|
Lead & Loon Exchange Program
The Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation District is taking
the lead in a Fishing Tackle Exchange Program 2011 in partnership
with the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund and Somerset County SWCD. Anglers
within Franklin County's borders can clean the toxic tackle out of
their boxes and get replacement non-toxic tackle for free! Hurry because
the program ends Aug. 1.
When sinkers and jigs are lost by anglers, these items settle on the
bottom of the lake, where they do not dissolve. Loons and other water
birds forage the bottom of lakes for gravel. This gravel or "grit,"
enables their gizzards to break down fish bones. Lead sinkers and
jig heads are ingested when they are mistaken by the birds for the
grit they require. Birds may also ingest lead when feeding on fish
attached to lead fishing gear. As the lead sinker or jig is exposed
to the pebbles in the gizzard and acids of the stomach, lead enters
the bird's system and slowly poisons the bird. The good news is that
tragedies like this can be prevented. There are many non-toxic alternatives
to lead fishing tackle, including those made of natural rocks, tin,
steel, bismuth, ceramic and more. Many retail stores carry these alternatives
and still more would be carried if the public demand for these products
increased.
|
