Three new Seal Loop bins have been installed around the Werribee South jetty and boat ramp to collect fishing waste.
The issue was raised with the Werribee River Association (WRA) by local resident Susanne Jensen, who noticed a significant amount of fishing line scattered around the area.
After taking the matter to Victorian Fisheries and Zoos Victoria, the bins were installed and will be maintained by council.
Discarded fishing waste poses a serious threat to local wildlife and pets alike, according to the WRA.
Birds, fish and other mammals can ingest fishing hooks or become entangled in fishing line and nets, with freshwater turtles and platypus even being affected further up the river.
The impact of fishing waste is not limited to pets and wildlife, as microplastics end up in local waterways and can be harmful to humans.
To improve community engagement, WRA is working with Wyndham Community Education Centre to help educate anglers on getting the right permits, using the correct gear and which gear is legal.
WRA programs manager Jessica Fairfax said anglers can take action to minimise harm to the environment.
“Just making sure that when people are fishing that they leave no trace, because it’s going to mean we’re going to have healthier fish stocks,” she said.
The WRA also want recreational fishers to be mindful of other forms of waste they leave behind.
“We know where a fishing hot spot is because there’s a whole of cans and bottles, ” Ms Fairfax said.
Community members are encouraged to pick up fishing waste if they see it and discard it of correctly.
Jaidyn Kennedy
