TITLE
Recommendation to receive and file report on efforts to increase the recycling of fishing line by installing recycling containers in City of Long Beach parks.
DISCUSSION
During a meeting of the 5th District Lakes, Ponds and Wetland's Taskforce, the issue of fishing line was discussed. In particular, amount of fishing line that was being left behind and, thus, littering the perimeter of the lakes and threatening the wildlife in EI Dorado Regional Park. Councilwoman Schipske; Parks, Recreation, and Maine Staff; and the Taskforce discussed the idea of encouraging those utilizing the lake for fishing to recycle their fishing line by providing permanent plastic containers near the lake in which the fishing line can be discarded for recycling purposes. The fishing line which is made from nylon monofilament (a thin string made from a single fiber) is then collected and sent to Berkley Recycling. Berkley Recycling than takes the recycled fishing lines and turns it into artificial underwater habitat structures called "Berkley Fish Hab". These underwater structures attract fish and encourage plant growth. It is also used as a solution for rejuvenating older reservoirs, ponds and streams devoid of the natural cover essential to the growth and development of a healthy fish population.
The recycling of fishing line has many benefits, most notably reducing the likelihood that waterfowl and other birds become tangled and killed in the fishing line. The recycling efforts made by those utilizing lakes and ponds for fishing also allows for landscape maintenance professionals to concentrate their efforts on other areas of the park. There are currently twelve fishing line recycle containers at EI Dorado Regional Park.
Berkley has a long history of promoting and facilitating fishing line recycling, and is in the process of building a new program to lead this effort worldwide. Berkley has expanded the program to involve more states and federal agencies in fishing line recy...
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