Discarded Fishing Gear Poses Threats to Wildlife

Monofilament synthetic fishing line has been the choice for anglers since the material was first invented back in the late 1930s. Improvements over the years have made it stronger, less visible to fish, and resistant to UV light. While fisherman welcome these qualities, improperly discarded fishing line can remain in the environment for years and present a serious threat to wildlife. With over 500 lakes and ponds, 30 miles of streams, and 1,600 miles of coastline on Long Island (https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7951.html), the problems created by “ghost fishing,” or entanglement by discarded fishing line, are widespread. Read more here.