Government Affairs
Current Issue
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
response, the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) has reviewed the existing
science on the effects of lead on waterfowl populations to ensure further regulatory
action is based upon the best available information.
Click here to see a list of legislation banning lead fishing sinkers.
Research: Read the ASA’s
scientific review of
the issue (pdf).
ASA’s Position: Based on a review of the impact
of lead sinkers on water bird populations, the ASA has found that insufficient
data exists to warrant statewide 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 subjected to much more substantial threats such as habitat loss through
shoreline development.
The ASA acknowledges that lead toxicosis can kill water birds and lead fishing
sinkers may contribute to this mortality. The ASA recommends that before further
laws are enacted to restrict lead sinkers for fishing on a statewide 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.
The 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, the 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
States with enacted legislation
- New Hampshire—Became 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 use (effective January 1,
2007) and sale (effective January 1, 2006) of lead fishing sinkers ½ ounce
or less. The state must implement a lead sinker education program
beginning July 1, 2004.
In addition, Canada’s federal government is also contemplating restrictions
on lead fishing sinkers.
