|
LET’S
GET THE LEAD OUT
Protect Our Loons and Waterbirds
A loon is a pretty interesting
waterbird. In Massachusetts, they are classified as a ‘Specie of
Special Concern’.
Loons return to the lakes where they
were born seven years after first leaving. They mature at 12-16
pounds, live to be 30 years old, and like to be in pairs or else
they will not nest. Loons become sexually active at the age of
seven and are incredible parents. Unable to stand due to their
feet turning backwards, they are good migrators and need ¼ mile of
open water to take off.
These waterbirds migrate every fall
to the ocean in the North. Central Mass and Rhode Island are the
southern most areas to which they flock in the spring. Several
have been seen on Webster Lake, but it is not known if any nesting
has occurred.
Loons are becoming scarcer in New England. The
major reason is that they are dying
of lead poisoning after swallowing just one lead fishing
sinker or jig lost by fishermen.
A sinker or jig
may accidentally detach from a line and fall into the water, or
the hook or line may become tangled and the line may break or be
cut.
Loons, ducks and other waterbirds find food in the mud at the
bottom of lakes. They swallow pebbles to help grind up and digest
food. Unfortunately, they can also swallow lead tackle among
stones on the lake bottom or attached to a fish that has broken
free from an angler’s line.
LEAD POISONING DOES NOT HAVE
TO HAPPEN!
If you are an angler, use split shot, sinkers and
jigs made from inexpensive, ecologically sound and non-poisonous
materials such as tin, bismuth, steel and recycled glass.
Encourage other anglers to switch to non-lead alternatives, and
talk to your local retailers about stocking this type of fishing
tackle. YOU,
CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN HELPING TO PROTECT OUR WILDLIFE! |
