Leslie Massey
Lead sinkers, which are traditionally used in fishing because they are inexpensive and easily moulded, have been banned in several US states, including New York, Maine, and New Hampshire. This is because lead has been proven to be toxic to fish, birds, and other animals, including humans. In Australia, there is currently no ban on lead sinkers, but international moves to ban them are expected.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for banning lead sinkers | Lead is toxic to fish, birds, and other animals (including humans) if it enters the ecosystem |
| International moves to ban lead sinkers | The Convention for the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) is recommending “guidelines” to prevent poisoning of migratory birds |
| US ban on lead sinkers | The sale and use of lead sinkers that do not meet the length (2.5 inches) and/or weight (1 ounce) requirements is prohibited in some states |
| Australian ban on lead sinkers | There is no explicit mention of a ban on lead sinkers in Australia, but there are discussions and recommendations for banning or restricting them |
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What You'll Learn
Lead poisoning in migratory birds
Lead poisoning is a serious issue affecting migratory birds, causing heavy metal toxicity that impacts the blood, nervous system, and gastrointestinal system. Lead has a sweet smell and taste, which makes it tempting for birds to ingest. Once ingested, lead causes intoxication by being absorbed into the body's tissues. Common sources of lead ingestion in migratory birds include lead pellets from shot shells, lead fishing sinkers, mine wastes, paint pigments, and other lead objects that are accidentally swallowed.
In regions like the Coeur d'Alene River Basin in northern Idaho, thousands of waterfowl, especially tundra swans, have fallen victim to lead poisoning by ingesting contaminated sediment in wetlands. Similarly, ground-feeding songbirds such as robins have been affected by lead poisoning as they feed on soil invertebrates along the river. The Tri-State Mining District in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri, a significant source of zinc and lead, has left piles of waste rock that have led to evident lead poisoning in nearby songbirds.
The Convention for the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS), of which Australia is a signatory, has proposed guidelines to prevent the poisoning of migratory birds. These guidelines include potential bans or restrictions on "lead fishing weights." While the toxicity of lead in the ecosystem is a concern, stakeholders in the tackle sector have expressed hopes for consultation before any bans are implemented.
To address lead poisoning in migratory birds, biologists from the USGS and the Fish and Wildlife Service are studying contaminated sites from mining and smelting activities. Their research informs litigation and restoration efforts, with hundreds of millions of dollars recovered from responsible parties to fund wildlife habitat restoration and acquisition. Additionally, programs like the Pet Poison Helpline offer 24/7 support for treating poisoned pets, including birds, providing treatment advice and follow-up consultations.
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International moves to ban lead sinkers
There have indeed been international moves to ban lead sinkers and jigheads. The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS)—of which Australia is a signatory—has recommended "guidelines" to prevent the poisoning of migratory birds. One of the measures being proposed is the banning or restricting of "lead fishing weights". Lead is a key ingredient in sinkers, jig heads, and some lures, and can be toxic if it enters the ecosystem.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States has also decided to ban lead fishing sinkers, a move that could impact the fishing habits of about 60 million American anglers. The EPA was sued by the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), which argued that common loons, trumpeter swans, and sandhill cranes were being poisoned after ingesting lead fishing sinkers at the bottom of waterways. The EDF also stated that other waterfowl, such as ducks, grebes, herons, egrets, ospreys, and raptors, could be affected by ingesting poisoned birds.
Some sporting enthusiasts, however, disagree with the need for a nationwide ban on lead fishing sinkers. They argue that a case-by-case approach would be more appropriate, as fishing pressure varies from location to location. Zinc fishing weights are available on the market, but they are more expensive and do not sink as quickly as lead ones.
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Lead sinkers weighing under one ounce
In Australia, there has been some discussion about banning lead sinkers weighing under one ounce. While there is no federal ban on these lightweight lead sinkers, some states in the US have implemented restrictions or bans. For example, New York banned the sale of small lead fishing sinkers in 2004, and Maine has prohibited lead sinkers that do not meet specific length and weight requirements.
The issue of lead sinkers has been gaining attention due to their toxic effects on the environment. Lead is a toxic substance that can harm fish, birds, and other animals, including humans, if it enters the ecosystem. This has led to international discussions about implementing bans or restrictions on lead fishing weights. Australia, as a signatory to the Convention for the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS), is involved in these conversations, which occur every three years.
The CMS has recommended guidelines to prevent the poisoning of migratory birds, which includes considering bans or restrictions on lead fishing weights. While there is no specific mention of sinkers weighing under one ounce, the overall aim is to reduce the use of lead in fishing tackle to protect wildlife. It is important to note that lead has traditionally been favoured for sinkers due to its low cost and mouldability.
While there is no federal ban in Australia on lead sinkers under one ounce, anglers are encouraged to be mindful of the environmental impact of their choices. It is likely that further discussions and consultations will be held on this topic, and anglers can stay informed about any potential changes to regulations. Additionally, alternatives to lead sinkers are available, and some organisations, like the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, actively encourage the use of lead-free tackle.
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Lead-free tackle encouraged
Although there are currently no laws banning the use of lead sinkers in Australia, lead-free tackle is encouraged. Lead is toxic to fish, birds, and other animals, including humans, and is the leading cause of death for adult Common Loons.
The Convention for the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS), of which Australia is a signatory, is recommending guidelines to prevent the poisoning of migratory birds. Among these measures are bans or restrictions on lead fishing weights. While moving away from lead is advisable, it is hoped that there will be consultation with the tackle sector before any bans are implemented.
In the state of New York, the sale of small lead fishing sinkers is banned due to the Common Loon being listed as a Species of Special Concern. Maine has also banned lead sinkers and jigs to protect its Loon population. In 2016, New Hampshire prohibited lead jigs and sinkers weighing one ounce or less.
While there are no restrictions on lead tackle use in Michigan, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources strongly encourages the use of lead-free tackle. Since the U.S. banned lead ammunition for waterfowl hunting, the number of waterfowl dying from lead poisoning in Michigan has decreased significantly. However, lead poisoning continues to affect loons and eagles, and researchers believe lead sinkers and jigs are the cause.
To protect wildlife and avoid penalties or fines, anglers are advised to reference the specific regulations for their state or country.
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Lead poisoning in humans
Lead poisoning occurs when lead accumulates in the body over time. It is a naturally occurring toxic metal found in the Earth's crust. Lead exposure was attributed to more than 1.5 million deaths globally in 2021, primarily due to cardiovascular effects. Lead poisoning can be caused by ingesting contaminated dust, soil, water, or food. Lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust in older buildings are common sources of lead poisoning. Adults who work with batteries, do home renovations, or work in auto repair shops may also be exposed to lead.
Children younger than six years are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning, which can severely affect their mental and physical development. Young children are more susceptible to lead poisoning as they may absorb up to four to five times as much lead as adults from an ingested dose. Children who engage in pica, the compulsive consumption of non-food items, are at a particularly high risk of lead poisoning. Lead poisoning can cause severe damage to the brain and central nervous system, leading to coma, convulsions, and even death. Children who survive severe lead poisoning may be left with permanent intellectual disabilities and behavioural disorders.
At lower levels of exposure, lead can still lead to a range of injuries across multiple body systems. It can permanently affect children's brain development, resulting in reduced intelligence quotient (IQ), behavioural changes, including reduced attention span and increased antisocial behaviour, and reduced educational attainment. In adults, lead poisoning may cause headaches, cramps, and hyperactivity. Initially, lead poisoning can be hard to detect, even in people who seem healthy.
Lead poisoning is preventable. Treatment includes finding and removing the source of lead to prevent further exposure. Simple precautions can be taken to protect oneself and one's family from lead exposure before harm is done. Lead pipes should be avoided, and older homes with lead paint should be renovated carefully to prevent the release of lead dust.
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Frequently asked questions
It is unclear whether lead sinkers are banned in Australia. However, there is speculation that international moves to ban lead sinkers may be on the horizon.
Lead sinkers are toxic to the ecosystem, including fish, birds, and other animals, and even humans.
Lead sinkers are banned in a growing number of states in the US, including New York, Maine, and New Hampshire.
