Protecting Wildlife One Cast at a Time: New Fishing Gear Receptacle Installed at San Dieguito Lagoon

July 15, 2025

ocean | Wetlands

By Lillie Mulligan

Discarded fishing gear may seem like a small problem—but at San Dieguito Lagoon in Del Mar, California, it’s been creating serious challenges for local wildlife and the health of this unique coastal ecosystem. In response, we at WILDCOAST have teamed up with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), California State Parks, and the California Coastal Commission to install a dedicated fishing gear receptacle at the lagoon.

This collaborative effort is designed to promote responsible angling (fishing with a rod and line) and protect the San Dieguito Lagoon State Marine Conservation Area, a Marine Protected Area (MPA) that provides critical habitat for marine species like the California halibut, as well as endangered birds such as the snowy plover and the California least tern.

While recreational fishing is permitted along a designated shoreline, the problem of discarded hooks and fishing lines has grown–and so has community concern. Fishing gear left behind can entangle birds and other wildlife, causing injury or even death.

“We are grateful to our community for raising awareness about the impact of discarded fishing gear,” said Lillie Mulligan, WILDCOAST’s Senior Ocean Conservation Coordinator. “By providing a convenient way to dispose of fishing gear, we can significantly reduce pollution and safeguard our coastal resources.”

The newly installed receptacle gives anglers a designated place to safely dispose of used fishing lines and hooks. WILDCOAST will regularly maintain the station and send the collected gear to Berkley Fishing, where it will be properly recycled.

“Fishing is a great way to connect with nature, but responsible angling is essential,” added Gabriel Peñaflor, CDFW Environmental Scientist for the South Coast Region. “Knowing the regulations, respecting MPAs, and properly disposing of gear are key to keeping San Dieguito Lagoon clean and healthy.”

The project is part of the California Fishing Line Recycling Program, supported through the California Clean and Green Program led by California State Parks and the California Coastal Commission.

“To date, we’ve installed 529 recycling stations across California, collecting over 3,200 pounds of fishing line—enough to stretch from San Francisco to Bahia Negra, Paraguay!” said Vivian Matuk, Environmental Boating Program Manager.

Know Before You Go: San Dieguito Lagoon MPA Rules

If you’re planning to fish at San Dieguito Lagoon, it’s important to follow these regulations:

• Only recreational hook-and-line fishing for finfish from shore is allowed 
• Boating, swimming, wading, and diving are prohibited 
• The area is closed from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. 
• Always follow posted signage and carry a valid California fishing license (available here)

For detailed regulations and MPA boundaries, visit:
 wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/MPAs/San-Dieguito-Lagoon#regulations

And for GPS coordinates of MPAs, download the FishLegal app.

About the Partners:

• WILDCOAST is an international conservation organization that conserves coastal and marine ecosystems and addresses climate change through natural solutions. Learn more at wildcoast.org. 
• California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) manages the state’s diverse wildlife and habitats for ecological integrity and public enjoyment. 
• California State Parks preserves biological and cultural resources and supports public education and outdoor recreation. Visit parks.ca.gov. 
• California Coastal Commission protects and enhances California’s coast and ocean for environmentally sustainable use. Learn more at coastal.ca.gov. 

Let’s keep San Dieguito Lagoon clean, beautiful, and safe for everyone—especially the wildlife that depends on it.