Anglers at the Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area can now do their part for the environment thanks to a grant from the Sandy Hook Foundation that provides bins for recycling discarded fishing line. Monofilament fishing line, another name for single-strand, high-density, nylon fishing line that is used on fishing reels and in the manufacturing of fishing nets, is responsible for untold damage to endangered marine wildlife such as birds, fish, manatees and sea turtles, and poses a hazard to boaters and swimmers.
"This is another example of how working with outstanding partners like the Sandy Hook Foundation benefits the park," said Acting Sandy Hook Unit Superintendent Dave Avrin. "This program is in direct support of park goals and the mission of the agency." The project is part of the statewide Monofilament Recovery and Recycling Program (MRRP), which aims to reduce environmental damage caused by fishing line, which can last up to 600 years in the environment. As a project partner, the National Park Service will maintain the recycling bins located at fishing beaches throughout the park, and help educate park visitors about the damaging effects of monofilament left in the environment.
The MRRP program recycles the line into Fish-Habs, another name for artificial, underwater, habitat structures that attract fish and encourage plant growth.
Proposed locations for the bins on Sandy Hook include: the Fisherman’ Trail trailhead, the Fishing Beach access, Plum Island central access, and the Horseshoe Cove access.
The Sandy Hook Foundation is the Official Friends Group of the National Park Service at Sandy Hook, dedicated to nurturing and protecting Sandy Hook’s natural, cultural and historic resources. For more information please visit www.sandyhookfoundationnj.org or call 732-291-7733. For more information about the NPS parthership in this program contact Sandy Hook Natural Resource Supervisor Bruce Lane at e-mail us or (732) 872-5931.
For more information about the Monofilament Recovery and Recycling Program, or to start an effort in your area, visit www.myfwc.com/mrrp
