Anglers Can Help Save Loons & Other Species From Lead Poisoning

Alaska is an incredible place to fish. Unfortunately, improper disposal of monofilament line and the widespread use of lead sinkers and tackle threaten Alaska’s birds, fish, and other wildlife. “Love a Loon” by choosing safe alternatives to lead and properly disposing of fishing line.

An x-ray image showing fishing tackle inside of a loon

Lead Poisoning is a Fishing-Related Hazard for Birds

  • Most tackle—especially sinkers and jigs—are made of lead, which is a toxic metal that can be fatal when ingested by birds and other wildlife.
  • Once ingested, the lead tackle goes into the loon’s gizzard. The acid and grinding action of the gizzard erodes the lead, which then passes into the bloodstream and poisons the loon.
  • Even a single small lead sinker is fatal to loons.
A close-up photo of a loon in the water with fishing line wrapped around its bill

Loons and Other Wildlife Often Get Tangled in Fishing Line

  • Loons may eat a fish that has broken the line and ingest the line into their throat or get tangled in fishing line from a snagged lure below the surface.
  • Entanglement in fishing line can cause death by preventing a loon from eating, causing infection, and drowning.
  • Please don’t leave fishing line behind—pick it up and dispose of it in the trash or a fishing line collection bin.
An outstretched arm and hand holding a fish in front of a backdrop of a lake

Loons Are Uniquely Vulnerable to Lead and Line

  • Loons are aggressive hunters and may strike bait as it is being retrieved, strike at a fish that is being reeled in by an angler, or eat a fish that has broken a line with attached tackle.
  • Loons normally ingest small pebbles as grit, and they may mistake a lost sinker or other piece of tackle for a small pebble.
  • Survival of adult loons is the most crucial factor in assuring the continued viability of Alaska’s loon population.
Two plastic bags with non-lead fishing weights inside

Anglers Can Protect Alaska’s Loons!

  • Anglers can choose lead-free fishing tackle made of tungsten, steel, tin, bismuth/tin, and glass.
  • Lead-free alternatives are very effective! Tungsten even performs better than lead because it sinks faster and is more sensitive.
  • Properly recycle or dispose of unwanted lead and line.
  • Spread the word. Tell your friends about the problem. Ask your favorite retailers to stock lead-free fishing tackle.

Partners

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson
Bird TLC
Anchorage Waterways Council
Alaska Conservation Fund
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service