Ban on Lead Sinkers?

[Gad]

Taken from Fishing World email newsletter

28 Aug 2014

FISHO hears on the grapevine there could be international moves to ban lead sinkers and jigheads.

Details are fairly sketchy but it seems that the Convention for the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) is recommending “guidelines†to prevent poisoning of migratory birds. Among the measures being put forward are bans or restrictions on “lead fishing weightsâ€.

Lead is obviously a key ingredient in sinkers, jig heads and even in some lures. While moving away from lead – which can be fairly toxic if it enters the ecosystem – is probably not a bad idea, we’d hope that there would be the necessary consultation with the tackle sector before any bans or restrictions were implemented.

We’ll keep you up to date as soon as more info comes to hand.

Australia is a signatory to the CMS, which meets every three years to consider issues relating to migratory species. Readers will probably remember the hoo-haa created when the former Labor government ill advisedly tried to ban mako fishing due to CMS concerns about mako stocks in the northern hemisphere back in 2010.

According to our sources, the CMS will be considering the status of thresher sharks, scalloped and great hammerheads, among other species, at its next meeting in November.

We'll keep you posted on this one when more details come to light.

[Gad]

JimHarnwell Re; above

An update to the story, fellas:

Info we've just received reveals the "guidelines recommendation" for lead fishing weights is to:

“Phase-out the use of lead fishing weights in areas where migratory birds have been shown to be particularly at risk i.e. freshwater habitats, (excluding fishing weights used in coastal areas where there are significant knowledge gaps and further research needed) with non-toxic alternatives, within the next three years with Parties reporting to the Conference of the Parties (CoP12) in 2017, working with all stakeholders on implementation; and promotion of leadership from fishers on safe alternatives."

We understand comments on this issue have been sought from recreational fishers and a number of rec organisations are making submissions to the Department of the Environment.

We also understand from sources that the transition away from lead fishing weights is a "recommendation" which includes education and promotion of alternative materials as well as leadership from recreational fishing groups.

This "recommendation" isn't legislative so there won't be a ban on lead sinkers. Rather, we've been told that it’s a push to promote "healthier fishing practices".

Guess we'll find out more after the CMS meeting in November ...

[samsteele115]

What could be some alternatives? I'm sure every metal has been trialed as an alternative. The 'lead free' jigheads and sinkers are rubbish, too light for the size of the weight.

Edit: the ones I have used anyway

[Binder]

Generally Bismuth is used in alternatives, bought a heap of bismuth jig heads from the states years ago. Was not that impressed, mainly my issue was that the quality of the hooks was low.

The envirosinkers available here (although getting hard to find) are iron slag, I use them when I can find them in dams.

[Dinodadog]

I am ready, got mine.