Councilman Jim Fozman holds up a sign that will be posted near fishing line recycling receptacles.
Bins to collect used fishing line will be placed at several popular fishing spots around Brick as part of an effort by the Brick Township Municipal Utilities Authority to improve local water quality.
Councilman Jim Fozman, who is also an MUA commissioner, said bins will initially be placed at the Traders Cove park as well as at the fishing pier near the River Rock restaurant on the Manasquan River. More bins may be placed in other areas, such as at Forge Pond.
A seal tangled in fishing line. (File Photo)
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Collecting and recycling used monofilament fishing line, as opposed to anglers simply cutting the line and throwing it in the water, is important because fish and other wildlife species can become entangled in the disposed line. Birds, especially, can face starvation and death if line gets wrapped around their necks, and if their wings get entangled, it may hinder their ability to fly. Discarded fishing line can also cause environmental issues when it becomes wrapped around boat propellers and cuts into seals which carry oil that normally lubricate a boat’s gear case.
The state has started a similar fishing line recycling programs, with receptacles being available at Island Beach State Park and the state marine in Forked River. The West Marine store in Brick has its own collection bin.
