According to the Monofilament Recovery and Recycling Program:
* Monofilament is non-biodegradable and can remain in the marine environment for over 600 years.
* From 2000-2004 over 37 dolphins have been stranded with monofilament entanglements or fishing hook ingestions.
* Between 2000 and 2004, 166 sea turtles were entangled in fishing line in Florida.
* One turtle rescued had ingested approximately 590 feet of monofilament.
* From 1991-2005 of the 655 manatees rescued for injuries, approximately 7% of all manatees rescued were due to entanglements in monofilament.
These are compelling reasons to recycle monofilament. Improperly discarded monofilament can end up in the gut of a marine animal or it can entangle shore birds or mammals. If left in a landfill, monofilament will take lifetimes to biodegrade.
Recycling monofilament it is easy. Many groups have placed recycling bins at popular fishing locations. Many tackle shops will recycle your line for you when you fill your spool with new monofilament. Berkley makes it very easy to recycle. Used monofilament can be sent to their collection center.
It takes so little effort to recycle monofilament. The benefits, though, are great in comparison. Taking the time to recycle your monofilament will benefit your fisheries and aquatic environment. Not only will you be helping your fish, you will be helping to maintain a safe environment for all who plow the shores and the shallows of the local lake, stream, or ocean.