Dorset's anglers help wildlife

A scheme to protect wildlife from discarded fishing line has been a great success. The SeaClean scheme began in 2007, with special bins placed at popular angling spots along the coast to collect unwanted fishing line.   In 2009, following demand from anglers, seven new bins were installed, extending the scheme to the whole of the Dorset coast from Christchurch to West Bay. Already a large wheelie bin of line has been gathered for recycling.   As well as fishing line, unwanted tackle is sometimes put into the bins, which is given back to anglers to re-use in return for a donation towards the scheme.

Thank you to anglers 

Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Julie Hatcher (pictured), who is responsible for starting the project in Dorset, said: "I would like to thank all the anglers who have supported the SeaClean Project by recycling their unwanted line and by sponsoring bins. I am amazed at how much line has been collected already, some of which, I am sure, would otherwise have made its way into the sea."  Marine conservationists were concerned about the amount and variety of sealife that was being affected by lost fishing line, from entangled crabs and seafan corals to injured seabirds and seals. The project aims to reduce the amount of line entering the marine environment, where it could last for more than 600 years.

Seaclean locations

Seaclean bins, which are monitored and emptied by volunteers, can be found at the following locations in Dorset: 

• Poole - ­ Hamworthy Lake Pier, Baiter & Sandbanks
• Kimmeridge
• Swanage ­ pier (pictured) and angling club/ slipway
• Weymouth ­ stone pier
• Christchurch ­ Mudeford Quay and Friars Cliff Beach
• West Bay ­ Jurassic Pier
• West Bexington car park

What can I do now

Click here to search for the next beach clean.