NMMA opposes lead ban on fishing tackle
By IBI Magazine
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) has called on its members to oppose a proposed ban on lead in fishing tackle. An environmental group called the Center for Biological Diversity last week petitioned the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ban all lead in fishing tackle under the Toxic Substances Control Act because it said the tackle posed a danger to bird populations. The NMMA asked its members to contact the EPA to deny the petition. The trade association said scientific data does not support a federal ban on lead sinkers. A recent study by the US Fish & Wildlife Service found that less than one per cent of all waterfowl and other birds are killed by lead sinker ingestion. A statement issued by NMMA said non-lead fishing tackle products can cost from six to 15 times more than lead products, and may not perform as well. "A federal ban of the use of lead in fishing tackle will have a significant negative impact on recreational anglers and fisheries resources, but a negligible impact on waterfowl populations," noted the NMMA statement. Save up to 30% on IPC Media's entire marine portfolio
(8 September 2010)
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