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ALEXANDRIA, Va. - In honor of Earth Day, 20 Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) staffers worked in conjunction with 10 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) employees to build 400 fishing line recycling bins in just under two hours. The three foot-long cylindrical bins constructed of PVC drain pipe are mounted to fishing piers, at launch ramps or marina boat docks, and are part of the Reel In and Recycle national fishing line recycling program. The bins are distributed to local groups around the country to help keep fishing line out of our waterways where it can be dangerous to wildlife. "NOAA's mission touches the lives of every American and we are proud of our role in protecting life and property and conserving and protecting natural resources," said NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco. "Earth Day is an opportunity for everyone to reflect on our connection to the natural world. Healthy oceans matter to all of us and we can all do our part to keep them vibrant. This project helps anglers take concrete steps to protect places in their own backyards." The 400 bins are already on their way to community groups, marinas and fishing clubs who had previously signed up to adopt one. This brings the total to nearly 2,000 bins around the country. "It's our goal to make fishing line recycling as commonplace as recycling cans and bottles," said Susan Shingledecker, the director of environmental programs for BoatUS Foundation. The program is funded by a grant from the NOAA Marine Debris Program and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and is matched by contributions from BoatUS members.
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