The NEFGA will work with various state and local agencies to install fishing line recycling bins throughout the state beginning late March, 2008. Two recycling bins will be installed Saturday, March 29 at Two Rivers State Recreation Area near Venice, NE. Both recycling bins are sponsored by Canfield’s Sporting Goods of Omaha, Neb.

“Discarded fishing line lasts for as long 600 years in the environment and can be hazardous for a variety of wildlife especially birds and reptiles. It also can be an expensive pain in the neck if it gets wrapped up in your boat motor,” said Daryl Bauer, lakes and reservoirs program manager for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

“The good news” continued Bauer, “is that monofilament fishing line can be recycled. Anglers can practice good stewardship of our water, fish and wildlife resources by recycling their discarded fishing line. Fishing line recycling bins like the ones being placed at popular fishing areas by the Nebraska Fish & Game Association will make it easy for anglers to recycle their discarded fishing line."

Resembling submarine periscopes, fishing line recycling bins are constructed from three-foot sections of white PVC tubing and will be mounted on posts or existing structures near boat ramps and fishing piers. Bins will also be placed in local bait and tackle shops.

Collected fishing line will be sent for recycling by the Berkley Conservation Institute (BCI) located in Spirit Lake, Iowa. BCI has recycled more than 9 million miles of fishing line since 1990—enough to fill two fishing reels for every angler in the U.S.

“We are excited to partner with the Nebraska Fish and Game Association to help anglers recycle monofilament fishing line” said Jim Martin conservation director of the Berkley Conservation Institute. “Anglers are eager to avoid wildlife entanglement by picking up lost and discarded line and depositing it into the collection bins for eventual recycling at Spirit Lake, Iowa, where Berkley is headquartered.”

Recycled fishing line, combined with other recycled materials, is then used to create artificial, aquatic habitat structures constructed by the BCI which help rejuvenate older bodies of water lacking natural cover essential to the growth and development of healthy fish populations.

The NEFGA is looking to partner with other outdoors-related organizations and retailers to acquire funding to underwrite the costs of constructing, installing, and servicing additional fishing line recycling bins. Anyone interested in sponsoring a fishing line recycling bin should contact Steve Wagle at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or by clicking here.

“It's my hope that calling attention to the issue of marine debris encourages other organizations to join us by sponsoring fishing line recycling bins throughout the state” said Steve Wagle, manager of the NEFGA’s fishing line recycling program. “Together with anglers we hope to make our lakes safer for wildlife and more enjoyable for everyone who spends time around the water.”

The Nebraska Fish & Game Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting Nebraska's outdoors enthusiasts through conservation, education, discussion, and outreach programs in a way that will ensure outstanding angling and hunting opportunities for today and future generations. The association is located in Omaha, Neb. and online at www.nefga.org.