LOON PROTECTION BILL BECOMES LAW

LOON PROTECTION BILL BECOMES LAW

Measure severely limits the use of lead in fishing gear

AUGUSTA – Today, a measure to protect loons and other wildlife from lead poisoning became law. Lead poisoning from lead sinkers and lead-containing lures is the leading cause of death for adult loons in Maine.

“Loons are an important part of Maine’s wildlife; we love to hear them calling at night on our lakes and ponds,” said Senator Anne Haskell, of Portland, the sponsor of the bill. “This law will play a real role in preserving them for future generations.”

The law calls for a phased-in ban on the use of lead in all sinkers, and all bare lead in lures. Lures with covered lead will still be allowed. The ban on the sale of lead sinkers and lures begins on September 1, 2016, and the ban on their use begins on September 1, 2017.

“Most peopIe who fish enjoy hearing the loons, and want to play a role in saving them. The phase-in period in this bill gives them the opportunity to gradually change over their gear,” Senator Haskell added.

Organizations like the Audubon Society will be having “swaps” where anglers can trade for newer, safe lures in the months ahead to help with the changeover.

“We thank the Legislature for passage of LD 730 and applaud Senator Anne Haskell for her excellent work in garnering strong bipartisan support for this critical bill,” said Susan Gallo, Director of the Maine Loon Project at Maine Audubon. “With nearly one-third of documented loon deaths caused by lead poisoning from lead-headed jigs and lead sinkers, this piece of legislation is an important step in reducing the rate of human-caused loon mortality in the state.”

LD 730, “An Act To Protect Maine’s Loons by Banning Lead Sinkers and Jigs,” became law today without the governor’s signature.

.