Thanks, Donna-a few paragraphs from that website:

 

What's the risk? Weigh the evidence

While it is hard to get an accurate count of water birds and birds of prey
that die from ingesting lead tackle, current research indicates that lead
poisoning is a serious concern.

Research on loons from six New England states has shown that on the majority
of lakes where dead adult breeding loons were found between 1987 and 2002,
about 26% of these loons died from lead poisoning. Some lakes were
identified as hot spots with lead causing over 50% of documented causes of
death.

In Michigan, another 15-year study examined 186 dead loons and revealed that
lead poisoning - primarily from lead jigs - was the number one cause of
death at 24% (44/186) of overall mortality. Limited research in Minnesota
has also documented lead poisoning of loons. A study conducted by the
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency concluded that lead poisoning accounted
for 12 percent of the dead adult loons with known causes of death.

Jane Clark

 

From: Iowa Discussion, Alerts and Announcements
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Donna Buell
Sent: Tuesday, January 10, 2012 2:37 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: steel vs lead shot, complex issues

 

Here's a link -- I think it's more likely the fish swallow lead jigs with
"sinkers" on the end of the hook, rather than the traditional worm-on-a-hook
with a sinker separately attached to the line. (see the x-ray of the loon).
Water birds that scoop up "pebbles" from the bottom could be eating sinkers
from worm fishing.  

 

http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/living-green/living-green-citizen/house
hold-hazardous-waste/nontoxic-tackle-let-s-get-the-lead-out.html

 

Donna

 


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