In a first for the Northern Territory, OzFish Unlimited is installing tangle Bins in high-traffic fishing spots around Darwin and Palmerston waterways to help keep these areas free of stray fishing gear.
These permanent bins are being set up in eight designated areas where recreational fishers like to dangle a line.
OzFish will then recycle the discarded line and other fishing tackle as part of its Tackle Loop initiative.
In collaboration with the Amateur Fishermen’s Association NT (AFANT) and with funding from the NT Recreational Fishing Grants Scheme, OzFish will be working with the fishing community to deliver this exciting program.
AFANT CEO David Ciaravolo said his organisation was pleased to partner with OzFish on the project.
“Most fishers see themselves as stewards of our environment, so we look forward to working with OzFish on this initiative and will be actively promoting opportunities for fishers to get involved,” he said.
People are needed to help OzFish monitor, empty and maintain the tangle bins, ensuring that they remain clean and safe for all to enjoy.
Anyone interested in helping out can nominate online at the nominate online at the OzFish website. (ozfish.org.au/projects/tangle-bins/tangle-bins-northern-territory)
Ruby Hatfield, OzFish’s Northern Territory Project Officer, is enthusiastic about the impact of the project.
“While the vast majority of fishers take pride in making sure that rubbish associated with their fishing is disposed of appropriately, these bins make it easier than ever, with the added bonus of the potential to recycle those itemsinto new products instead of it going to landfill,” she said.
This project is a collaboration between OzFish Unlimited and the Amateur Fishermen's Association NT (AFANT), with funding from the NT Recreational Fishing Grants Scheme, and support from BCF - Boating, Camping, Fishing.
A dropbox of images is available here (please credit OzFish Unlimited in all usage): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/4jmwcznv75idmhnai6toj/h?rlkey=m7jc2sj6doqioh7yu4a9vj7c9&dl=0
If you would like to become a member of OzFish ,log onto www.ozfish.org.au or contact 1800 431 308.
About us:
About OzFish
OzFish Unlimited is a national environmental conservation charity established to improve the health of our rivers, lakes and estuaries. It is a member-based organisation dedicated to make our fishing grounds healthy, vibrant and more productive. Their active work includes; habitat restoration such as resnagging, riverbank planting, clean-ups, fishways, shellfish reefs and educational and community capacity building programs.
Contact details:
If you would like further information about this project or to interview Ruby Hatfield or David Ciaravolo, please contact OzFish Unlimited Communications Manager Paul Suttor.
0421 491 229 | paulsuttor@ozfish.org.au