Quote:
Originally Posted by secondcurve
It's possible the lead sinker was at the bottom of the lake for 25-years before being scooped up by a loon. The sinkers have been banned for a while so over time the incidence of loon deaths caused by lead will decrease. I wouldn't worry too much about a loon here or there dying from lead. Unfortunately it happens, but this factor in itself isn't going to decimate the loon population.
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I wish you were correct, but I don't think you are:
"Loons and other waterbirds can die from lead poisoning after swallowing lead fishing sinkers and jigs lost by anglers. According to the Loon Preservation Committee, poisoning from lead fishing tackle accounts for 52 percent of mortalities among adult and immature loons from 1976 through 2000, by far the largest single cause of adult loon mortality in New Hampshire.
State law prohibits the use of lead sinkers and jigs in all fresh water in New Hampshire, including lakes, ponds, rivers and streams. The ban prohibits the use of lead sinkers weighing 1 ounce or less and lead jigs less than 1 inch long along their longest axis.
The law also prohibits the sale in New Hampshire of lead sinkers weighing 1 ounce or less and lead jigs less than 1 inch long along their longest axis.
What you can do:
■Use non-lead sinkers and jigs. It's the law.
■Ask your local sporting goods store to stock non-lead fishing tackle. It's the law.
■Spread the word. Tell other anglers about the problem with lead.
■Dispose of old lead sinkers and jigs properly. Drop-off locations include all N.H. Fish and Game offices and hatcheries (see list below). "
See the whole post from NH Fish and Game here:
http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fish...e_lead_out.htm