Petition For Change

Purpose of Petition - Change Ontario'S Fishing Regulations

We respectfully request that the Legislative Assembly of Ontario take action to restrict the use of lead split shots, sinkers and jig head fishing tackle under 50 Grams (1 3/4 ounces) within the Province of Ontario.

This request stems from the urgent need to protect Ontario's lakes, rivers and the wildlife that depend on them. The pressing need for these restrictions is driven by widespread use of lead fishing tackle contributing to the accumulation in our lakes and rivers where wildlife frequently encounter them. Over 180 metric tonnes goes into Ontario's lakes and rivers annually.

Restricting the use of lead fishing tackle represents a critical and practical step toward safeguarding Ontario's environment and biodiversity. Moreover this change would bring Ontario's fishing regulations in closer alignment with Parks Canada, which already prohibits lead tackle in national parks to prevent harm to wildlife.

We believe this change to Ontario fishing Regulations is a critical step towards, safeguarding Ontario’s environment and wildlife.

CALL TO ACTION - LEAD KILLS, SIGNATURES SAVE

Sign The Petition & Collect Signatures

Download the petition. It respectfully calls on the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to take action and restrict the use lead split shots, sinkers and jig heads throughout the province of Ontario.

Help amplify our voice by collecting signatures from your network of friends, neighbors and community members. Most people care, they just need to be asked.

Or, alternatively contact your local Lake Association or Community Group – many are facilitating signature collection at meetings.

Who Can Sign The Petiton

Petitioners must be residents of Ontario, including seasonal residents at the time of signing (example: a resident living in another Canadian Province but residing at a seasonally owned Ontario cottage at the time of signing).

There are no age restrictions for petitioners provided they are fully informed and understand what they are signing.

All signatures must be original and must be written directly on the petition. Online petitions are not allowed.

Return signed petitions to "Let's Get The Lead Out" program representatives -

C/O 9 Garland Lane, Godfrey Ontario K0H 1T0.

Every signature helps build momentum for real change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you trying to stop people from fishing?

Absolutely NOT! We are only concerned with stopping the accumulation of lead in our waterways and with preventing lead poisoning in our wildlife.

Many of our supporters are avid anglers, including recognized tournament anglers who are already using tungsten tackle (we have witnessed this at various local fishing derbies in Ontario over the past few years).

Why is the proposed restriction set at a 50 gram lead weight and a 6.5 cm lead-headed jig length?

Scientific studies have shown that more than 95% of lead tackle ingested by wildlife is of this size & weight, and smaller.

What other species are affected besides the Common Loon?

Studies have confirmed lead poisoning deaths in Eagles, Swans, Herons, Gulls & Terns, most Waterfowl (Common merganser, Mallard Duck, American Black Duck, Canada Goose), plus semi-aquatic mammals (River Otter & American Mink) - all from ingesting lead fishing tackle.

There are many more wildlife species with documented proof of having ingested

lead fishing tackle. See a more complete list here:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6675807/

How can I help?

(a) You can help by becoming a volunteer to collect petition signatures. Simply download and print the Petition PDF & the Factsheet PDF, collect the signatures, and mail the completed Petition Forms back to us. You can find all the information you need on this website; for any other questions or comments, please feel free to email us.

(b) You can also help by starting to switch your tackle box to lead-free. Begin by removing lead split shot, sinkers, weights, and jig-heads weighing one ounce and under, but bear in mind that eventually weights are expected to be banned for all lead tackle 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and under.

You can also volunteer to help your neighbours switch to a lead-free tackle box.

What are the alternatives instead of using lead fishing tackle?

Currently the best alternatives are sinkers and jig heads made from tungsten, bismuth, ceramic, stainless steel, brass, and tin.

Along with lead, it is also recommended NOT to use zinc, nickel, and galvanized steel - all four of these metals are toxic when ingested.

Why Lead-Free?

Summary courtesy of the Audubon Society:

● Environmentally safe

● Higher sound-producing qualities to call in those fish and up your catch

● Non Toxic materials such as steel, brass, and bismuth are harder than lead and less likely to get hung up on rocks

● Along with lead, fishing tackle containing zinc, nickel, & galvanized steel is also not recommended because all four metals are toxic to wildlife

Which alternative will work best for me?

Tungsten

● Outperforms lead in numerous ways

● Most widely used lead substitute

● Non-toxic metal

● Denser, harder, and more sensitive than lead, helps anglers interpret changes in the bottom and better detect bites

● Components are smaller and more compact than lead tackle of identical weight

● Attractive for anglers who finesse fish, ice fish, or use small jigs for panfish

● The heavy weight can help punch through vegetation better than bass fishing

● Tungsten is easier to see on Fish Finders than traditional lead-based tackle

● Costlier than lead

● Typically require alloying with secondary metals and a much higher temperature to pour, making the manufacturing process more challenging.

Bismuth and Tin

● Less expensive than tungsten

● Relatively low melting temperature – easier to melt down and make various tackle items

● 20% less dense than lead – so tackle will be larger than lead counterparts - lighter lures have a more natural appearance and presentation

Stainless Steel and Brass

● Used for decades, mostly for metallic rattles

● Used for heavy spoons for both jigging and trolling – sinkers and jigs can also be found made with these metals

● Sounds produced by these metals when contacting the bottom is different from the noise lead makes and can be an effective attractant for fish

Brass and glass is a great combo for making noise by putting a glass or plastic bead between a swivel and a sinker

Where can I buy non-lead fishing tackle?

Here is a list, compiled by the Wolfe Lake Association:

https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/ae678d2c-44ea-4f50-a141-9455f84c0c74/downloads/Lead%20Free%20Manufacturers%20dg%20v17.pdf?ver=1744313032862

Here is another list, compiled by the State of Minnesota: https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-land-climate/where-to-buy-lead-free-tackle

Other options are big box stores such as Canadian Tire or Cabela’s, or on-line options such as Amazon.ca

(but make sure to read the product specifications before purchasing - if you cannot easily determine that the product is lead-free, best to avoid buying it).

Also, when you do shop in stores, encourage retailers to stock more lead-free tackle. This includes "mom and pop" bait stores as well as larger box stores.

Will enacting this legislation actually make a difference in protecting Common Loon populations?

Absolutely! In the State of Maine for example, when they enacted lead fishing tackle restrictions, Common Loon deaths went from the #1 cause of death to now the #3 causes of death. It very much helped stabilize the loon population there.

Are there any other places in the world doing this?

Yes! - there are ½ dozen States in the U.S. that have some type of lead tackle restriction, with the State of Maine being the benchmark.

The country of Denmark has banned the use of lead in sport fishing tackle and ammunition since 2002, making Denmark a global leader in reducing lead pollution in fishing & hunting activities.

Also, the European Union is very close to enacting strict regulations on both lead hunting ammunition and lead fishing tackle.

Fish Lead-Free - An Ontario wide initiative to help anglers switch to lead-free tackle.