Lead tackle ban in effect June 1

On Wednesday, June 1 a new law takes effect that bans lead fishing tackle weighing one ounce or less.

The law was passed in 2013.  Prior to that bill, the state banned larger lead sinkers.

Supporters of the new law point to the harm to wildlife caused by lead sinkers.  

According to the state Fish and Game Department, "Loons and other water birds can die from lead poisoning after swallowing lead fishing sinkers and jigs lost by anglers. ... Ongoing research has documented that, in the northeastern U.S. and Canada, where loons breed, lead sinkers or jigs can account for up to half of dead adult loons found by researchers."

Opponents of the new law argue that the previous restrictions on lead tackle were sufficient to protect wildlife.

"Loon mortality caused by lead ingestion is extremely low – about three to five birds per year -- and loon numbers in the state, by every measure we can detect, appear not only to be stable but increasing," wrote the American Sportfishing Association. 

Opponents also argued that alternatives to lead sinkers were less effective or significantly more expensive.

Do you support the ban on lead fishing tackle?  Let us know in the comments.

UPDATE: Read our Citizen Voices℠ report and find out where New Hampshire stands on this issue.