Cleaning up, hook, line and sinker

Published on 04 May 2023

Local anglers can now help protect our precious waterways thanks to the installation of four new ‘Seal the Loop’ bins around Lake Benalla for discarded fishing gear.

The new bins come as a result of a partnership between the Victorian Fishing Authority, Zoos Victoria and Benalla Rural City Council.

Under the existing Seal the Loop program, bins have been installed along waterways throughout Victoria, including around Lake Benalla, and are monitored by bin custodians committed to reducing fishing litter in the environment.

Mayor Cr Bernie Hearn, said the initiative would not only better protect our wildlife that call our lake home, but is also a great inclusion for our town to be part of such a simple but effective project.

“Our lake is home to so many amazing species and we all can play a part in protecting them,” Cr Hearn said.

“These bins will help ensure the animals that use our waterways avoid getting tangled up in discarded fishing line.

“Most recreational anglers do the right thing and take their waste home or place it in bins, but this project makes it even easier for them to do the right thing.

“The bins have been installed in selected fishing locations, making it easy for local anglers to ensure their waste never harms our wildlife,” Cr Hearn said.

Each year, hundreds of aquatic birds, mammals and fish are killed or injured by discarded fishing tackle.

There are currently more than 300 brightly coloured, recycled plastic bins installed at popular fishing locations across the state. So far, these bins have collected over 70kms of fishing line, and tens of thousands of hooks, sinkers and bait bags.

If you come across injured wildlife, the WIRES Rescue Office can be contacted 24/7 for wildlife information and rescue advice on 1300 094 737.