Stow It Don't Throw It

The Stow It-Don't Throw It Project is taking the simple concept of recycling to a shoreline near you.

This project is designed to empower youth to come together and combat the dangers of improperly disposed of monofilament fishing line by making and distributing personal-sized fishing line recycling bins to anglers and boaters, as well as by educating the public on sustainable fishing practices!

We know what you're thinking: What's that turtle got to do with fishing? Well...

Monofilament fishing line takes up to 600 years to decompose. Fishing line that is improperly disposed of in the environment can have many negative impacts on a variety of marine wildlife. Here are just a few of the startling statistics which emphasize the growing need for a solution to the problem of improperly disposed of monofilament fishing line...According to the Monofilament Recovery and Recycling Program, from 2000-2006, 298 sea turtles were entangled in fishing line in Florida...When wildlife become entangled in or ingest monofilament, it can result in the animals losing their flippers, tails, and wings, drowning, starvation, and death.

Oh, those poor turtles. And it's just as bad for other oceanic occupants: manatees, fish, birds, and dolphins are all effected by our lazy ways. Do your part, fisherpeople! The kids of Stow It-Don't Throw It Project are making it easy for you. Good job, kids! The turtles of the seas thank you. Or would, you know, if turtles could talk.