State wildlife officials want fishing enthusiasts to know about the hazards of a certain fishing line that could injure and even cause the death of Florida wildlife.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokeswoman Diane Hirth says one thing anglers can remember that will help wildlife is to properly dispose of what’s called a monofilament fishing line—very popular in the industry.
“And, you may say ‘why is that so important?’ We have a lot of wildlife that can get hurt, injured, entangled by fishing line. Species would include sea turtles, birds—particularly pelicans, bald eagles—manatees, dolphins,” said Hirth.
Hirth says there are recycling stations all throughout Florida.
“There’s usually a recycle bin near docks and piers,” she added. “If you’re out on a boat, just remember to stow it somewhere on your tackle or your garbage receptacle, until you get back home. So, it’s really just an incredible way to just like remind yourself to do something that seems so simple that can really help wildlife.”
If anyone sees an entangled animal, Hirth urges them to contact the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline.
“That’s 888-404-3922,” she continued. “We often can rescue an animal, if it is reported, whether it’s a sea turtle. Some people will report it when they see an eagle or a pelican literally hanging from a tree where they become so entangled in the fishing line that they’re dying basically because they’re just hanging there.”
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