GREAT strides have been made in the efforts by anglers to dispose of waste line responsibly.
The Anglers National Line Recycling Scheme is celebrating their first anniversary with news of big expansion plans across Europe… and possibly beyond.
As well as over 300 sites all across the UK, the Anglers National Line Recycling Scheme have just launched their first scheme in Northern Ireland.
Not-for-profit Go Fishing NI will be acting as co-ordinators for the scheme working with fisheries, clubs, tackle shops and other organisations and businesses.
Line Recycling Scheme growth ‘phenomenal’
Anglers National Line Recycling Scheme founder Viv Shears (pictured) said: “The growth of the scheme in the UK has been phenomenal since it was launched 12 months ago.
“To increase the availability of recycling locations in Northern Ireland is fantastic and when Darren Walker approached us offering their support it was an obvious extension to the scheme.
Viv Shears of the Anglers National Line Recycling Scheme.
“A local focus within a region or country with proactive volunteers like those at Go Fishing NI can only be a positive for line recycling in general.
“Since then I’ve been approached by a magazine in Southern Ireland so that should be up and running soon.
“And in Belgium, they are just finishing a scheme based on ourselves and that’s 85 per cent there and should be up and running in the next month.
“We’ve also been invited to the EFTTEX show in Belgium in June, and our stand and expenses paid by the European Anglers Alliance and I think it could snowball from there.
“We’ve already got a meeting planned with a German organisation and I’m sure we’ll create a lot of interest.”
Next steps for Line Recycling Scheme
Viv revealed: “So far in the UK we’ve collected 2,500,000 metres of line and have a UK recycler partners in the form of The Maltings Organic Treatment Ltd.
“The first recycled line product should be finished soon with plywood-type building sheets but we hope next year to make frames for polarised glasses so it will turn full circle.
“We now have 240 shops signed up and over 70 fisheries, guides, charter boats and angling clubs as well braid and fly lines now being recycled too,” added Viv.
Darren Walker, founder of Go Fishing NI, commented: “I am delighted we will be part of such a wonderful and worthy scheme.
“Whatever our relationship is with angling, we have a responsibility to ensure its future by looking after the environment we fish in.
“Playing an active role in the Anglers National Line Recycling Scheme will help to ensure we look after our waterways for generations to come.”
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