In the vast expanse of our oceans, a silent and insidious threat lurks beneath the waves: discarded monofilament fishing line. Once it leaves an angler's reel, this seemingly innocuous material transforms into a deadly hazard for marine life, boaters, and the delicate marine ecosystem. Fortunately, Clear Your Gear, a dedicated company, is working tirelessly to provide a vital solution.
The less desirable paths for used fishing line lead directly to tragic consequences in our marine environments. Lost or abandoned line, often invisible in the water, becomes "ghost gear" – continuing to fish and ensnare marine creatures long after it's been discarded. Whales, dolphins, seals, sea turtles, and countless fish and seabirds can become hopelessly entangled, leading to severe injuries, starvation, suffocation, and ultimately, a slow and agonizing death. This derelict fishing gear also snags on coral reefs and other vital habitats, causing physical damage and disrupting sensitive ecosystems.
Even if it doesn't directly entangle wildlife, discarded fishing line breaks down into microplastics over centuries, further polluting our oceans and entering the food chain. These tiny plastic fragments are ingested by marine organisms, potentially causing internal damage and carrying toxins. Beyond environmental devastation, discarded line also poses a significant threat to boaters, fouling propellers and causing costly damage.
This is where Clear Your Gear steps in. Recognizing the severe issues caused by improperly discarded fishing line, this company has created a program and specialized bins designed specifically for its recycling. Rather than contributing to the ocean's silent killer, anglers can now deposit their used monofilament line in these clearly marked receptacles.
Clear Your Gear collects this line, ensuring it bypasses landfills (where it would persist for hundreds of years and still pose a threat to terrestrial wildlife) and instead gets processed and recycled. This innovative approach prevents countless marine tragedies and contributes to a healthier, cleaner ocean for generations to come. By choosing to "Clear Your Gear," anglers actively participate in safeguarding our precious marine life and the integrity of our underwater world.
About Clear Your Gear
Clear Your Gear is a national network of volunteers in Canada dedicated to reducing the impact of discarded fishing line on the environment. They work to educate the public about the dangers of monofilament fishing line and provide recycling receptacles at various locations. CLEAR YOUR GEAR was founded in Canada by Judy Robertson of Wildlife Haven and is part of a collaborative effort among conservation organizations.