Lead sinkers

Please Note:

As of 1/24/12,  HB 2241 hearing cancelled; bill withdrawn from further

consideration this legislative session

 

 

 January 17, 2012

  
Washington State House of Representatives
Environment Committee
PO Box 40600
Olympia, WA 98504-0600
 
Dear Chairman Dave Upthegrove:
I ask that this letter be entered into the public comment record concerning HB 2241.  Pilchuck Audubon Society supports the intent of HB 2241 - to reduce the continued introduction of lead into our State’s water bodies in the form of recreational-sized lead fish sinkers and lead weighted hooks.
There is ample evidence of the toxicity of lead products when ingested by water birds.  Small lead fishing sinkers are commonly used in sports fishing.  They are consumed by water birds that pick up the abandoned fishing lead weighted gear as ballast (loons) or as grit (waterfowl and other water birds). This abandoned gear is increasingly abundant.  The ingested lead causes lead poisoning in the birds which leads to their deaths.
Public education is necessary so fishermen will understand the change.  Given time for the substitution of lead fishing weights for those made of nontoxic materials, HB 2241 should impose no hardship upon retailers nor upon the fishermen who just want gear that catch fish.  Changing what is on the store shelves will be more effective and less costly than trying to implement the change through law enforcement.  HB 2241 adequately addresses this issue.
Initially, there may be resistance from fishermen asked to use new products. Quality outreach and education will be needed to gain the support of sports fishers and retail sellers.  Our hope is that when it becomes apparent that the new products produce the same results as before, fishermen will see the benefit to the birdlife all recreationists enjoy.
Pilchuck Audubon Society has 1200 members, most living in Snohomish County, and includes many who enjoy fishing in the State’s rivers and lakes.  We support the intent of HB 2241 and look forward to reduced mortality among the water birds which are both seasonal and year around residents of the State’s waterways.
Sincerely,
 
Allen Gibbs, Conservation Chair
Pilchuck Audubon Society

September 8, 2010

Lori PreussWDFW Rules Coordinator 600 Capitol Way North Olympia, WA 98501

Dear Ms. Preuss: Subject: PAS Comments on WDFW 2011-12 Sportfishing Rules

The Pilchuck Audubon Society wishes to comment and urge the Wildlife Commission to support a total ban statewide on the use of lead sinkers less than one and one-half (1-1/2) ounce and less than one and one half (1-1/2) inches measured on its smallest axis. Currently the proposed 2011 -2012 Fishing Regulation #32 only bans lead sinkers less than 1/2 ounce (no requirement on size) and lead jigs less than 1-1/2 inch on thirteen "breeding lakes" spread over 5 counties. We feel this is an inadequate solution to the on-going lead poisoning of our wildlife. In fact, it may actually harm loons when irate fishermen take to eliminating them on the "breeding lakes." To begin to reverse the damage of toxic lead poisoning in the environment, the ban on these small lead sinkers and jigs must be statewide. The data are overwhelming that small lead sinkers and jigs are killing trumpeter swans, loons, and other wildlife. Lead sinkers are small and easily swallowed, posing a toxic hazard to children as well. Furthermore, many anglers make sinkers in their homes. If proper precautions are not used, lead vapors and dust can impact anyone within the household. Lead has been linked to many human health problems including brain damage, mental retardation, behavior problems, anemia, liver and kidney damage, hearing loss, hyperactivity, developmental delays, and, in extreme cases, death. Children are most at risk. Effective and comparably-priced alternatives to lead sinkers and jigs exist and it makes sense to stop using toxic products and prevent their deposition into our waters. We have banned lead from children’s toys, paints, and gasoline. Now is the time to join with the other forward thinking states across our nation and ban the recreational use of lead from sport fishing in Washington. Thank you for your consideration of these comments.

Sincerely,

Mike Blackbird, President Pilchuck Audubon Society