About the Program
The Monofilament Recovery and Recycling Program (MRRP) is an innovative statewide project dedicated to reducing the environmental damage caused by discarded fishing line. MRRP aims to educate the public on the problems caused by monofilament line left in the environment, encourage recycling through a network of line recycling bins and drop-off locations, and help citizens host volunteer monofilament line cleanup events. The program depends on state-wide partnerships as the key to its success.
Goals
Long-term goal 1: Heighten awareness about the negative impacts that fishing line debris has on human welfare, marine life, and water quality.
Long-term goal 2: Decrease the amount of fishing line entering and remaining in the natural environment.
Long-term goal 3: Increase the amount of fishing line being recycled.
Strategies to reach these goals:
- Market and advertise using educational media that are appropriately designed to reach targeted audiences.
- Facilitate active participation in project activities by providing opportunities for targeted audiences to recycle fishing line, volunteer to check or adopt bins, and participate in debris cleanup events.
Final Objectives
Objective 1: Increase the number of outdoor recycling bins throughout the state.
Objective 2: Increase the number of tackle shops that are hosting Berkley line recycling receptacles.
Objective 3: Increase the number of monofilament line cleanup events throughout the state.
Objective 4: Increase attending education and outreach events specific to marine and wildlife conservation.
Objective 5: Distribute educational materials that include flyers and brochures to share with targeted audiences at events and presentations.
The FWC receives financial assistance from the Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The DOI prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability. If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program, activity or facility or need more information, contact: FWC, Office of Human Resources, 620 S Meridian St., Tallahassee, FL 32399, 850-488-6411, or: Office of Diversity, Inclusion & Civil Rights, Dept. of the Interior, 1849 C St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20240.
Florida Marine Debris Reduction Guidance Plan
The Florida Marine Debris Reduction Guidance Plan is a compilation of recommended strategies and actions toward reducing the impacts and amount of marine debris in Florida. One of the 5 primary goals of the plan is to reduce the amount of Derelict Fishing Gear and one of the strategies to do this is to expand the monofilament recycling program.
Derelict Trap Retrieval and Debris Removal Program
Lost and abandoned traps have been identified as a problem in Florida's marine environment. Once lost or abandoned, they may "ghost fish" (continue to trap marine organisms until traps degrade enough to allow escape), visually pollute, may cause damage to sensitive habitats, and also become hazards to navigation. FWC currently has two programs dedicated to removing lost and abandoned traps from state waters.
Catch a Florida Memory
Catch a Florida Memory when you participate in one of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Saltwater Angler Recognition Programs. Earn prizes, recognition and bragging rights while supporting marine fisheries conservation. When you’re trying to complete your Life List or catching a Reel Big Fish make sure you are recycling your fishing line!