Gill van Wyk of Amanzimtoti Conservancy will introduce fishing line recycling bins on Toti beaches and she needs help with the project from local businesses.
“The bins originate in the Cape and are being used with great success on the beaches down there,” said Gill.
“The aim is to prevent sealife, such as dolphins, whales, turtles and all other sealife, plus seabirds and any dogs or children being injured by fishing tackle which is often left on the beaches by negilgent fishermen.
We request that these recycling units be used to dispose of any unwanted line to prevent such injuries.”
Last week the Sun reported on a woolly necked stork that became entangled in fishing line, but was fortunately rescued by Warner Beach resident, Carol Lane.
“Animals and birds frequently become entangled in line that is left on the rocks, beaches, rock pools or sea and often die as a result.
Gansbaai has an active conservnancy and the bins are sponsored by a motor dealership in that area. We seek sponsorship from local businesses that are committed to help provide a better environment for all inhabitants, on land or in the sea, in this area.” Hall’s Hardware has sponsored the first 10 bins. Companies or individuals can sponsor a bin for R500 and advertise on a board fitted to the top of the pole.
“These bins are a good idea,” said Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife district conservation officer, Lawrence Shezi. “In the five years I’ve been deployed in Toti, I’ve seen a lot of sea birds die after getting tangled in fishing line.”
Toti Conservancy has ordered 15 bins and hopes to place 15 of them from Toti main beach to Umnini beach. “We will also help neighbouring conservancies in the area who wish to use the bins. Look out for them and please only use the recepticles for fishing line and related tackle,” said Gill. To sponsor a bin, contact Gill on 071-403-0320.
