Do you know how to tie fishing knots?
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An initiative of the Tangaroa Blue Foundation, the 'look after your tackle' campaign urges recreational fishers to properly dispose of fishing tackle and to "know their knots" to prevent unexpected losses.
The Eurobodalla Shire Council urged local and visiting fishers to support the nationwide campaign aimed at reducing lost fishing line in waterways.
The council said fishing line was one of the top 20 items of litter impacting Australian waterways, where it can kill and injure marine life.
The Look after your Tackle campaign has online activities where fishers can test themselves against knot-tying expert Adam Royle, from the Australian National Sportfishing Association - try to beat his 9.5-second improved clinch knot!
Eurobodalla Council's environmental education officer Bernadette Davis said fishing line remained in the aquatic environment long after its disposal.
"Discarded fishing line can severely injure or kill marine mammals and sea birds by entanglement, restricting their mobility and causing starvation, infection, amputation and eventually death," she said.
"We are asking our local and visiting fisherfolk to get on board with this national campaign and look after your tackle.
"Make sure you take any line or packaging with you when you are out at your favourite fishing spot and check that your knots are secure to avoid loss of gear."
The council has installed fishing-tackle-debris bins at popular locations throughout the shire for beachgoers and anglers to use, maintained by fabulous volunteers.
"Next time you are out and see one of our tackle bins, take a moment to look around and pick up any discarded fishing tackle you see - you may just be saving a life," Ms Davis said.
"And if you have a favourite fishing spot with a discarded fishing line problem, we would like to hear about it.
"Contact Bernadette.davis@esc.nsw.gov.au to find out how you can help."
For more information on the campaign - including the 'know your knots' challenge - head to www.tangaroablue.org/amdi-network/reefclean/lookafteryourtackle/
