by Phoebe Faint
One of the best parts about living on Long Island is the proximity to good fishing. Whether you enjoy fishing from your boat or simply casting off of a nearby shore, you have a good chance of catching some dinner, or at least a sea robin or two.
Because this pastime is such an important part of Long Island’s culture and economy, we must practice good fishing habits to protect the health of fish populations and our beaches.
No one likes it when their relaxing day at the beach is tarnished by worrying that they are going to step on an old, rusty fish hook.
At beaches such as Goldsmith’s Inlet in Peconic, it is common to find old hooks, lures, and line strewn across the beach, right where you are walking and swimming. This problem has been a concern at Goldsmith’s for years, despite the garbage bins in the parking lot.
Not only is discarded fishing gear dangerous to humans, but it is also detrimental to some wildlife species.
According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, monofilament fishing line takes 600 years to break down and causes harm to marine wildlife in the form of ingestion, which often causes a slow death via starvation.
Animals that can be harmed include: dolphins, whales, seals, sea turtles, ospreys, bald eagles, and so many more.
Ironically, the very animals that fishermen are trying to hunt are experiencing a population decline because of fishing line. Fish ingest fishing line or get it wrapped around their gills, and they die. How are we supposed to continue to enjoy fishing if there are no more fish to catch?
There’s a lot you can do to help! Cut your line into less than six inches and either recycle it in a Monofilament Line Recycling Bin, like those found at many of our beaches, or place it in a trash can. For the sake of beachgoers, wildlife, and your future enjoyment of this pastime, dispose of your fishing line, hooks, lures, and rods properly.
Phoebe Faint is a n incoming senior at Southold High School. She has participated in various environmental projects with the Group for the East End, the Audubon Society, and the Girl Scouts. She is currently the President of the Environmental Club at her school and a junior member of the CAC. She is also a leader of the Youth Environmental Task Force, which is working on doing trail restorations, preserving oyster reefs, and educating the community.
The Southold Youth Environmental Task Force Initiative (YETI) was formed in 2025 by the youth membership of the Southold Town Conservation Advisory Council. The Task Force is working this year on cleaning up Southold Town trails and recycling oyster shells from local restaurants.
