| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Jen |
Posted - Jul 15 2008 : 2:24:38 PM
NEW REPORT ON ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF LEAD
USED IN HUNTING AND FISHING
BETHESDA, MD -- Lead introduced in the environment through recreational hunting, shooting sports, and fishing poses a potential hazard to both wildlife and humans, according to a new technical review by The Wildlife Society (TWS) and American Fisheries Society (AFS).
“The Wildlife Society (TWS) supports legal and ethical hunting and fishing and recognizes its important role in supporting wildlife conservation,” said Michael Hutchins, PhD, executive director/CEO of TWS. “However, we are very interested in preventing potential lead toxicity associated with these outdoor activities from adversely affecting wildlife, fish and the environment as a whole while maintaining healthy populations for future generations.”
Large quantities of lead ammunition and fishing tackle are produced annually -- the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that roughly 72,600 metric tons of lead shot and bullets are deposited in the U.S. environment each year at outdoor shooting ranges alone. And while estimates of lost fishing tackle are much less, lead tackle also poses a potential toxicological threat. Lead (Pb) is a nonessential heavy metal with no known functional or beneficial role in biological systems. Although lead is relatively stable, under some environmental conditions (e.g., soft acidic water, acidic soil), lead objects can weather and the element can mobilize, spreading the toxic properties. However, the TWS/AFS technical review concludes that the greatest hazard arises from direct ingestion of lead ammunition and fishing tackle by wildlife, particularly birds.
Topics covered include the chemical properties of lead, sources and estimated quantities of lead originating from hunting, shooting and fishing, as well as the pathways of exposure and the effects of lead on plants, animals, and humans. Current regulations on lead ammunition and fishing tackle, along with alternative materials, are also evaluated.
“This review is a long overdue look at the big picture regarding the overall risk that lead ammunition and fishing tackle pose to natural resources,” said Gus Rassam, PhD, AFS executive director. “We believe this report will provide a good starting point for developing management policies that protect both humans and wildlife while allowing for the continued enjoyment of hunting and fishing.”
The review contains suggestions for future research and possible paths for new policies and/or regulations. Those of highest priority include:
* Broad scale monitoring on the incidence of lead poisoning in wildlife in countries where the extent of the problem is poorly documented or unknown;
* Data on the prevalence of lead poisoning related to fishing tackle in reptiles and aquatic birds;
* Information on the weathering, dissolution, and long-term fate of lead fragments, and bioavailability of lead in various ecosystems;
* The hazards of spent ammunition and mobilized lead to wildlife at or near shooting ranges; and
* Evaluation of regulations restricting the use of lead ammunition and fishing tackle on exposure and health of biota in various ecosystems.
Jen
Farmgirl Sisterhood Member #9
The View From My Boots: www.bovesboots.blogspot.com
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| 5 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Elizaray |
Posted - Jul 17 2008 : 11:21:50 AM
Yup that is really frustrating Jen, but I think it is because the US is such a big nation. Having so many people means that there are people of every creed. I hate to say it, but our grandparent's generation seems to have less concern about the land. I see the Organic and Green movement growing momentum each year. Not too long ago, Organic was pretty much a "hippy" word and looked down upon by most of the population. Now about 10-20% of the food that Costco carries has the Organic label. It's great! Our dollars really are voting for us! Change is slow, but I think it really is happening. And hopefully each generation will become more aware of the issues and will be able to do things to help right the world.
Elizaray |
| June Bug |
Posted - Jul 17 2008 : 11:20:34 AM
I know that lead pellets used for hunting water fowl have been banned in the US, but that's it so far. Hopefully the rest will be coming. I know what you mean Jen, there's always a lot of talk but very little action. Change is good!
Traci |
| Jen |
Posted - Jul 17 2008 : 09:25:05 AM
I remember that too, Elizaray - ugh! So, Juanita, is lead banned in all of Canada? That is really cool if so. Why is the US so vocal about environmental and yet so reticent to change?!
Jen
Farmgirl Sisterhood Member #9
The View From My Boots: www.bovesboots.blogspot.com
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| Elizaray |
Posted - Jul 17 2008 : 05:59:49 AM
It's really good that they are looking into this issue. I remember as a kid using my teeth to tighten the lead sinker on my line (cringe). I also know I lost a few on the stream banks and some to the water. I am ashamed to say, hadn't given it a thought until now. I hope the water and ground are not the type to let the lead leach out!
Elizaray |
| Ladytrapper |
Posted - Jul 17 2008 : 04:24:42 AM
Lead has been outlawed in the production of ammo here for quite sometime...and with good reason. Not too sure about the fishing tackle.
Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair. ~Kahlil Gibran
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