Monofilament Recovery and Recycling Program: Reducing Human Impacts on Aquatic Ecosystems

Healthy Coastal Ecosystems

Monofilament line is another name for single-strand, high-density nylon fishing line that is used on fishing reels. Used line discarded into aquatic environments can be harmful to boat motors and water-dependent wildlife. Birds and animals cannot see discarded monofilament fishing line, so it is easy for them to become entangled and starve, drown or lose a limb. The Texas Monofilament Recovery and Recycling Program (MRRP) is a Texas Sea Grant-coordinated, volunteer-led, statewide campaign to heighten awareness about the negative impacts of monofilament line debris, decrease the amount of fishing line staying in the environment, and increase the amount of line recycled. The public deposits used line in either large mounted bins made of PVC pipe or in personal-sized containers made from old tennis ball canisters — both constructed by MRRP volunteers. The line is collected and sent to the manufacturer for recycling. The company melts down the line and uses the resulting material to manufacture new plastic fishing-related products like tackle boxes, spools for lines and artificial fish habitats. It is not made into more monofilament line.

Progress Toward Achieving Strategic PlanThe MRRP has established a statewide system of monofilament recycling bins and volunteers who maintain them, and educated the public about the dangers posed by discarded monofilament line, helping Texas Sea Grant achieve the goal: Restored function and productivity of degraded ecosystems.

Overall Impact• Installed and maintained 300 large recycling bins statewide,

including inland locations in far North Texas around the Dallas, Fort Worth and Witchita Falls areas.

• Increased collections by 140% since 2008. A total of 782 pounds of monofilament line, equaling 1,060 miles of 12-pound test (the most common line used for coastal fishing), has been collected.

• Constructed and distributed 1,000 personal-sized monofilament recycling containers, many of which were delivered at public events and during MRRP education programs at schools, and also given to recreational anglers.

• Promoted wise use, understanding and stewardship of Texas’ rich coastal and marine resources.

• Enhanced the public value of science.

MRRP bins are installed at popular fishing locations and boat ramps.

Discarded monofilament line can maim or kill aquatic animals.