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Fishermen try to mend their nets, clean them and store them properly to extend the life of these tools of their trade, but over time some nets will inevitably have to be replaced.

However, in keeping with the "green" movement, old nets can now be brought in for recycling throughout the Kenai Peninsula.

"The goal of the program is to find alternative uses for gillnets that take up unnecessary space in the landfill," said Naomi Hagelund, a coordinator for the program being conducted by United Cook Inlet Drift Association.

The UCIDA program is being funded through Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission from a grant obtained from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation/NOAA Marine Debris program.

"It's common for fishermen to strip their old nets at the start of the season, and this is a good way for them to get rid of an old net and know it'll do something good," Hagelund said.

Nets are being collected in numerous locations from Nikiski to Homer.

"They can be dropped off at landfills, fish processing plants and at gear shops, such as Silvertip in Kasilof and Kachemak Gear Shed in Homer," Hagelund said.

Nets should be clean and free of any debris, They should also have all lines, floats and non-nylon material removed, and be bundled for drop-off.

"So far, we have two large fish totes filled with nets we've collected," Hagelund said.

When sufficient numbers of nets are gathered, they will be bailed and sent to Seattle for further processing at Skagit River Steel and Recycling, Inc., a major processor/supplier to the recycling industry with markets nationally and internationally.

"From there, they'll get shipped to Asia, where they'll be melted into plastic pellets and used for the manufacturing of other products, such as car parts and bike seats"' Hagelund said.

For more information on the program, call 398-3201.

Joseph Robertia can be reached at joseph.robertia@peninsulaclarion.com.