Lead Sinkers Killing Waterfowl

BOSTON -- We all know the danger of lead, particularly when it comes to our children. But lead is also one of the leading killers among waterfowl and fish.

NewsCenter 5's David Brown reported Tuesday that they say the worst day of fishing is better than the best day of working. That's clearly the motto at Jamaica Pond, but there is a hazard in many tackle boxes that isn't hooking fish, but killing fowl.

VIDEO: Lead Sinkers Killing Waterfowl

"This is lead, but actually they're getting away from the lead because they say it's causing problems," fisherman John Simmon said.

It is creating problems with many of the fish and the fowl in ponds and lakes around the area. Lead sinkers that drop off lines and are eventually ingested is one the leading causes of death in waterfowl.

It's estimated that one lead sinker is lost for every six hours of fishing. That means 480 million lead sinkers are ending up in our waterways every year.

Waterfowl mistake the sinkers as stones that will aid in their digestion. Many fowl, such as loon, die quickly in the Northeast. They are deaths that veterinarian Dr. Mark Pokras said are senseless.

"Here's arguably one of the most beautiful species on the planet, and they are dying in large numbers from something that's so easily preventable, and it breaks your heart," Pokras said.

It prompted Eagle Scout Michael Browne to action. He can be found at many fishing derbies handing out non-toxic sinkers that are made of tin or steel that anglers accept easily.

"They are actually very willing to remove lead weights, and were very startled to find out that their sport was unintentionally killing birds, such as waterfowl," Browne said.

Browne has even spoken to the Legislature on behalf of Senate Bill 4-66 to restrict the use of certain lead weights in fishing.