SKSTMN Monofilament Recycling Bin Program Launched!

Photo Caption: Various items removed from a small section of beach (around 100 feet) on a morning patrol in St. Kitts. Large portion of the debris is discarded monofilament fishing line. The monofilament recycling bins will provide a convenient location for disposal and recycling of this debris as opposed to it remaining in the environment.

In efforts to reduce the amount of discarded monofilament line in the environment and to protect our marine life, the St. Kitts Sea Turtle Monitoring Network (SKSTMN) in partnership with sponsors including Builders’ Paradise, Harper’s Office Depot, Park Hyatt St. Kitts, and Corks and Screws has embarked on a new initiative, the Monofilament Recycling Bin Program.

Studies have shown that monofilament fishing line can last up to 600 years in the environment under certain conditions. A variety of animals, including sea turtles, birds, and marine mammals can become entangled in this line and suffer from limb amputations and even death. These bins will allow for the collection of discarded monofilament fishing line in appropriate locations from which it will be removed and shipped to Berkley for recycling.

Photo Caption: Leatherback sea turtle entangled in various types of fishing line/net including monofilament. Entanglement can result in drowning, partial and complete flipper amputations, and death. Photo by Kate Charles. All rights reserved.

The first bin was placed at Pump Bay on 5 July 2019. In this initial pilot phase, a total of five monofilament recycling bins are slated to be placed at different locations on St. Kitts throughout the month of July. The discarded monofilament line will be collected by volunteers weekly and recycled. With such an initiative in place the SKSTMN hopes to see a reduction in monofilament line in the marine environment.

Photo Caption: First Monofilament Recycling Bin placed at Pump Bay. Pictured from left to right, Mr. Nickhail Sutton, SKSTMN volunteer and Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College student currently participating in the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) Summer Internship Program and Mr. Theophilus Taylor, Senior Sea Turtle Technician with the SKSTMN.

This project would not be possible without the generous support from Builders’ Paradise, Harper’s Office Depot, Park Hyatt St. Kitts, Corks and Screws, and Berkley.

For more information on any of the SKSTMN programs or to report any sea turtle related activity please call the Sea Turtle Hotline at (869) 764-6664 and visit the website http://www.stkittsturtles.org or Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/St-Kitts-Sea-Turtle-Monitoring-Network-217982931612650/.

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*This article was posted in its entirety as received by SKN PULSE. This media house does not correct any spelling or grammatical errors within press releases and (or) commentaries. The views contained within are not necessarily those of SKN PULSE.