Published on Monday, 6 November 2023 at 7:57:14 AM
Four ‘Reel It In’ fishing tackle collection bins have been installed at the Chapman River Estuary Reserve.
The bins, a primary recommendation in the Chapman River Estuary Reserve Action Plan, were installed to enable local fishers to look after the environment by responsibly disposing of all their fishing tackle waste.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Jerry Clune said the bins will have a positive impact on the environment.
“Now that bins have been installed recreational fishers can easily and safely dispose their waste such as fishing lines and hooks,” he said.
“This will reduce the amount of wildlife getting entangled in discarded fishing lines and hooks which often leads to serious injuries or even death to these animals.”
The ‘Reel It In’ campaign, run by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions in the Perth and Peel region since 2013, has captured more than 50kms of fishing line and thousands of hooks, sinkers and bait bags.
Local group, Chapman River Friends, will be assisting the City to empty and maintain the bins. The contents of the bins will be recorded on the Tangaroa Blue Australian Marine Debris Initiative Database.
The data will help the City to monitor the success of the project over its lifespan while enabling better management of fishing debris in the estuary.
Mayor Clune urges all local fishers to look for the bright yellow bins next time they visit the Chapman River Estuary Reserve.
“I encourage all local fishers to look after their tackle and do the right thing for the environment and our local wildlife species by disposing of all fishing tackle waste responsibly in the yellow bins,” he said.
If you see sick or injured wildlife, please call the Wildcare Helpline on 08 9474 9055
Picture Caption: Chapman River Friends Laura Garraway (left), Stuart Estcourt and Virginie Fuhrmann will be assisting the City with emptying, maintaining and reporting bin contents.
Back to All News