Fishing Line Recycling
With funding from the NOAA Marine Debris program and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, we have helped establish a network of over 15,000 monofilament recycling bins across the country to make proper disposal of monofilament more accessible.
About the Program
Fishing Line Recycling Program
Since 2007, BoatUS has worked to make recycling fishing line easier. We launched our Fishing Line Recycling Program with grants from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and NOAA’s Marine Debris Program and since then, our organization has built more than 2,000 recycling bins for fishing spots, boat ramps, marinas and many other locations across the U.S., and has assisted other organizations and individuals to build over 13,000 more. That’s provided the opportunity for anglers dispose of more than 20,000 miles (and counting) of fishing line that otherwise could have ended up in the environment.
Why Fishing Line Recycling Matters
Each year, more than 100,000 marine mammals and other wildlife die from ingesting debris or becoming entangled in fishing lines, nets, and other types of derelict fishing gear. Fishing line, regardless of what type, can cause serious damage when not disposed of properly and is a major threat to both coastal and inland fishing areas. It can threaten wildlife, damage boats, and foul boat propellers. This is because fishing line is not biodegradable and can remain in the marine environment for over 600 years; more than six centuries of potential damage to boats, wildlife, and the environment.
You can make a huge impact and prevent it from becoming part of the problem by recycling old or unneeded fishing line.
The Reel In & Recycle Program is one component of our efforts to make our waterways healthier and safer for boaters, marine and wildlife alike. BoatUS provides motivated fishing enthusiasts with the support and guidance they need to get involved by providing signs and decals for fishing line recycling bins, and other resources such as an instructional video on how to fabricate your own fishing line recycling bin as well as a “Tips and Best Practices” document for your program. Together, we continue to make positive impacts on our favorite marine environments.