Monofilament Fishing Line and Bald Eagles Do Not Mix ....
By The Arizona Game and Fish Department



The Arizona Game and Fish Department would like to remind all anglers that the improper use and disposal of fishing line (a.k.a. monofilament) can have a dramatic impact on our wildlife. In addition to being an eye-sore along our waterways, many shore birds, migratory birds, waterfowl, and raptors have become entangled in monofilament and died.

HOW ANIMALS COME IN CONTACT WITH MONOFILAMENT
There are a variety of ways animals encounter monofilament. Shore birds and waterfowl have been entangled in the litter while wading or swimming. Raptors and fish-eating waterfowl have ingested hooks and monofilament from fish that broke the line. Some migratory birds have used it as nesting material.

Starvation is the most common demise for animals encountering monofilament. The line wraps around the neck or accumulates in the stomach, preventing the ingestion of food. It can also immobilize the animals by wrapping around the legs, or securing them to stationary objects.

In a study of Arizona's bald eagle breeding population, nearly half of the breeding areas have recorded monofilament entanglement or its presence in the nest. Two bald eagle nestlings have died from starvation due to monofilament.

HELP FROM ANGLERS
Help from all anglers is needed to reduce the amount of fishing line in the environment. By using common knowledge and respecting our waterways, we can all help to reduce the risk of wildlife related mortalities due to monofilament.

A nestling bald eagle is rescued after being entangled in monofilament.The adult bald eagles caught and delivered a fish that broke the line.
  • Properly dispose of unused monofilament in trash containers, or better still, into the recycling bins of fishing stores around the valley. Manufacturing companies like Strenİ and Berkleyİ convert recycled monofilament into tackle boxes, lures, and other plastic items.

  • Use the appropriate test line for the desired fish and fishing technique. A six pound test line will work great for crappie and small-mouth bass, but a 20 pound test should be used for flathead catfish. In addition, trolling or bank fishing anglers should use a stronger pound test line than those casting or jigging.

  • Replace monofilament yearly. Due to Arizona's extreme temperature regimes, monofilament can become damaged or brittle during the wide temperature variations of the non-fishing season. By replacing your monofilament annually, you can reduce the chance of breaking the line.

  • Take the initiative while enjoying Arizona's vast wilderness. Help keep Arizona's waterways clean by picking-up discarded monofilament and tackle along the shores. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
     A migratory bird nest made entirely from monofilament, leaders, hooks and weights. Birds often mistake discarded monofilament as nesting material.

For additional information, contact:

Arizona Game and Fish Department
5000 West Carefree Highway
Phoenix, Arizona 85086-5000