Discarded tangled fishing line found at Moruya Breakwall. Photo: Supplied.
The Tangaroa Blue foundation is undertaking a national campaign to reduce the amount of fishing line and tackle from our waterways.
Fishing line can injure or kill marine life, and local and visiting fishers to the Eurobodalla Shire are urged to “look after your tackle” by properly disposing of fishing tackle and knowing which knots to use to prevent unexpected losses.
Eurobodalla Shire Council environmental education officer Bernadette Davis said fishing line remains in the aquatic environment long after it has been thrown away.
“Discarded fishing line can severely injure or kill marine mammals and sea birds by entanglement, restricting their mobility and causing starvation, infection, amputation and, eventually, death,” she said.
Council has installed fishing tackle debris bins at popular fishing locations throughout Eurobodalla for beachgoers and anglers to use. They are maintained by volunteers.
“We are asking our local and visiting fisherfolk to get onboard with this national campaign and ‘look after your tackle’,” said Ms Davis. “Make sure you take any line or packaging with you when you are out at your favourite fishing spot and check that your knots are secure to avoid loss of gear.
“Next time you are out and see one of our ‘tackle bins’, take a moment to look around and pick up any discarded fishing tackle you see. You may just be saving a life.
“And if you have a favourite fishing spot with a discarded fishing line problem, we would like to hear about it.”
If you wish to contact Ms Davis, you can send her an email to find out how you can help. For more information on the campaign – including the “know your knots” challenge – visit the Tangaroa Blue website.
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