Following is an article that was printed in Newsdayregarding this issue:
A Curb On Lead Sinkers
Tom Rock
April 28, 2002
There is a new four-letter word in the fishing lingo: lead.
Sinkers used by anglers have been made of lead for decades, and most fishermen gave little thought to any adverse affects those sinkers might be having on the environment. Turns out that the weights, particularly the smaller ones, have been polluting water and killing birds for a while. This week, New York's legislature approved a measure that would make the sale of small lead sinkers illegal. If it is signed by the governor, the law would not be enforceable for another two years.
Waterfowl pick up the small sinkers and pieces of busted tackle from the bottom of the water, along with pebbles that help them grind up their food, mostly fish. A bird can die within three weeks of ingesting lead. There is also a danger to anglers who use their teeth to secure the tiny sinkers, known as split- shots, to their line.
Split-shots are small beads of lead with a groove for the fishing line, and they are squeezed into place around the line.
Though the bill has its merits, there are some flaws. For example, if enacted, the law would prohibit only the sale of lead sinkers, not the use of them. So those already in use will continue to be used and anglers coming to New York from other states can buy their sinkers in Pennsylvania or New Jersey and pollute New York waters. That also handcuffs New York tackle merchants who cannot provide something shops outside the state can easily sell. State Sen. Carl Marcellino (R-Syosset), who sponsored the bill, reportedly said that banning the use of the sinkers was unrealistic because it is impossible to track down every fisherman and enforce that law.
True, but that can be said of any law, such as those that prohibit most anglers from keeping fish smaller than regulation size or dropping styrofoam cups into the water. There are enough environmentally aware anglers to self-police the law, and the threat of spot checks would also help regulate fishermen. Taking the lead sinkers off the market will decrease their numbers, but it won't eliminate them.
There are alternatives to lead. Steel, for example, is a non-toxic substitute and can have several fishing advantages. Fishing weights made of lead and other soft materials tend to deaden the noise created during contact with rocks, plant life and other objects, a noise that attracts fish, especially in freshwater. Bullet Weights, a company formed in 1995 to manufacture lead-alternative sinkers and tackle, has developed a PermaScent process that incorporates a powerful fish-attracting scent into its steel sinkers. Steel tackle can also come in assorted permanent colors, and it is less expensive than brass, tin and some other lead alternatives.
New York is not at the front of the battle against lead sinkers, but it is part of the leading pack. Two states, Maine and New Hampshire, have laws against lead sinkers and tackle and they are illegal in Yellowstone National Park, as well as several other National Wildlife Refuges. Great Britain has had a ban on the use of all lead sinkers since 1987 and Canada prohibits their use in its national parks and wildlife refuges.
THE TACKLE BOX
Drivers Wanted. Think of it as surf 'n turf for people on the go. Sea Ray boats and Chevrolet are teaming up to sponsor "Living Large 2002" from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. May 4 and 5 at Surfside 3 Marina in Lindenhurst. Living Large 2002 is a free event featuring boat rides, towing classes hosted by Trailer Boats Magazine, children's activities, prizes and refreshments. Boating enthusiasts can test ride Sea Ray pleasure boats, as well as Chevy vehicles. For more information, call 1-877-818-1921.
Fish TV. MTV has "TRL"; Channel 55 has "TFL," or "The Fishing Line," the weekly fishing program hosted by Rich Johnson that returns to the airwaves May 4 at 8 p.m. for its eighth season. The program, which has bounced around on several stations in years past but now has a home on WLNY-TV, features how-to tips, video of Long Island fishing excursions, computer animation and aerial photography that lets you see all the sand bars and fish hangouts. The only thing missing is Carson Daly.
Tight Lines. The Sag Harbor Flounder Derby, sponsored by Tight Lines Tackle, will be May 4 and 5 and will feature cash and tackle prizes to all winners. For more information, call 631-725-0740.
The Freeport Tuna Club Swap Meet will be May 18 beginning at 9 a.m. at 270 Hudson Ave., in Freeport. This is a good chance to check out everything fishing from electronics to boating accessories.
It's not too late to hit the Long Island In-Water Spring Boat Show, which is running this weekend and continues today at Guy Lombardo Marina in Freeport. The show is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and costs $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and children (children under 12 are free). Parking is free.
Copyright © 2002, Newsday, Inc.
Previous Topic
Index
