The Fishing Line/Monofilament Line Recovery and Recycling Program (MRRP) is a statewide effort to educate the public on the problems caused by fishing line/monofilament line left in the environment, to encourage recycling through a network of line recycling bins and drop-off locations, and to conduct volunteer monofilament line cleanup events.

Creating a local program in Sarasota is actually a component of the Sarasota County Manatee Protection Plan adopted in September 2003. The program will only be successful through a team effort by local organizations such as Mote Marine Laboratory, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Pelican Man's Bird Sanctuary and other dedicated volunteers from our community.

What is Monofilament Line?
Monofilament line is another name for single-strand, high-density, nylon fishing line that is used on fishing reels and in the manufacturing of fishing nets. It’s a single-strand, strong, flexible plastic that is clear or tinted blue, pink or green and is made of monofilament.

	Used Fishing Line - FAQs
	What is Sarasota County Doing to Encourage Proper Disposal of Monofilament Line
	Monofilament Recovery and Recycling Program (State of Florida)

Most monofilament is non-biodegradable and lasts about 600 years. Because it is thin and often clear, it is very difficult for birds and animals to see, and they can easily brush up against it and become entangled in it. Once entangled, they may become injured, may drown, may become strangled or may starve to death. Many animals also ingest fishing line.

Why can monofilament line be harmful?
Fishing line/Monofilament line can be harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly.

Much of the fishing line that ends up in the water gets there when someone's fishing hook gets snagged on something underwater and the line breaks when pulled. Sometimes the line will rub against a sharp shell (like an oyster shell) and break. Large fish can sometimes pull hard enough to break lines. Sometimes fishing lines get caught in trees, or power lines and break off. Even fishing line that is thrown in the garbage can end up in the environment, by blowing out of the garbage can or landfill, or by being taken out by birds or animals.

Many types of wildlife are harmed by discarded fishing line. They most frequently include birds, turtles, manatee, fish and dolphins; however these are not the only ones affected. Almost any animal can be entangled in line or will try to consume it.

Collection Sites
• CB’s Saltwater Outfitters
• Economy Tackle
• Mote Marine Laboratory

Sites with Bins Installed
• New Pass Bridge
• Ken Thompson Park (4 bins)
• New Pass Bait Shop (2 bins)
• Bird Key Park
• South Lido Nature Center
• Tony Saprito Fishing Pier
• Hart’s Landing
• 10th Street Boat Ramp (2 bins)
• Marina Jacks (2 bins)
• North Siesta Bridge, east side
• North Siesta Bridge, west side (2 bins)
• Chris Wheeler Park
• Turtle Beach Boat Ramp (2 bins)
• Blackburn Point Park
• Nokomis Island (2 bins)
• Albee Bridge, south side (2 bins)
• North Jetty Park
• Higel Park Boat Ramp
• Venice Train Depot Boat Ramp
• Manasota Key Boat Ramp
• Indian Mound Park Boat Ramp
• Royal Palm Marina