The Tangaroa Blue Foundation, as part of the ReefClean program, has launched the project Rig Recycle, enabling fishers to recycle their used, broken and unwanted tackle at participating Boating, Camping and Fishing (BF) stores. The project aims to reduce the amount of recreational fishing gear going into landfill through a first-of-its kind initiative for the fishing industry.
The trial is currently being held across 12 BCF stores, in collaboration with OzFish, whose mission is to protect and restore fish habitat and support recreational fishers in these actions. Currently, old lures, hooks, sinkers, swivels, floats, line, and line spools can all be recycled or given a new life through the program.
Customers and BCF team members can drop their unwanted gear into the Rig Recycle bins in-store, which is collected by Tangaroa Blue Foundation staff and OzFish volunteers so that it can be sorted and the number of recycled fishing items can be counted. Data is then uploaded into the Australian Marine Debris Initiative Database, so that we can then see just how much fishing tackle is being saved from landfill by having the RIG RECYCLE BINS available. Anything in the bins that can be repaired will be repaired to create fishing kits for fishing charities, and the items that can’t be repaired will be recycled
To find the participating stores, and to find out more information on the program and what can go in the bins, please visit https://ozfish.org.au/projects/rig-recycle/
Pictures above from the Tangaroa Blue Foundation and Owen’s Wildlife Adventures
ReefClean is funded by the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and delivered by the Tangaroa Blue Foundation
