Mote Marine Laboratory's Kids Fishing Clinic

On May 27th, Mote Marine Laboratory hosted a Kids Fishing Tournament at their Aquaculture Park for 5th grade students from Brentwood Elementary School. Participants took part in activities led by fishing experts, educators, and conservationists which taught them about fish biology, responsible fishing practices, fishing techniques and a variety of other topics. They were also given a chance to go fishing at one of the ponds on-site at Mote's Aquaculture Park. Lastly, they learned about Mote research and fisheries enhancement by going on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Aquaculture Park.

"Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project Chair, Sean Russell, was able to speak to the participants about the importance of properly recycling their used monofilament fishing line. Each of the participants received a personal-sized fishing line recycling bin. These bins were assembled by Sarasota County 4-H members. A special thanks to Mote Marine Laboratory for their continued support of the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project!

Florida 4-H Camp Staff Get Involved in the Project

On May 25th, "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project Chair, Sean Russell, attended a portion of the Florida 4-H State Camp Staff Training to teach the 2009 Florida 4-H Camp Staff about the importance of properly recycing monofilament fishing line and how to assemble personal-sized monofilament recycling bins. Youth participating in select Florida 4-H Camping Programs this summer will have the opportunity to get involved in the, "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project by assembling the personal-sized fishing line recycling bins as a camp craft and/or as a community service project. A special thanks to the Florida 4-H Camping Program for their support!

Sarasota County 4-H Members Meet to Assemble Recycling Bins

4-H Members from clubs throughout Sarasota County met on May 7th to assemble nearly 100 personal-sized fishing line recycling bins as part of the, "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project. These bins were made to distribute to youth participating in an upcoming Kids Fishing Clinic put on by Mote Marine Laboratory.

Bradford County 4-H Clover Blossoms Club Assembles 100 Recycling Bins

Members of the Clover Blossoms 4-H Club in Bradford County are protecting wildlife through the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project by assembling 100 personal-sized fishing line recycling bins. Paynes Prarie Preserve State Park in Micanopy, FL was one of the places these completed bins were distributed.