Blue Flag Beach Programme in partnership with DICT
November 15, 2011 by dyertrust
The Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT) in association with Overstrand Municipality, Gansbaai Administration established the Fishing Line Recovery Program (FLRP) in 2010 along the Gansbaai shoreline, with specially designed disposal bins. This innovative project aims to reduce the severe environmental damage caused by discarded fishing line on our coastline. Monofilament fishing line is non-biodegradable and enters the marine environment where it entangles wildlife, is mistakenly ingested by birds and animals, resulting in injury or death, and is also hazardous to boaters and swimmers.
By increasing public awareness about the negative impacts that fishing line debris has on marine life, water quality, and human welfare, DICT hopes to reduce the amount of fishing line entering and remaining in the marine environment, as well as to increase the amount of fishing line being recycled. Anglers and beach walkers are encouraged to recycle or dispose of their used fishing line at these bins.
DICT was recently approached by Ted Knott, WESSAs National Coastal Project manager and National Blue Flag Co-Ordinator, to place these bins alongside all Blue Flag Beaches. Blue Flag is an international annual award given to beaches that