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Lead Ban Looms for Washington Anglers

In early December, the Washington State Fish and Wildlife Commission will consider a ban of lead tackle in lakes known to be home to the common loon despite inconclusive scientific evidence.  Washington sportsmen should send comments asking the Commission to reject the proposal by December first to ensure their voice is heard.

The proposed ban was generated due to concern over threats to the state’s common loon population and the questionable assumption that alternatives to lead tackle are readily available at reasonable prices.  The proposal bans the use of lead weights weighing less than one half ounce or lead jigs measuring less than 1 ½” in multiple lakes throughout the state where the common loon resides.  Click Here to see the rules (go to page 20).

According to the American Sportfishing Association, the proposal cites that 39 percent of loon deaths were due to the ingestion of lead.  However, the percentage was determined by looking at less than 30 loon carcasses over a 13 year period from 1996-2008 making the sample size far too small to be considered conclusive or to justify a lead ban. 

Though available, non-lead fishing lures and tackle are often more expensive and may lead to less fishing and accordingly, less revenue for conservation projects.  Information from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service shows that Washington ranks fifteenth in terms of annual sportfishing expenditures with anglers generating $210 million in state and local tax revenue through their purchase of equipment.

“If you start forcing more expensive equipment on anglers, you will limit opportunity thus generating less dollars for conservation,” said Bud Pidgeon, USSA president and CEO.  “To do this based on sketchy data is not only unwise but it sets the precedent for more rules and regulations without the proper science to back them up.”

Take Action! Sportsmen should send or fax a letter to the Washington State Fish and Wildlife Commission by December first, urging them to not pass any lead ban or similar legislation without proper scientific evidence.  For a sample letter and fax information, visit the Legislative Action Center or mail your comments directly to:

WDFW Rules Coordinator
600 Capital Way N
Olympia, WA 98504