03/11/2010: "Ban On Lead Tackle Proposed"

Because of its impact on some birds such as loons, the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is considering a proposal to ban lead in some fishing gear.

Lead has been used in fishing tackle for centuries. It is effective and inexpensive but it can be toxic at very low levels.

This is a very controversial issue as alternatives are needed before a ban can be enacted as to not impact recreational fishing. The SeaDoc Society helped the Washington State Chapter of Professional Wildlife Biologists submit the Wildlife Society's position statement on this controversial issue to the State Fish and Wildlife Commission.

The Wildlife Society's Position Statement can be found on-line. Basically, it acknowledges that lead is a broad-spectrum toxicant to humans and wildlife and that replacement of fishing tackle with nontoxic products should be done. It also recognizes that complete replacement might not be possible. Finally, it states that a collaborative effort by fishermen, wildlife biologists, private citizens and policy makers is needed to accomplish this.