As trumpeter swans die, Minnesota lawmakers consider banning lead jigs and fishing tackle Educational campaigns about toxic effects in lakes have had little effect. February 24, 2021 11:02am Text size Copy shortlink:
State lawmakers are looking at banning lead fishing tackle, targeting the most common sinkers and jigs on the market.
The small bits of lead, which have been building up on lake bottoms for decades, are poisoning and killing trumpeter swans, loons, bald eagles and other wildlife.
Swans and loons are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning from tackle, diving to the bottoms of lakes to scoop up small slip shots and other sinkers as if they were gravel to grind up and help digest their food.
Bird deaths fuel push for Minnesota lead tackle ban Fishing tackle killing popular waterfowl February 5, 2021 8:21pm Text size Copy shortlink:
The open water channels around Sucker Lake in northern Ramsey County make it a popular winter spot for dozens of majestic trumpeter swans and other waterfowl.
It s also a popular public drive-up fishing spot, which is proving a fatal combination as birds consume lost lead fishing tackle.
Scientists including one who has recovered 17 dead swans near Sucker and Vadnais lakes in Vadnais Heights are joining Minnesota lawmakers in a call to ban lead in fishing tackle to protect swans, loons, eagles and other wildlife. Though similar efforts have stalled over the years amid opposition from anglers and hunters, advocates say they re hopeful this time will be different.