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It's a fact: Lead poisons waterbirds. And the lead sinkers and jigs you're using to fish could be contributing to the rising rate of deaths among Canada's waterbirds.
It can be as simple as accidentally dropping loose fishing sinkers or jigs into the lake at your cottage, or cutting your fishing line after it gets tangled, but these actions are killing thousands of birds each year across Canada. It is estimated that approximately 500 tonnes of lead from sinkers and jigs are lost in Canadian waters annually. But how can your small lead sinker or jig cause lead poisoning in birds?
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Lead Poisoning of Birds
It's not pretty and it's lethal. Birds are dying by the thousands of lead poisoning from lead shot and lead fishing tackle. Waterfowl and other waterbirds dig in the bottom of lakes for their food. When they come across the lead material, they can mistake it for grit, the stones birds normally ingest to help them digest their food. The lead can get stuck in a bird's gizzard (stomach), where regular food, and the lead, is ground down for easier digestion. The lead then enters the bird's bloodstream and moves around the bird's body, where it accumulates in bones and vital organs. If a bird swallows the equivalent of six lead pellets, it may suffer from acute poisoning and die within a few days. If a bird swallows a smaller amount, it may slowly weaken and die of starvation due to a paralyzed digestive system resulting from "chronic lead poisoning".
Studies in Ontario and Atlantic Canada suggest that lead poisoning resulting from swallowing lead sinkers and jigs is the leading cause of reported deaths of adult Common Loons. Research shows that sinkers and jigs weighing less than 50 grams are those most likely to be swallowed by waterbirds. Birds at risk from lead fishing tackle include the Common Loon, Common Merganser, Trumpeter Swan, Canada Goose, Mallard, Greater Scaup, White-winged Scoter, Herring Gull, and the Bald Eagle.
What we don't know is how many animals are affected by secondary poisoning, which occurs when an animal eats a bird suffering from lead poisoning. Research illustrates there is reason for concern. In a recent study, approximately 15 per cent of Bald Eagles found dead in British Columbia and the Prairies died from lead poisoning.
What You Can Do
Most people aren't aware of all the materials available for fishing sinkers and jigs and assume lead is the only option, but that's simply not true. Bismuth, clay, steel, and tin are all acceptable alternatives available which do not affect birds.
Since 1997, possession of lead fishing sinkers and jigs under 50 grams is prohibited in Canadian National Wildlife Areas and National Parks, but voluntary in all other areas across Canada.
Activities you can do to help save wildlife wherever you fish include:
- Using lead free fishing sinkers and jigs
- Ask your local fishing tackle store to stock lead-free fishing tackle (Sources)
- Dispose of your lead fishing tackle through your local household hazardous waste depot
- Tell others your concern about lead poisoning of birds and encourage lead-free fishing.
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