Nov, 24th 2009
This December, the Washington State Fish and Wildlife Commission will decide whether or not to ban lead tackle in lakes known to have the common loon nest there despite not having enough scientific evidence to back up their claims. Washington sportsmen should send comments/complaints asking the Commission to reject this proposal by December first to ensure their voice is heard.
The proposed ban was brought up due to concerns over threats to the state’s common loon population and the assumption that alternatives to lead tackle are available at reasonable prices for anglers, which they aren`t. 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 (scroll 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 more times than not 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.”
Sportsmen must take action ASAP and 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.
WDFW Rules Coordinator
600 Capital Way N
Olympia, WA 98504
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