Written By: Press Office
On Date: 24/5/2009
Have your say on the hot topic in the tackle trade – the recent proposed ban of lead fishing products in all American NationalThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Parks. THE American Sportfishing Association (ASA) is challenging an impending 2010 ban on the use of lead-based fishing tackle in US National Parks. The ASA, along with a number of wildlife conservation groups, are asking the National Park Service to reconsider the ban.
ASA vice president Gordon Robertson said: “The sportfishing industry is surprised and dismayed by the announcement made by the National Park Service (NPS). Their intention to eliminate the use of lead in fishing tackle in national parks was made without prior consultation with the sportfishing industry or the millions of recreational anglers who fish within the national park system.
“In his January 21st, 2009, executive memo to the federal agency and department heads, President Obama made it very clear that he expects the federal government to be transparent, participatory and collaborative; that ‘executive departments and agencies should offer Americans increased opportunities to participate in policymaking and to provide their government with the benefits of their collective expertise and information’. We expect the NPS to follow the President’s order.”
But the lead ban is supported by British firm Pallatrax, which scooped an award for ‘Best Terminal Tackle’ at last year’s ASA-organised ICAST show with its Stonze weight system.
Simon PomeroySimon Pomeroy, boss of Pallatrax, said: “If you look up the word ‘lead’ in the dictionary you will find that it’s a highly poisonous metal.
“Personally I think that it’s irresponsible that anglers are dumping vast amounts of lead in the world’s waterways. We, as anglers, are supposed to be the guardians of the water – not polluters.
“I think it was MTV that coined the phrase ‘If you are not part of the solution – you are part of the problem’. Never has a statement been more apt.
“The changes we are seeing across the world now are the first steps towards a complete ban on the use of lead products in angling. I am not scaremongering, just speaking the truth. Lead is a toxin; you can’t argue against that.”
Meanwhile in Australia the Government in the state of Victoria has launched a new initiative highlighting the dangers of lead. The state has launched a publicity campaign warning anglers of the dangers of DIY lead kits and of handling lead.
Currently there are no plans to ban lead in fishing in Australia.
America’s lead dilemma