Submit
your comments to the Environmental Protection Agency opposing the
proposed ban on lead in fishing tackle
The Situation
On August 23, 2010, the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was petitioned by the Center for
Biological Diversity and four other organizations to ban all lead in
fishing tackle under the Toxic Substances Control Act. This includes
sinkers, jigs, weighted fly line, and components that contain lead such
as brass and ballast in a wide variety of lures, including spinners,
stick baits and more.
It
is important that anglers send
your comments now! Let your voice be heard!
On
August 27, 2010, the EPA denied the petition for ammunition but
maintained the petition to ban lead fishing tackle. Supporters
of hunting and the shooting sports have been successful in having
ammunition excluded from this ban.
The petition
was presented with the aim of reducing bird deaths caused by the
ingestion of lead sinkers and jigheads; however, a study conducted by the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found that less than one percent of all
waterfowl and other birds such as eagles are killed by lead sinker
ingestion.
The
reasons for opposing the ban are:
- The data does not support
a federal ban on lead sinkers used for fishing. In general, bird
populations, including loons and other waterfowl species, are
subject to much more substantial threats such as habitat loss
through shoreline development. Any lead restrictions need to be
based on sound science that supports the appropriate action for a
particular water body or species.
- Depending on the
alternative metal and current prevailing raw material costs,
non-lead fishing tackle products can cost from six to 15 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.
- A federal ban of the use
of lead in fishing tackle will have a significant negative impact on
recreational anglers and fisheries resources, but a negligible
impact on waterfowl populations.
- America's 60 million
anglers generate over $45 billion in retail sales with a $125
billion impact on the nation’s economy creating employment for over
one million people.
Anglers
are encouraged to support voluntary angler education programs for the use
of lead sinkers and should urge state and federal fish and wildlife
agencies to do the same.
How
You Can Help
The
EPA has opened the petition for public comments. Click
here to submit
your comments to the EPA and your members of Congress.
