VERO BEACH – Coastal Connections, Inc., a Vero Beach-based non-profit dedicated to safeguarding coastal habitats and aiding sea turtle recovery, is making waves with the launch of an expanded sustainability program aimed at tackling a pervasive environmental threat: monofilament fishing line.
The organization, a 501(c)(3) founded in 2017 by Kendra (Cope) Bergman, has installed 41 updated Fishing Line Recycling Tubes across Indian River County’s 22.4-mile coastline, offering a practical solution to a problem that endangers wildlife and lingers in the environment for centuries.
Monofilament, a single-strand plastic commonly used in fishing lines, poses a significant risk to coastal ecosystems. Non-biodegradable and capable of persisting in nature for at least 600 years, it can choke or entangle sea turtles, birds, and other wildlife.
Yet, its single-filament structure also makes it recyclable—a fact Coastal Connections is leveraging to turn a hazard into an opportunity. The newly revitalized program places recycling tubes at docks, piers, jetties, beach accesses, and popular fishing spots, encouraging residents and visitors alike to dispose of used fishing line responsibly.
Volunteers with Coastal Connections will maintain the initiative by emptying the tubes and sorting collected monofilament during quarterly community sorting days. The collected fishing line is sent to the Berkley Conservation Institute (Pure Fishing), where it’s melted into plastic pellets and transformed into useful items like tackle boxes, aquarium habitats, and fishing spools. This process completes a cycle that clears away dangerous debris while giving it a new purpose.
The program aligns with Coastal Connections’ broader “Vero Goes Zero” sustainability initiative, which seeks to foster positive behavior change among Indian River County’s residents and guests. The group has a range of hands-on programs to highlight coastal conservation, fueled by a dedicated crew of volunteers who are skilled at turning scientific ideas into practical, community-friendly efforts.
To spread the word, Coastal Connections is hosting several upcoming events where the public can learn more about the recycling effort and the organization’s mission:
- Lunch and Learn Series at the Environmental Learning Center on February 19th, 12:00 PM-1:00 PM
- “Let’s Tackle Fishing Line Debris” at the Sebastian Inlet State Park Fishing Museum on February 22nd, 5:00 PM-6:00 PM
- “Let’s Tackle Fishing Line Debris” at the Barrier Island Sanctuary on March 29th, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
To support this event or to learn more about its mission, please contact them via email: info@coastal-connections.org.
