Our friend, an experienced mariner, has survived hazardous conditions in the frigid Alaskan waters while working as a commercial fisherman on large factory ships and he knows knots. As he says, tying a fishing knot is an important and essential skill of fishing as well as knowing which knot to use when.
Over the years we have collected hundreds of 2-3“ cut pieces of rope from Kehoe Beach. They have always been a curious find. We had no idea of where or why until recently when talking with our friend who immediately identified them as scraps cut from tying and repairing fishing nets. We are grateful for his information about this mysterious bit of plastic pollution.
Although there are stiff Coast Guard* penalties for allowing anything plastic to go overboard…all too often, these seemingly inconsequential pieces are swept or inadvertently blown out to sea.
Each piece may be small, but they do add up.
*The U.S. Coast Guard regulations prohibit dumping of plastic refuse, and garbage mixed with plastic, into any waters. These restrictions apply to all U.S. watercraft where ever they operate. Violations may result in civil penalties up to $25,000, a fine up to $50,000 and/or a prison sentence of up to 5 years!