12 July 2012
Fishermen are being reminded to take their litter home at the end of a fishing trip.
Reports have been received by Department of the Environment Marine Resources Officers about litter at popular fishing marks around the coast, in particular Sorel Point.
Marine and Coastal Officer Greg Morel said that as well as the aesthetic impact, litter is a danger to marine species and habitats and also to people using the coast.
“Taking your litter home with you takes very little effort but has a significant environmental benefit, not to mention the improvement for others who fish that site. Discarded fishing tackle and other fishing related litter often makes up a major proportion of the overall litter and, with much of it being plastic, it can take hundreds of years to biodegrade,” he said.
Together with ECO-Active Marine Partner, the Radisson Hotel, and other organisations, schools and individuals, the Department of the Environment supports and facilitates beach cleans throughout the year.
Environment Minister Deputy Rob Duhamel said “We are incredibly fortunate to have the coastal and marine environment we do and it is our responsibility to ensure it remains clean and safe. Ensuring all individuals take home their own litter is an important part of this.”
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