Number: 1993-03
WHEREAS, it is widely recognized that lead is a toxicant which adversely affects humans, wildlife and the environment and that considerable regulatory action has been taken to minimize or eliminate exposure to lead; and
WHEREAS, less toxic alternatives to lead fishing sinkers and lures are becoming more available in the U.S. through several major tackle manufacturers and distributors; and
WHEREAS, when they have been informed of a problem, sport anglers have historically assumed an ethical responsibility to ensure that sport angling activities do not pose a threat to the fishery or the environment and, in fact, on many occasions have been in the forefront of such efforts.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation in annual meeting assembled March 11 – 14, 1993 in Crystal City, Virginia, calls on all anglers to voluntarily cease using lead fishing sinkers, to switch to less toxic alternatives and to dispose of their lead sinkers in a safe manner; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the National Wildlife Federation urges the fishing tackle industry to make widely available less toxic alternatives, to continue research into the effects of lead on wildlife and the environment, and to educate the public on the threats to wildlife and the environment from lead; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the National Wildlife Federation urges federal and state fisheries agencies, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to conduct additional research into the effects of lead on wildlife and the environment posed by lead sinkers, to educate anglers on the threats posed by lead sinkers and to promote the use of less toxic alternatives.