Just Keep Swimming
A Project to Recycle Used Monofilament Fishing Line
Monofilament Fishing Line: What Is It?
Monofilament fishing line is a strong, flexible, plastic that is usually clear. Commonly used for fishing purposes, monofilament is non-biodegradable and can last several hundreds of years in marine ecosystems.
A sea turtle entangled in monofilament fishing line
A sea lion strangled to death by a fishing line.
Proper recycling container for fishing lines.
Why Is It Dangerous?
Many animals cannot see the monofilament fishing line due to the thinness and clearness so they could easily become ensnared. This can cause animals to drown, become strangled, starve to death or become injured in different ways. There are proper containment bins around fishing areas where you can recycle monofilament.
A fishing line wrapped around a whales body.
A hanging bird.
A turtle's fin entangled in fishing line
What do I do if I see an Animal Entangled?
For a marine animal and/or a sea turtle, make sure you DO NOT TOUCH.
Immediately contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Wildlife Alert Program at 1-888-404-FWCC(3922)
For birds, first throw a blanket over their head. That will limit their eyesight, lessening the chances of them panicking. Then gently try to free them. If you cannot untangle them call Florida Wildlife Hospital 321-254-8843