SAY GOODBYE TO LEAD

Are Lead Fishing Weights Bad For The Environment?

Many of us were taught that materials containing lead could result in potential health concerns in humans. This discovery pushed for many products to stop using lead. But many anglers are aware that the majority of sinkers used today are made from lead-based materials. So why is lead still being used for fishing weights, and is it harmful to the environment?

Lead-based sinkers are extremely poisonous to wildlife. Several international studies have indicated that hundreds of tonnes of sinkers are lost in water each year. These sinkers slowly leach out lead into the water affecting fish and wildlife over time, harming them and, in some cases, lead poisoning causing death.

Many anglers today have enjoyed the benefits that lead fishing weights have provided for years. But now we understand the impact of lead fishing weights on the water we swim in, the fish we eat, and the other wildlife that drink the water.

What is the Environmental Impact of Using Lead Based Fishing Weights?

There have been several international studies conducted investigating the environmental impact of using lead weights for fishing. The issues have less to do with using lead weights, but the long-term impact on the environment when these lead weights are lost in the water.

A Canadian study found that approximately 460 tonnes of lead sinkers and jigs are lost each year in Canadian waters. Under the right waters conditions, such as acidic water, the lead particles will erode and dissolve into the water. These lead particles get consumed by small organisms in the water, fish, and other wildlife that drink the water like birds.

Birds seem to be affected the most by the increasing lead toxicity levels. In the US state of New Hampshire, 48% of the deaths of adult loons were accounted to lead poisoning. Further international studies have found that over twenty species in North America, including swans, cranes, waterfowl and loons, are at severe risk.

Not only is this bad for the environment, but it’s also bad for you. If smaller orgasms are eating lead particles found in the water, the fish you catch and eat will also have higher lead levels. Humans are also subjected to lead poisoning, especially with children.

Are Lead Fishing Weights Banned?

The legislation regarding the use and selling of lead sinkers varies from state to state.

In most states, it’s illegal to use lead jigs and sinkers weighing less than 1 oz.

New York, Washington and Vermont have banned the sale of lead fishing weights weighing one half ounce, or less. Massachusetts' Fisheries and Wildlife Board, Maine's SB 268 (2013), and New Hampshire's SB 89 (2013), have all banned the use and sale of jigs and sinkers weighing one ounce or less.

Most recently, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe issued an order to ban lead bullets and fishing gear (like sinkers and jig heads) on all agency-managed lands.

Say Goodbye to Toxic Lead.

It's Time to Get Back to Earth.