The Problem

Monofilament fishing line takes up to 600 years to decompose. Fishing line that is improperly disposed of in the environment can have many negative impacts on a variety of marine wildlife. Here are just a few of the startling statistics which emphasize the growing need for a solution to the problem of improperly disposed of monofilament fishing line...

·     According to the Monofilament Recovery and Recycling Program, from 2000-2006, 298 sea turtles were entangled in fishing line in Florida. 

·        Hundreds of fish, birds and even land animals are harmed due to entanglement every year.

·        Boat propellers can even get entangled in discarded monofilament line, causing costly repairs for boat owners. 

·        When wildlife become entangled in or ingest monofilament, it can result in the animals losing their flippers, tails, and wings, drowning, starvation, and death. 

·     From 2000-2006, 26 manatees were rescued in Florida due to entanglements. 

·        In 2006, scientists at Mote Marine Laboratory reported an unsustainable death rate in the world’s longest studied wild dolphin population, due to entanglement in monofilament fishing line and other fishing gear.