Stewardship Tip Aug22nd, 2008 -Lead Free Fishing
Lead is a naturally occurring element. It has been prized for its density, malleability, and low cost.
Lead is also a known carcinogen. It can poison multiple organs and lead to anemia, central and peripheral neuropathy, nephrotoxicity, hypertension, and alteration to endocrine and reproductive function. Because of its toxicity, lead content has been limited in paint, water, and gasoline. Lead shot has been banned for all waterfowl hunting in the United States and Canada. Weights, lures, and sinkers made of lead are prohibited in many national parks, including Yellowstone and Glacier.
Lead holds no bias, it can poison mammals, birds, and fish. Loons are particularly susceptible, as are many species of ducks, to poisoning from lead fishing tackle; they swallow pebbles and small rocks to aid in digestion. Lost or discarded lead fishing tackle is often taken in with the stones and will reside in the bird’s gizzard. The grinding action of the gizzard and the presence of digestive acids release ionic lead into the upper digestive tract and from there into the bloodstream and throughout the body.
Since 1987, researchers at Tufts University have studied the causes of mortality in the Loon population of the Northeast United States. In 44% of the cases, ingestion of lead fishing gear led to death by lead poisoning!
Make the switch: We can prevent lead poisoning of our avian populations by making the switch to non-toxic tackle. If you have not switched, now is the perfect time to do so. Tackle manufacturers have stepped into the ring to provide an array of alternatives to lead tackle. Tin, less dense than lead, is the lightweight entry in the non-toxic division. Tin is used to create effective and reusable split shot. Steel, the economical bantamweight, is slightly denser than tin. Steel bullet sinkers run about ten cents each. Bismuth is the middleweight and is slightly less dense than lead. It is used effectively for jig heads. Tungsten is the heavyweight of the division. It is as dense as gold but is much harder.
Why it is important to the fish: As stewards of our aquatic ecosystems, we are committed to eliminating the introduction of toxic substances into our water. We know that our actions can affect the future of avian species and, ultimately, the health of our streams, rivers, and lakes. Loons and ducks play in important role in the health of our fisheries.
There are many alternatives to lead sinkers and jigs; they are available at reasonable prices. Lead poisoning and the resultant water bird deaths are preventable.
For more information on Lead Free Fishing, visit the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s Website.
This week’s sponsor-partner: Bullet Weights
Bullet Weights offer a wide range of non-toxic alternatives including Ultra Steel, Tin and Brass sinkers. Their partnership makes this week’s “Stewardship Tip” possible.
Rising demand for our weekly Stewardship Tip and a new partnership with Fly Cast America now makes the Stewardship Tip available in Spanish. Ahora, reciba el Stewardship Tip en español. Gentileza de Fly Cast America.
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