Stop HR 5575

We ask that you not suppoprt HR 5575

Based on a review of the impact of lead sinkers on water bird populations, Michigan Fishing News Vistors have found that insufficient data exists to warrant statewide bans on lead sinkers used for fishing. Further, the Michigan fishing News vistors have found that loon populations in the lower 48 states are stable and increasing in most cases, but that loon populations are subjected to substantial threats such as habitat loss through shoreline development. The Michigan fishing News vistors acknowledges that lead toxicosis can kill water birds and lead fishing sinkers may contribute to this mortality. The Michigan fishing News vistors recommends that before further laws are enacted to restrict lead sinkers for fishing on a statewide basis, sufficient data must exist to demonstrate discarded lead sinkers are an actual threat to the sustainability of loons or other water bird populations.
Furthermore, Michigan fishing News continues to encourage and supports voluntary angler education programs for the use and proper disposal of lead sinkers