This American Oystercatcher’s right foot is cut and swollen due to tightly wrapped fishing line. Photo by Debbie Repasz

There are invisible shackles hidden in all of our oceans, lakes, and waterways. They imprison our wildlife in the very ecosystems they live in, leading to cuts, amputations, starvation, and even death. Unfortunately, this is no natural, circle of life situation. Humans are responsible for this material in the water and we need to be aware of the consequences. Let’s talk about lost and discarded fishing line.

First off, why is lost and discarded fishing line even a problem to begin with? Part of the issue is the fact that most fishing line takes an extremely long time to biodegrade. We’re talking 600 years, over twice the amount of time the United States has been a country. It’s also plentiful and very hard for animals to free themselves if they get stuck in it. It can look like food or contain entangled food, leading wildlife to mistakenly consume it. What is the result of an animal encounter with fishing line? Tangled feet and wings keep birds from walking and flying, making them vulnerable to predators and limiting their access to food. Tightly wrapped line can cut off circulation, potentially amputating whatever body part it’s caught on. Mistakenly eating fishing line can fatally damage internal organs and become impacted in the stomach, causing starvation. Some birds will even use fishing line as nesting material, inadvertently endangering their chicks. Then there’s “ghost fishing” – when nets, lines, crab traps, and other fishing gear continue to catch aquatic life even after they’ve been lost or discarded. It’s not just fish, either: Any kind of aquatic animal can be affected or killed by ghost fishing, from starfish to turtles to dolphins. Googling “fishing line and wildlife” will bring up numerous sobering photos and stories, if you want an eye-opening experience.

Now that we know what the problem is, we can talk about solutions. For one, monofilament fishing line, one of the most common kinds, is recyclable. Texas A&M’s Monofilament Recovery and Recycling webpage (mrrp.tamu.edu/binlocations.html) has a very long list of monofilament recycling bins in Texas, many of which are conveniently located right next to the bodies of water being fished. Line that can’t be recycled should be cut into very small pieces, less than 6 inches, and put into a trash can with a lid that’ll keep curious and hungry animals out and keep the fishing line from blowing away. What if you find an animal that’s caught in fishing line? The best thing for both your and the animal’s safety is to call a local wildlife rehabilitator and seek professional instructions. Want to just help out in general? Consider putting some time into a local shoreline cleanup event or volunteering to monitor one of the previously mentioned fishing line recycling bins. The more hands on deck, the more litter gets picked up, and the less our wildlife comes in contact with this life-threatening pollution.

Lost and discarded fishing line is not only a problem for our boat motors, but also for the diverse cast of animals we are lucky to call neighbors. There are steps we can take to lessen our impact and the more steps we take, the nicer the world will be for ALL of us.

Thank You
Thanks to Mary and Marion for helping me sell tickets for the Cemetery Association Fundraiser and also to all the relatives and friends who bought tickets to keep the Cemetery grass cut and looking beautiful.

Sally Ragusin

To the Editor, Dolphin Talk

A JOB WELL DONE

Recently I had an issue come up concerning my sewer tap here in POC. I explained my situation to two of the board members, which could have been a problem, and they handled my dilemma with integrity and true professionalism.

I commend them and the new board for this and for the wonderful job they are doing with our new engineer, John D. Mercer & Assoc., to improve our aging water and sewer system. I understand that even with the big rains we’ve had, there have been only a few minor problems with sewer backup.
I would like to express my personal sincere appreciation for their hard, dedicated work in maintaining and improving our systems. And I hope in the near future we have the finances to install POC customers with the improved self-reading water meters.

Again, my sincere appreciation,
Ricki McKinney

The Dolphin welcomes letters from our readers on any subject that is of general interest to our audience. Letters should be 300 words or less (exception at the Dolphin’s discretion). Letters reflect the opinion of the writer, and not that of Dolphin Talk staff, and we retain the right to determine suitability for publication. It is the policy of this newspaper to promote area interests; therefore, complaints against local businesses should be directed elsewhere. Letters must be signed and include day and evening phone numbers, which will not be published. Your name will be withheld upon request, but anonymous material will not be considered for publication.
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What a glorious Easter celebration we had this year! We greatly missed Doyle Adams and his son Jerry this year, but know that Doyle had a grander celebration that we, since he is forever with His Resurrected Lord! As a result, we did not get a head-count. Some told me that it was as large as last year and another told me it was twice as large. The size of the crowd is not the most important thing – it is great that most of our residents and visitors gather with us for this Sunrise Celebration – but the important thing is that we all recognize, “Because He Lives, I Can Face Tomorrow”! Cathy’s cinnamon rolls were even better than usual – thank you, Cathy! There was more coffee drank than usual. But, there was less clean-up because everyone pitched in and helped! The P.A. system was excellent and people told me they could hear almost every word. TOGETHER WE DO IT! Thanks to all who had a special part in it – those from First Baptist, Fisherman’s Chapel and elsewhere.

We participated in two “Water Town Hall Meetings” and appreciate the use of the school’s auditorium. Both meetings were well attended and all were relieved to hear the results of the Board’s long, hard work. Again, thanks to Danny for leading this working committee.

We were honored to host about 60 college kids from all over Texas who came here to pray for each other. It was so exciting to know that in the Christian organization known as Chi Alpha (Christ First), we have over 20,000 youth who are moving forward with the Lord and His work.
Many will be traveling overseas this summer for mission’s work and others will be going to home-state area of need to help practically as well as spiritually. The future is bright with these students leading the way!

Thanks to all who helped me celebrate another year with “Pie with the Pastor”! And, we can celebrate again any time you bring a pie around here!

Mother’s Day at the Chapel is always extra special. This year was no exception. Pastor Joane brought a special Mother’s message and we passed out special, gifts to every mother present.

We are excited about Warrior’s Weekend and invite all to Carol’s Egg Cracking Party on Friday, May 17, at 6:00 p.m. to help crack 350 dozen eggs! Then another welcome comes for those who will meet us by 4:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 18, to help cook and serve 2,000 breakfast tacos. There are many who have scheduled to work, but there is always need for additional help.

School is almost out, which means there are many summer activities planned. At the Chapel, we are planning a special Memorial Day service on May 26 at the 11:00 a.m. service.

Captain Robert will be here from May 31 to June 7 for another Sea Academy. Those interested in becoming a boat captain should call him at 361/758-6184. A number of graduates have already volunteered to help with an Old Pastors’ Fishing Retreat on June 28. If you would like to help, please call me at 361/218-6693.

Our men will be hosting a special breakfast on June 8 at 8:00 a.m. There will be lots of food, fellowship, and a special encouraging word by David. Come and bring a friend!

The Chapel is an interdenominational congregation that is busy working for the Lord’s Kingdom. We are right now trying to obtain additional Retreat Center space, and get long-awaited 50’ Lighted Cross erected. Please pray for us and help us as we seek additional ways to minister to people. Everyone is invited to be a part of any of our services and all are urged to, “Come, grow with us”!

Ricky Carter

Since 2005 Ricky Carter has been the Seadrift Harbor Master. That’s 14 years! Just what does a harbor master do? I wondered that myself and here is what I found out!

1. Ricky has oversight of all the stall rentals.
2. He mediates between commercial leases and the City.
3. He alerts the GLO (General Land Office) and the Coast Guard about any sunk boats.
4. He coordinates and oversees community service for municipal and JP courts in Calhoun County, and
every so often, in outlying counties. (The fishing cleaning table at the Seadrift harbor was built by Ricky and
Community Service workers.)
5. He monitors the street lights at the harbor.

Thank you, Ricky, for all that you do for the community! Keep up the good work!