arnesr

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Reprinted from CBC.ca Ottawa to ban lead sinkers, jigs Last Updated Tue, 17 Feb 2004 15:00:53 OTTAWA - Environment Minister David Anderson announced Tuesday he plans to bring in regulations to ban the import, manufacture and sale of fishing sinkers and jigs containing lead. 500 tonnes of lead into Canadian waters every year. Anderson said lost sinkers and jigs add 500 tonnes of lead to the environment every year. "That's the equivalent weight of dropping 500 cars into our lakes, rivers and streams each year," Anderson said in a news release on Tuesday. "Lead has toxic properties, and sinkers and jigs, containing lead are taking a toll on water birds, including the loon, a bird that has come to symbolize the wilderness for many Canadians," Anderson said. "Fortunately, this threat is largely preventable ? lead-free sinkers and jigs are affordable, work just as well, and are becoming more readily available." Restrictions on lead sinkers in national wildlife areas and national parks have been in place since 1997. In the United States, Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts restrict the use of lead sinkers and jigs. New York state plans to introduce similar restrictions this year. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Yeah, I guess I can understand them moving towards a lead ban, as it is a proven toxic substance. But I'd like to see them phase it out over a period of 10-20 years, so it doesn't hit us fishermen so hard in the pocketbooks. Besides, if we can't use them where are they going to end up, in our landfills? Maybe start with 1/16oz jigs and work your way up banning each 1/16 oz every two years or so. I would think the smaller jigs would pose more of a problem for bird poisoning. Anyone know of a source for Tin or Bismuth? Anyone have experience casting with either substance?