches fishing line recovery, recycling project (Via Herp Digest)

Federation launches fishing line recovery, recycling project
July 24, 2011 7:38 PM

JANNETTE PIPPIN, JDNEWS.COM

The strength and durability that makes monofilament line perfect for fishing can also make it a hazard to wildlife if it's not discarded properly.

Most monofilament - a single-strand flexible plastic - can last for hundreds of years. So when discarded fishing line ends up in the water it's there to stay. For the sea turtles, fish, dolphin and birds that ingest the line or become entangled in it, it can cause injury or death.

"Fishermen need something strong and long lasting with a little stretch; that's the definition of fishing line," said Randy Gregory of the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries. "But when that line is not disposed of properly it can create a lot of hazards for fish and wildlife using the resource."

The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Hospital on Topsail Island sees its share of sea turtle injuries from entanglements in fishing line and other gear.

"What happens is that line wraps around their neck or flipper and gets tighter and tighter," sea turtle hospital volunteer Karen Sota said.

Knowing the harm that can be done by improperly discarded monofilament, the North Carolina Wildlife Federation has launched a Fishing Line Recovery and Recycling Project to help educate the public about the issue and encourage recycling through a network of recycling bin drop-off locations.
"Monofilament fishing line can and should be recycled, and we want to provide an opportunity for outdoorsmen to do that," NCWF Conservation Director Christopher North said.

The NCWF's new Fishing Line Recovery and Recycling Program is modeled after a program in Florida and involves installing receptacles at public fishing and boating areas so that used fishing line can be easily discarded, collected and then recycled.

Federation volunteers have installed its first receptacles - built from 6-inch diameter PVC pipe - along the Catawba River, and the organization would like to see the program go statewide.

The coast is already off to a good start with a similar program that has grown to about 60 recycling locations in seven counties, primarily Carteret, Onslow and Brunswick counties.

The Cape Lookout Studies Program, an environmental education and conservation program of the N.C. Maritime Museum, partnered with Duke Marine Lab in 2006 to build a network of recycling stations along the coast through its North Carolina Monofilament Recovery and Recycling Program.

As of September, a cumulative 500 miles of fishing line had been collected at the program's coastal recycling sites.

Through affiliations with agencies such as N.C. Aquariums, N.C. Sea Grant, state and national parks, local and county recreation groups and other conservation groups, Cape Lookout Studies has compiled list of recycling stations that is posted on its website. Recycling locations in the area now include all Carteret County piers, Fort Macon State Park, the Newport River Water Access and Continental Shelf head boat in Morehead City, several beach accesses along Bogue Banks and locations at Camp Lejeune.

Other drop-off points for used fishing line include certified N.C. Clean Marinas such as Casper's Marina in Swansboro and various marine-related businesses that have recycling efforts such as East Coast Sports in Surf City, Reel Outdoors in Emerald Isle and West Marine in Morehead City.
Eighteen fishing line recycling bins are located at various sites aboard Camp Lejeune and bins have been in use there since the fall of 2009, according to Les Pearson with the Threatened and Endangered Species Program, who administers the program on base. Four wildlife technicians with the program empty and maintain the bins.

Pearson said educating the public about the program is an ongoing process one but response to fishing line recycling has been good. He said they currently have a 2-foot by 2-foot by 2-foot box that is overflowing with used fishing line that has been collected and after the fall fishing season they plan to send it off for recycling.

Marinas, tackle shops, fishing piers, water accesses and anywhere where large numbers of fishermen may congregate make ideal locations for a recycling receptacle. North said anyone who is interested in installing a receptacle and monitoring it can participate in recycling, whether it's individually or through a program.

Gregory said any effort that reduces the amount of discarded fishing line going into the water and increases recycling is a positive one.

"We want all fishermen who use the resources to be conservation minded, and one thing they need to know is how to properly discard their used fishing equipment," he said.
While fishing line that is braided or contains wire cannot be recycled, most fishing line purchased is monofilament, which can be recycled.

If recycling isn't possible, it is recommended that discarded line be cut into short lengths of 6 to 12-inches and then disposed of properly in the trash so that it doesn't end up in the waterway.
Fishing line collected for recycling gets mailed to Berkley Fishing Company in Iowa, which then melts the material into plastic pellets for use in making tackle boxes, fishing line spools and other items.
For more information about fishing line recycling, go to the Cape Lookout Studies Program website at capelookoutstudies.org or the North Carolina Wildlife Federation website at ncwf.org/recycle/. The websites include information about their respective programs and resources, including information on how to build a recycling bin.


Construction and instillation of PVC fishing line recycling centers
Materials needed:
PVC glue
Sandpaper
6-inch PVC pipe, 2-feet long
6-inch PVC 90-degree elbow
6-inch PVC cleanout plug
6-inch PVC DWV female adapter

Assembly:
Cut PVC pipe into approximately 2-feet long pieces using a hacksaw, reciprocating saw (metal blade; 12" long blades work well), bandsaw or table saw. Use a deburring tool or sandpaper to remove PVC "burrs" around edges.

Apply PVC glue to inside (non-threaded part) of adapter. With adapter sitting squarely on the ground, press the pipe down into the adapter until snug. Note that PVC glue works by dissolving the PVC, then sets rapidly, so you don't have a lot of "play" time with it.

Apply PVC glue to the inside of one end of the elbow (it does not matter which end). Press the elbow onto the pipe. Try and make sure that any blemishes on the pipe end up on the back side of the bin.
Apply stickers

Drill 2 holes (about ¼ or 3/8") in the center of the screw plug. Thread plug into adapter.
Installation:

Decide where you are going to install the bin and sign. Using a long drill bit (8"), drill 2 holes in the supporting wood (post or railings). The holes should be placed such that the upper hole will line up with the lower part of the elbow and the lower hole lines up with the collar of the adapter. Drill a hole through the base of the elbow at the back of the bin.

Use bolts or all-thread to attach the bin to the post at the top hole. Lok-tite may be used on the threads to try and keep the nuts from coming loose.

From the back side of the post, drill through the existing hole and through the collar of the adapter. Use a second bolt or piece of all-thread to attach the bin through these holes.

If using all-thread, use a reciprocating saw or bolt cutters to cut off the excess material.
Source: ncwf.org/recycle