A new program to reduce fishing litter and create a safer and cleaner environment for everyone will benefit North Narrabeen.
Northern Beaches Council is installing “tangle bins” at popular fishing spots around the lagoon, including Pelican Path at Lake Park Road. These specialised bins provide a dedicated place to dispose of unwanted fishing gear, reducing the risk of animal harm and keeping the area tidy for all users.
This move comes in response to growing concerns about the impact of fishing-related litter across New South Wales. Discarded items like hooks and fishing line pose a significant threat to birds and marine life, often causing injuries or entanglement. The new bins aim to combat this issue by providing an easy and accessible way for anglers to responsibly dispose of their used tackle.
The tangle bins will accept a variety of fishing waste, including:
- Fishing line
- Rinsed bait packaging
- Hooks
- Lures
- Sinkers
- Swivels
The initiative is collaborative between Northern Beaches Council, OzFish Unlimited, and the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA). The bins will be monitored to assess their effectiveness and identify the types of waste being collected. Where possible, the collected fishing waste will be recycled through the OzFish Tackle Loop program.
The NSW EPA’s Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy, supported by the waste levy, is funding the project. This expansion builds on the success of existing tangle bins at three other Northern Beach locations. With the addition of these six new sites, the council hopes to see a significant reduction in fishing-related litter and a cleaner, safer environment for everyone.
Published Date 23-Jan-2025
Photo Credit: OzFish
