City of Greater Geraldton urges fishers to use new ‘Reel It In’ tackle bins at Chapman River Estuary Reserve

Fishers have been gifted a tool to ensure they help protect the environment — four fishing tackle collection bins installed at the Chapman River Estuary Reserve.

The bright yellow Reel It In bins were a primary recommendation in the Chapman River Estuary Reserve Action Plan and gives fishers the opportunity to responsibly dispose of their fishing tackle waste.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Jerry Clune said the bins would have a positive impact on the environment and urged all fishers to look out for them and use them.

“Now that bins have been installed recreational fishers can easily and safely dispose their waste such as fishing lines and hooks,” he said.

“This will reduce the amount of wildlife getting entangled in discarded fishing lines and hooks which often leads to serious injuries or even death to these animals.”

The Reel It In campaign, run by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions in Perth and Peel since 2013, has captured more than 50km of fishing line and thousands of hooks, sinkers and bait bags.

Local group, Chapman River Friends, will be helping the City to empty and maintain the bins. The contents of the bins will be recorded on the Tangaroa Blue Australian Marine Debris Initiative Database.

The data will help the City to monitor the success of the project over its lifespan while enabling better management of fishing debris in the estuary.

If you see sick or injured wildlife, please call the Wildcare Helpline on 08 9474 9055.