Monofilament line

Drawing the Line

www.chatterbirds.com promotes responsible use of fishing line, netting and equipment in the interests of bird conservation

“Hey, look, there’s a pigeon in the water!”
“But pigeons don’t swim.”
“Right, this one isn’t swimming. It’s more like drowning.”

My friends and I devised a plan to rescue the struggling bird. With sticks and branches we guided the pigeon (aka rock dove) to shore. When we got close we saw that the bird was tangled in fishing line. Hesitantly, I picked up the startled bird. Slowly and carefully my friends untangled the line and freed the dove. We watched for several minutes until it flew off.

Not all creatures are as lucky as our rock dove. Research estimates that 1,000,000 birds and 600,000 marine animals die each year from ingestion of and entanglement in marine debris.

According to a 1998 report by the Marine Mammal Commission, contact with marine debris has injured or killed at least 267 animal species worldwide. This represents 44 percent of seabird species and 43 percent of marine mammals species.  Dolphins, manatees, coral, young whales, and all sea turtle species except one have been victims. While marine debris includes assorted abandoned materials, monofilament fishing line and nets are the major components.

Monofilament line is lightweight, transparent, and indestructible. These qualities make it perfect for fishing line--and extremely dangerous for creatures that live in and near the water. It’s easily transported by wind and waves; animals can’t see it to avoid it; and it doesn’t biodegrade.

Monofilament line breaks and gets loose in the environment in a number of ways: after snagging underwater or on nearby trees, from rubbing against sharp shells or coral, and when large fish snap it. But improper disposal is probably the biggest culprit. Mostly, fishing line is abandoned or it blows away. But even if line gets to the landfill or garbage dump, scavenging birds pick it out of broken trash bags and put it back into circulation.

Several countries, including Great Britain, South Africa, Australia, and the United States, have recognized the seriousness of this pervasive and avoidable environmental problem. Many have instituted monofilament recycling and recovery programs. To assist with proper disposal, local programs mount outdoor recycling bins made of PVC pipe at popular piers, boat ramps, and marinas.

Many tackle shops also have monofilament recycling containers. A special recycling process transforms line into plastic pellets that are used for manufacturing spools, tackle boxes, and other small items.

Walking home from the beach, I noticed a length of fishing line on the sidewalk. I walked right by. Then I turned around, put it in my pocket, and walked over to the pier where I put it in the recycling container. It’s the least I could do. Here’s what you can do to protect wildlife from the dangers of monofilament line:
• Pick up abandoned fishing line and dispose of it properly (even if it’s not yours!). Removed snagged tackle if possible. If you can’t get to the snag, report it to the local authority.
• Discard used line in outdoor monofilament recycling containers or at tackle shops that have special recycling containers. Do not put monofilament line in with household recycling because it requires a special recycling process. Support tackle shops that participate in fishing line recycling programs.
• If you must put line in the trash, first cut it into pieces no more than six inches long.
• Never leave fishing line unattended.
• Fish away from trees and shrubs and in areas where there are no birds.
• When you catch a fish, cut your line as close to the hook as safely possible.
• Use the appropriate strength line for the species fished.
• Stow and secure all materials and debris on your boat.
Bring everything back to shore and dispose of properly.
• Check line thoroughly and replace old or thinning line before fishing, or switch to line that changes color when worn and at risk of breaking.
• Volunteer for a coastal cleanup.
• Report animals in distress to the local authority. Some experts believe no one without special training should attempt to free an entrapped bird. Others believe citizens can attempt to handle simple situations. Know what your local authority advises. If we had been better educated, we would have draped a towel or shirt lightly over the dove’s head before picking it up.

www.chatterbirds.com is a free online resource for people interested in birds, nature and the environment. Responsible use of materials that can damage is supported by chatterBirds and it’s community.

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