from a Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance flier

Why is lead a problem?
Lead is a toxic metal than, in sufficient quantities, has adverse affects on the nervous and reproductive systems of mammals and birds.  This metal, found in most fishing sinkers and some shot, is poisoning wildlife such as loons and eagles.  There are now alternatives to the traditional lead sinker.  Anglers can now use sinkers and jigs made from non-poisonous
materials such as tin, bismuth, steel, and recycled glass.

Hook, line and sinker When lead fishing sinkers are lost through broken line or other means, birds such as loons, swans and eagles can inadvertently eat them.  Some birds
swallow lead when they scoop up pebbles from the bottom of a lake or river to help grind their food; others ingest lead by eating fish which have themselves swallowed sinkers.

Lead poisoning
A bird with lead poisoning will have physical and behavioral changes, including loss of balance, gasping, tremors, and impaired ability to fly.  The weakened bird is more vulnerable to predators, or it may have trouble feeding, mating, nesting, and caring for its young.  It becomes emaciated and often dies within two to three weeks after eating the lead.

Safer fishing tackle
Lead poisoning does not have to happen.

Sinkers and jigs do not have to be made of lead.  Inexpensive and ecologically sound alternatives to lead fishing weights are available.  Anglers can use sinkers and jigs made from non-poisonous materials such as tin, bismuth, steel, and recycled glass.

For more information:
Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance (OEA) is a state agency dedicated to protecting Minnesota's environment.  OEA can be reached at 800-657-3843 or on the Web  at www.moea.state.mn.us.

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