Get Involved
- Consider the age of your line and its strength, and keep track of and store loose pieces of fishing line.
- Check line frequently for frays that may break easily.
- Don’t leave bait unattended since birds may attempt to take the bait from the line.
- Cast away from trees, utility lines, and other areas where line may get caught.
- If you fish from a boat, make it a boat rule not to throw any kind of plastic or trash overboard, especially monofilament line.
Whenever possible, retrieve and properly dispose of any monofilament line that you encounter, even if it is not yours. You can even make your own line holder by cutting an 'X' into the lid of a tennis ball canister or coffee container to make it easy to poke the pieces of line through.
Use PVC recycling bins located at boat ramps and piers or visit a local tackle shop with a line recycling bin. If the tackle shop you visit does not have a recycling bin, encourage them to participate in the Monofilament Recovery and Recycling Program.
It is particularly important to take the time to remove monofilament from mangroves because mangroves are a crucial part of coastal areas, and the slightest imbalance can take a heavy toll on these fragile ecosystems. Mangroves are breeding grounds and nurseries for a variety of marine organisms as well as serve as a buffer between the land and the sea, helping prevent coastal erosion.
It is possible to build your own monofilament recycling bin by contacting a local plumbing supply store to get PVC pipe as well as pipe fittings to make your own recycling station. If you decide to make your own recycling bin make sure you let us know so we can let the public know where they can put their used fishing line!
Check a bin at regular time intervals for recycled fishing line. Ship line directly to Berkley or take it to a participating tackle shop. If this is something you are interested in, contact us and we will help you get in touch with your local coordinator!
Send your clean line (without hooks or tackle) here:
Pure Fishing America (Berkley)
1900 18th Street,
Spirit Lake, IA 51360-1041
Suggested items for volunteers who are collecting line from containers:
- Reusable Bags (to collect line)
- Nail clippers or small pair of scissors (to remove hooks, etc.)
- Large pair of pliers or large wrench (in case plug is too tight)
- Short stick with cuphook on the end (used to reach inside container and pull down line without having to put one’s hand inside it)
- Spray bottle with 10% bleach (for occasional rinsing of inside of containers)
There are many cleanups held all over the state, country, and even world. If you are interested in participating in one, search online at the Ocean Conservancy or Keep America Beautiful. Also, go to our Facebook page for events in Florida!
Sometimes the best way to help the problem is to learn about it and then educate others about the issue. Our FAQs page is a good place to start.
Support This Program
Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida
Attn: Monofilament Recovery and Recycling Program
2574 Seagate Dr. Suite 100
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Donate by check: please note “MRRP” in the memo.
Donate online: please note on behalf of “MRRP” in the blue box.
The Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) organization. FEIN 59-3277808
