Why Does Fishing Line Take So Long To Biodegrade: Unraveling The Environmental Impact

Have you ever wondered about the environmental impact of fishing line disposal? Monofilament fishing line, a commonly used type of fishing line, can take an astonishingly long time to biodegrade, estimated at around 600 years. This extended decomposition period poses significant challenges for our ecosystems and aquatic environments. When monofilament line is lost during fishing activities, whether it’s due to snagged lures or improper disposal overboard, it can persist in the environment for centuries, potentially harming marine life and disrupting aquatic ecosystems. The slow biodegradation of monofilament fishing line underscores the importance of responsible fishing practices and proper disposal methods to minimize its environmental impact.

Biodegradable fishing line, known as Bioline, decomposes relatively quickly in the environment, taking approximately five years to break down into a minimal amount of carbon dioxide and water. In contrast, traditional fishing lines made of materials like nylon monofilaments can persist for up to 600 years, while fluorocarbon lines and high-performance materials like Spectra and Dyneema can endure even longer. Bioline, therefore, stands out as a much more environmentally friendly option, offering a remarkable 99% reduction in the active life of the fishing line within the environment. This means that Bioline degrades significantly faster and has a substantially smaller ecological impact compared to conventional fishing lines made of non-biodegradable materials.

Why is fishing line detrimental to the environment? Fishing line poses significant environmental risks when not disposed of properly, especially in the case of monofilament fishing line, which has an astonishingly slow decomposition rate, lasting roughly 600 years. This persistent fishing line can harm wildlife in two primary ways: through entanglement and ingestion. When fishing line is abandoned in natural habitats, it can ensnare and injure wildlife, such as birds, marine mammals, and fish, which may become entangled in its web-like structure. Additionally, aquatic creatures may mistakenly ingest fragments of fishing line, leading to potentially lethal consequences. These environmental concerns highlight the importance of responsible fishing line disposal to protect our ecosystems and their inhabitants. [Date: April 19, 2018]