Summary: This article takes a look at wildlife losses caused by sport fishing, with a focus on monofilament fishing line.

Introduction
Though the public is increasingly aware of the dangers threats of long-line commercial fishing and trawling, there is less awareness of the risks posed by recreational and sport fishing. The exact figures are unknown, but thousands - perhaps even millions - of non-target wild animals become entangled in monofilament fishing line every year. Animals who become entangled in fishing line or ingest tackle suffer a slow and torturous death by starvation, infection, gangrene, drowning, or lead poisoning. From turtles who took bait intended for fish, to herons trapped in line left behind in trees, right down to coral deaths on the Hawai'ian islands, irresponsible fishing practices have caused immense suffering and death beyond just that of its intended victims (fish).
Thankfully, there are ways to help prevent these wildlife losses. Careful fishing practices, monofilament recycling bins, and even new fishing line that changes color when damaged can all reduce the amount of line left behind, decreasing the pollution and wildlife losses associated with the industry. (Of course, Friends of Fish would love to see people enjoy our aquatic life in more peaceful ways, protecting everyone from fishing injuries!)

End of the Line
Despite the fact that fishing line was intended to catch creatures under the water, the animals most often entangled are birds. A wide variety of species from seabirds to songbirds are entangled when fishing line tangled in tree branches, caught on rocks, or snagged on sea-floor debris is cut loose and left behind. However, it is a common misconception that only improperly discarded fishing line is dangerous to birds; gulls and pelicans in particular are notorious for going after bait. In fact, a 10 year study by the Tweed Valley Wildlife Cares Seabird Rescue showed that a staggering 90% of all pelicans entangled by fishing line were injured during active fishing (with 94% of all injuries & death from fishing line overall). Monofilament fishing line entanglement is also the number one reason for wildlife-in-distress calls to rehabilitators in coastal areas.
Birds are not the only victims. Any non-target animal who becomes hooked or entangled is at risk of being cut loose should a fisherman panic or fail to properly reel-in incidental catches - not to mention those who simply cut free animals that interfere with fishing with no concern for their welfare! And all animals are at risk when discarded hooks and line are left under water and ashore - including domesticated pets! While turtles and alligators are still at the top of the list for non-avian entanglement victims, domesticated dogs are not far behind.
Interestingly enough, the dangers of monofilament fishing line extend beyond simply harming wildlife. It can also harm entire ecosystems! A 2004 study of cauliflower coral off the coast of Hawai'i showed a clear, linear correlation between coral death and the presence of discarded fishing line. In zones where fishing was permitted, as many as one in every 18 colonies was entangled in and damaged by fishing line. Corals are already threatened by pollution, collection, and other human activities, and the loss of coral is directly related to the loss of marine fish and invertebrates; the additional risk of coral damage from monofilament line calls into question the ethics of permitting of sport fishing in delicate ecosystems like Hawai'ian reefs.

Preventing Losses
It is unlikely that sport fishing will stop any time soon; widespread public misconceptions about the ability of fish to feel pain, a lack of media attention to wildlife entanglement, and a failure of the DEC to put conservation before recreation suggests that fishing is here to stay. However, fishing needn't be as dangerous to wildlife as is today; careful fishing practices can reduce the incidence of entanglement greatly. See the suggestions below for ways that both fisherman and animal lovers alike can help reduce wildlife losses from monofilament fishing line.
Tips for Fisherman
+ Check your line thoroughly for damage, thinning, and wear before you go fishing.
+ Replace old line on a regular basis; fishing line that is becoming discolored, stiff, or worn should never be used.
+ Consider polymer line that changes color in response to stress. This helps reduce the chance of breakage.
+ Avoid lead weights, as they are highly toxic to wildlife when ingested. Weights of safer materials such as brass can be purchased from your tackle shop.
+ Avoid stainless steel hooks, which take years to break down even in sea water, and pose a long-standing threat to wildlife.
+ Never leave line unattended; unattended bait and line are commonly targeted by sea birds.
+ Cast away from birds or fish in areas where birds are not present. If birds are showing excessive interest in your bait, consider relocating or trying again another day.
+ If you hook a bird, do not panic or cut the line. Most birds can be safely, slowly, and carefully reeled in once they stop struggling. Once you have the bird, do not merely untangle and release; often times, the birds have soft tissue injuries from fighting. The ideal is to isolate the bird in a quiet, dark place (i.e. a cardboard box) promptly contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
+ If you hook a turtle, assess the situation. Try to direct the turtle towards the shore without breaking the line. If it is too heavy and will break the line, contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately but do not cut the turtle free - feed line if needed to prevent breakage. They can help direct you on how to handle the situation until they can come to retrieve the animal.
+ If you hook an alligator, it is likely that the line will be snapped outside of your control. Because of this, it is imperative that you contact an authority qualified to deal with alligators; the department of environmental conservation can help direct you in this instance, as the length and location of the alligator will dictate what can be done.
+ If your line becomes entangled, avoid breaking or cutting it at all costs. Try to gather up the line as much as is possible, and if need be, remove the entire piece of the debris it is caught on.
+ Bring all fishing line with you when you leave, even line that is broken, tangled, or otherwise ruined. It should be cut up into fine (< 2") pieces, or better yet, place in a fishing line disposal or recycling receptacles (increasingly available on fishing spots throughout the US).
+ Clean up all waste, not just line; plastic bags, bait bags, tackle, and packaging are harmful if ingested by wildlife.
Tips for Animal Lovers
+ Check local fishing spots regularly for discarded line, hooks, and tackle. Remove and dispose of your findings properly: by cutting into fine pieces, or by placement in a recycling receptacle.
+ Keep an eye out for distressed and entangled wildlife. If you spot an animal in peril, contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately.
+ Contact your local government to request funding for fishing line disposal bins at your local beaches and waterfronts (check out the links at the bottom of this article for more info!).
+ Educate the public by distributing material on responsible fishing practices at popular spots in your area. Many fishermen are concerned about environmental issues, even if not about fish welfare!
+ Do not fish or support fishing events. Even when done responsibly, fishing is an inhumane and unethical practice. In addition to being painful for the fish themselves, over fishing has a dangerous affect on populations already stressed by pollution and habitat loss. What's more, the stocking of fish ponds and the introduction of non-native wildlife for fishing has devastated native ecosystems.

Conclusion
The loss of non-target species to monofilament fishing line, hooks, tackle, and weights in an unacceptable and unnecessary occurrence. By exercising more careful fishing practices, helping entangled wildlife rather than cutting the line, disposing of line and waste properly, or simply avoiding fishing in general, the incidence of injuries and losses can be greatly reduced. Fishermen can take steps to avoid line breaks before and after wildlife is involved, and by choosing products that show wear, decompose more quickly, or are non-toxic in nature, reduce the impact of lost hooks, line, and tackle on the environment. Concerned members of the public can assist in clean-up efforts when line is left behind, keep an eye out for injured wildlife, and educate the public about the hazards of discarded monofilament line. By working together, fishermen and animal lovers alike can help protect wildlife.

Learn More:
Monofilament Recovery and Recycling Program
Video of Polymer Fishing Line
Tweed Valley Wildlife Cares
Department of Environmental Conservation (Search for Your State)
National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association

Image and Text (c) Lauren Weeks
Image Info: Deceased gull at Halibut Point State Park who had been hooked through the beak, and was entangled in fishing line with lead weights.

---