The Victorian Fishing Authority (VFA) and Zoos Victoria are to roll out bins for discarded fishing gear at lakes around the State to help protect the wellbeing of aquatic birds, mammals and fish.
Announced by Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio, the bins are an expansion of the Authority’s and Zoos’ Seal the Loop Program.
“Under the existing Seal the Loop Program, bins are installed along waterways throughout Victoria and monitored by bin custodians committed to reducing fishing litter in the environment,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.
“There are currently more than 300 bins installed across Victoria, with more planned for family fishing lakes thanks to the partnership,” she said.
“Family fishing lakes are locations identified by the VFA as having good access and facilities for families.”
Ms D’Ambrosio said the family-friendly lakes were stocked with fish at least once a year, including catchable-size rainbow trout.
The Minister said Seal the Loop bins were made from recycled plastic and had collected an estimated 70 km of fishing line and tens of thousands of fishing hooks since being introduced by Zoos Victoria in 2010.
“Each year, hundreds of aquatic birds, mammals and fish are killed or injured by discarded fishing gear,” she said.
“Zoos Victoria’s Marine Response Unit provides veterinary care for hundreds of marine wildlife entanglements every year.”
Ms D’Ambrosio asked people to call the Marine Response Unit on 1300 245 678 if they came across injured aquatic wildlife.
