Why a Monofilament Fishing Line Recycling Program?
- Recycling monofilament fishing line helps to protect fish and wildlife and prevents entanglement related to boating and diving.
- Over 850,000 fresh and saltwater anglers and 255,000 motor boats in Virginia.
- It takes over 500 years for monofilament fishing line to decompose.
- Discarded fishing line and nets can be damaging to both wildlife due to entanglement and ingestion.
- Wildlife harmed by improperly disposed fishing line and netting include birds (especially ducks, geese, ospreys, and herons), fish, freshwater and marine turtles, and dolphins.
- Boat motors and intakes can be damaged if entangled in monofilament fishing line and netting.
- Properly disposed fishing line can be recycled and turned into useful products such as tackle boxes, fishing line spools, and fish attractors.
- Volunteers from various organizations will maintain the containers and properly dispose of the line for recycling.
