Fishing tangle bins are being installed across popular fishing spots in the Darwin and Palmerston region to keep the waterways clean from discarded fishing waste.

OzFish Unlimited in partnership with Amateur Fishermen’s Association NT will be installing tangle bins across frequented fishing spots around Darwin and Palmerston waterways to aid in keeping the areas free of discarded fishing gear.

The project, which is being undertaken by OzFish Unlimited in partnership with the Amateur Fishermen’s Association NT, will see the fishing community to set up permanent bins in eight designated areas where recreational fishers frequently dangle a line.

OzFish, as part of its Tackle Loop initiative, will recycle recovered lines and other discarded fishing gear.

“While the vast majority of fishers take pride in making sure that rubbish associated with their fishing is disposed of appropriately, these bins make it easier than ever, with the bonus of the potential to recycle those items into new products instead of it going to landfill,” OzFish NT project officer Ruby Hatfield said.

AFANT said it is looking forward to the project and called for people to help in monitoring, emptying, and ensuring that the tangle bins remain safe.

“Most fishers see themselves as stewards of our environment, so we look forward to working with OzFish on this initiative and will be actively promoting opportunities for fishers to get involved,” AFANT CEO David Ciaravolo said.

The project is also supported by Boating, Camping, and Fishing (BCF).

OzFish is a national environmental conservation charity focusing on maintaining healthy rivers, lakes, and estuaries. The group’s active works include habitat restoration, riverbank planting, clean-ups, fishways, shellfish reefs, and educational and community capacity-building programs.

Anyone interested in helping out can nominate online at ozfish.org.au/projects/tangle-bins/tangle-bins-northern-territory.