Government Affairs
Lead In Fishing Tackle
The Issue
Mortality in some waterfowl species has been linked to ingestion of lead fishing sinkers and has prompted several states to impose bans on the sale or use of lead sinkers smaller than 1 ounce. In addition, in 2008 the American Fisheries Society and The Wildlife Society published recommendations about the use of lead sinkers proposing that they be phased-out and replaced by other metals or minerals. In response, the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) reviewed the existing science on the effects of lead on waterfowl populations to ensure further regulatory action is based upon the best available information.
Research
Read ASA’s scientific review of the issue.
ASA’s Position
Based on a review of the impact of lead sinkers on water bird populations, ASA has found that insufficient data exists to warrant state or federal bans on lead sinkers used for fishing. Further, the loon populations in the lower 48 states and Canada are stable and increasing in most cases. In general, loon populations, as well as other waterfowl species, are subject to much more substantial threats such as habitat loss through shoreline development.
Depending on the alternative metal and current prevailing raw material costs, non-lead fishing tackle products can cost from six to 20 times more than lead products. Non-lead products may not be as available and most do not perform as well. Mandatory transitioning to non-lead fishing tackle would require significant changes from both the industry and anglers.
ASA acknowledges that lead toxicosis can kill water birds and lead fishing sinkers may contribute to this mortality. ASA recommends that before further laws are enacted to restrict lead sinkers for fishing on a state or national basis, sufficient data must exist to demonstrate that discarded lead sinkers are an actual threat to the sustainability of loons or other water bird populations. ASA realizes that certain waters may be "hot spots" for ingestion of sinkers by water birds and encourages any restrictions of lead sinkers in those waters to be based on sound science that supports the appropriate action for that water body.
Furthermore, ASA continues to encourage and support voluntary angler education programs for the use and proper disposal of lead sinkers and urges state and federal fish and wildlife agencies to do the same.
Status of Lead Fishing Sinker Restrictions
National Park Service - On March 10, 2009, the National Park Service (NPS) announced its intention to ban ammunition and fishing tackle with lead components in national parks by 2010. Park Service officials have since stated the ban will apply on the NPS internal operations. ASA will continue to follow this issue and seek an appropriate rule-making process if the NPS goes forward with a ban on all use of lead fishing tackle.
- New Hampshire— The first state to ban the use of lead sinkers. Legislation passed in 1998 (effective in 2000). The legislation prohibits the use of lead sinkers in lakes and ponds up to one ounce and lead jigs up to one inch in length. Later expanded the legislation to include all waters of the state.
- Maine—Passed legislation in 2001 (effective January 1, 2002) to ban the sales of lead sinker ½ ounce or less.
- New York—Passed legislation in 2002 (effective May 2004) that bans the sale of lead sinkers to the end user.
- Vermont—Passed legislation prohibiting the sale (effective January 1, 2006) and use (effective January 1, 2007) of lead fishing sinkers ½ ounce or less. The state implemented a lead sinker education program beginning July 1, 2004.
- Massachusetts—The Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife has enacted an administrative rule that prohibits the use of lead fishing sinkers and jigs less than 1 ounce in all inland waters of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (effective January 1, 2012).
In addition, Canada’s federal government is also contemplating restrictions on lead fishing sinkers.
