More pressure on lead

Monday, 07 December 2009 12:38

USE of lead in fishing is again under threat globally, from a proposed ban of the substance’s use in the USA and increased pressure to limit its use in Europe.
Washington State, in the northwest of the USA, is the latest area to be hit with a proposed ban of lead use in fishing – a move made without any evidence that lead fishing tackle poses a threat to loon populations. This follows on from a decision made in March 2009 that proposed a total ban on the use of lead in fishing in any national park in the USA.
The American Sportfishing Association, the National Park Service (NPS) officials and Members of Congress in the USA continue to discuss the intention to ban fishing tackle with lead components in national parks by 2010.
Meanwhile in Europe, there is talk of more stringent regulation on the use of lead in fishing tackle. Currently such usage is banned in Denmark and in the UK it is restricted to certain sizes. TTW believes that several other European countries are also looking at banning lead.
This comes as no shock to many in the tackle trade, and it is obvious that changes are coming thick and fast. TTW is seeking clarity on the situation but advises that companies should be investigating alternatives and planning ahead.
By 2013, the European Union’s 27 member states will have to abide by a single ruling. Denmark’s lead ban will be reviewed, and if it is seen as fair by the government it will be rolled out across the whole of Europe – or otherwise reversed by policy makers. In the meantime, momentum against lead continues apace…