WILDCOAST installs discarded fishing gear bin at San Dieguito Lagoon
San Dieguito Lagoon File photo courtesy of San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy Conservation organization WILDCOAST released Wednesday it partnered with several state agencies to install a dedicated fishing gear receptacle at San Dieguito Lagoon to collect discarded gear The installation with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife California State Parks and the California Coastal Commission is in response to group concerns about trash left at the sensitive Marine Protected Area San Dieguito Lagoon provides habitat for species like the California halibut and endangered birds such as the snowy plover and California least tern while also allowing space for recreational opportunities However discarded fishing lines and hooks pose serious risks to wildlife including injury and entanglement WILDCOAST agents disclosed We are grateful to our region for raising awareness about the impact of discarded fishing gear stated Lillie Mulligan WILDCOAST s senior ocean conservation coordinator By providing a convenient way to dispose of fishing gear we can significantly reduce waste and safeguard our coastal tools The organization will maintain the receptacle and send the collected gear to Berkley Fishing for proper recycling Fishing is a great way to connect with nature but responsible angling is essential commented Gabriel Pe aflor CDFW environmental scientist for the south coast region Knowing the regulations respecting MPAs and properly disposing of gear are key to keeping San Dieguito Lagoon clean and healthy San Dieguito Lagoon State Ecological Reserve is a -acre property at the terminus of the San Dieguito River California State Parks and the California Coastal Commission are proud to endorsement this initiative through our California Clean and Green Activity disclosed Vivian Matuk environmental boating effort manager This effort part of the California Fishing Line Recycling Plan supports our statewide mission To date we ve installed recycling stations across California collecting pounds of fishing line enough to stretch from San Francisco to Bahia Negra Paraguay WILDCOAST is an organization that conserves coastal and marine ecosystems and addresses surroundings change through natural solutions
