The Government is asking the public to be careful about how they dispose of garbage and fish bones after fishing.

The Department of Health, along with the Department of Environmental Protection and Waste Management, have received complaints about bones and waste being left at popular fishing spots.

A Government spokesman said that fish racks, fish skeletons with the head, tail and a small amount of muscle, have been abandoned in large numbers on some docks and wharves. The rotting remains lead to flies and foul odours.

Along with being unpleasant, the abandoned bones can also injure swimmers.

"In some areas, especially sheltered, shallow waters, the racks literally litter the bottom and people swimming in these areas can become injured by the sharp bones," said the spokesman.

As the summer months continue, an increase in fishing has also led to more general waste, such as squid boxes, plastic bags, fish scales and old hooks, being left littering the Island's coastline.

To try to keep the coasts clean and safe, Government is asking those who fish to clean up their area when they're finished, washing away any blood or scales with water and picking up their garbage.

Fishermen are also being asked not to dispose of fish racks in shallow water.

In order to remind the public, the Government said that it would place new signs and garbage bins around the problem areas.

• To report a problem area, contact the Environmental Health section of the Department of Health at 278-4900.