Let's Get the Lead Out: Protecting Loons & Other Wildlife
Wild Birds Unlimited Kanata & Ottawa are proud to help raise awareness about the impact of lead fishing tackle on Common Loons and other wildlife.
Lead lost in lakes and waterways can be accidentally ingested by loons and other aquatic birds. Even a small piece of lead tackle can cause severe lead poisoning. Eagles, swans, herons, waterfowl and other wildlife can also be affected.
A Preventable Threat
The Fish Lead Free Canada movement is working to reduce lead fishing tackle in our environment through education, safer lead-free alternatives and advocacy.
Its "Let's Get the Lead Out" initiative began as a grassroots project through the Wolfe Lake Association and has grown into an Ontario-wide effort involving lake associations, community organizations and local businesses.
Take Action for Ontario's Loons
Fish Lead Free Canada is currently gathering signatures for a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario requesting restrictions on smaller lead fishing tackle.
The proposed restrictions would apply to lead sinkers, weights and jigs under 50 grams (1.75 oz), as well as lead-headed tackle under 6.5 cm (2.5 inches) in length. Similar restrictions are already in place for fishing tackle within Canada's national parks.
How You Can Help
- Choose lead-free fishing tackle whenever possible.
- Remove unwanted lead tackle from your tackle box and dispose of it responsibly.
- Learn more about how lead affects loons and other wildlife.
- Download and sign the Ontario petition supporting restrictions on smaller lead fishing tackle.
- Share information about lead-free fishing with other anglers, lake associations, friends and family.
Learn more, download the petition and discover ways to help protect Ontario's loons and waterways at FishLeadFree.ca.
Common Loon – Margie Manthey