A lead and fishing line recycling initiative is off the ground on the New York side of Lake Champlain that will help keep monofilament line as well as old sinkers out of the ecosystem. The Lake Champlain Chapter of Trout Unlimited has combined forces with LakeChamplainAngler.com in a pilot program to establish monofilament and lead recycling stations at strategic fishing locations on Lake Champlain and its tributaries. These stations will assist fishermen with the stewardship of Lake Champlain.

It is important to keep discarded fishing line (monofilament) and recently banned lead sinkers out of our environment. Monofilament line is thin, nearly invisible, strong, and may stay in Lake Champlain for as long as 600 years! The local media highlighted the problem a few years back when a great blue heron was entangled in discarded line. This happens quite often. In fact the line poses a significant threat to many types of wildlife.  It is often difficult to see, allowing birds, mammals, reptiles and fish to easily come in contact with it and become entangled.  Such incidents may lead to injury, disfigurement, drowning, strangulation, or starvation. Discarded monofilament can also impact boats and humans; people can become tangled in it or caught by a hook that may be hidden in discarded line. It can be a hazard to scuba divers as well.  As many boat owners know, motor propellers are frequently fouled with monofilament line. Once entangled, a propeller may seize up, or seals may be damaged. Line can also enter and foul bilge pumps or water intake valves.

Fifteen pilot recycling stations made from 4″ PVC have been deployed at selected boat ramps, marinas, and fishing sites.  Signs alert anglers to the recycling efforts. The monofilament and lead is collected from the recycling bins on a regular basis and then cleaned and sorted by volunteers. Retailers are offered a chance to participate with cardboard bins from Berkley designed for their stores or outlets. The gathered line is then shipped to the Berkley Pure Fishing Company in Iowa. Berkley melts the line down into raw plastic pellets that can be made into other plastic products such as the Berkley Fish Hab, an innovation that provides artificial structure in fish habitats. Other products include tackle boxes, spools for line, and toys.

Expansion of the project is encouraged and requires groups or individuals to “adopt a monofilament recycling station.”  This involves monitoring and long-term maintenance of the station. It’s a great project for scouts, 4-H groups, school clubs, and service oriented organizations.  This project benefits all stakeholders in the Champlain Valley.  With the reduction of discarded monofilament line and lead in Lake Champlain, there will be fewer incidents of birds, fish, reptiles, and mammals being inadvertently injured, sickened or killed by recreational anglers.

Suggestions for bin locations on both sides of Lake Champlain are encouraged. Interested retailers and groups or individuals wishing to volunteer, should contact me, Captain Mickey Maynard, at (518) 563-5998 or email me at mjmaynard@westelcom.com.

Please include the words “Lake Champlain” in the subject line. For more information regarding the “Get The Lead Out” program visit the Vermont Fish and Wildlife website at Get The Lead Out Brochure

- Captain Mick