Lead Fishing Gear Faces Prohibition

When lead fishing weights that are used to sink the hook, bait, or lure into the water become detached from the fishing line, they can kill waterbirds such as loons when mistakenly ingested. Lead is identified as toxic under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and fishing gear now accounts for 18 per cent of the lead entering and polluting the environment. Consultations will soon be underway to prohibit the import, manufacture and sale of lead sinkers and jigs.

Environment Canada increased its commitment to safeguard the environment and protect wildlife from the dangers of lead on February 17, 2004. Use and possession of leaded fishing gear is not likely to be prohibited; however, the sale, manufacture and import are under consideration for control. Anyone who possesses leaded fishing gear can continue to use it. However, it is preferred that leaded gear be taken to local hazardous waste disposal facilities to be disposed of properly.

Environment Canada will be working with stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition to lead-free products. Public consultations on the proposed regulations will begin within the next six months. These consultations will determine which types, sizes and weight of leaded fishing gear will be controlled and the timing for implementation of the regulations.

Wildlife Impacts

A single lead sinker and jig can expose a loon or other waterbird to a lethal dose of lead. Sinkers and jigs weighing less than 50 grams or that are smaller than 2 cm, are most likely to be ingested. Where significant fishing activity occurs, loons and other waterbirds are at risk.

Documented cases of wildlife mortality from lead sinker ingestion have come largely from the chance discovery of carcasses by cottagers, anglers and boaters, and others. Some water birds mistake the sinkers and jigs for food, and ingest them. Others, like loons, most often ingest sinkers when they prey on lost bait fish with the line and sinker still attached. In eastern North America, lead poisoning from sinker or jig ingestion ranks as one of the leading causes of death for loons. However, the total number of loons or other wildlife that actually die of lead poisoning from sinker ingestion cannot be accurately estimated.

Environmental Concerns

In addition to its impact on loons, lost lead sinkers and jigs create a burden on the environment. Other sources of lead to the environment (e.g. from gasoline, paints, pottery glazes, etc.) have been eliminated, as lead is toxic to humans and interferes with normal brain, kidney, and blood functions.

Consequences for Recreational Anglers

When made aware of the negative impacts that leaded fishing gear has on wildlife and the environment, most anglers appreciate the need for change. However, functional and reasonably priced alternatives need to be available.

Lead-free alternatives are known to work well, and will become increasingly available as lead products are phased out. Although non-toxic alternatives are more expensive than lead sinkers, it's expected to cost about $2 more per year per angler. As the demand for non-lead sinkers increases, the price difference between non-lead and lead should decrease.