Lead Sinkers’ Impact on Saratoga Lake’s Bald Eagles and Loons
Saratoga Lake is an integral refuge for wildlife in New York State. Just east of the lake lies Saratoga National Historical Park, a designated Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society. Several threatened and special concern bird species rely on the lake for breeding, nesting, and feeding– and it is up to us to make sure our lake continues to support them. As bald eagles and common loons increase their presence on Saratoga Lake, the most likely threats to these species must be considered.
Across the common loons’ global range, ingesting lead sinkers continues to be the leading cause of mortality in areas without regulation (Grade et al. 2019). It is estimated that 4384 tons of lead fishing tackle are lost in U.S. waterways annually (Scheuhammer et al. 2003). Lead jigs and sinkers are lost in water bodies when cut or snagged from their lines and irretrievably lost. Over time, they increase lead levels in water and are more likely to be consumed by birds eating fishthat have ingested lead tackle or mistaking them for food. Almost half of all documented mortalities in common loons in North America over 44 years were due to lead poisoning (Grade et al. 2018). This is a staggering number that begs the involvement of all those who benefit from the recreational opportunities of Saratoga Lake.
To many conservationists’ dismays, the long-threatened bald eagle is another victim of lead toxicity from tackle deposited in and around waters. Across 38 states over the past eight years, 47% of bald eagles documented signs of lead poisoning (Slabe et al. 2022). Even small exposures to lead can never be removed from their systems- there is no safe amount of lead. This means that the best– and only– solution is to remove lead gear from your tackle boxes and replace them with non-toxic alternatives.
The issue of lead fishing gear extends to human health concerns. The same goes for both wildlife and humans: there is no safe level of exposure. Handling fishing gear can deposit lead onto the skin, and 24% of this lead finds its way to the mouth (Sahmel et al. 2015).
Safe alternatives include tungsten, porcelain, bismuth, tin, and steel. Tungsten is denser than lead, meaning it is a more effective sinker than lead weights. Some retailers sell zinc products as lead-free alternatives, but it is important to note that zinc is also toxic. Many hunters and anglers express concern over the price discrepancy between toxic and non-toxic options, but conservation initiatives are serious about the effects of lead tackle, and the community’s needs are a part of this concern. If you are having trouble locating and affording safer options, the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation is campaigning a lead buy-back; trade in lead tackle and receive a $10 voucher for non-lead alternatives at participating locations. You can also drop lead tackle off at the Saratoga Lake Protection and Improvement District (SLPID) shed at the NYS Boat Launch or call SLPID at 518-223-3252. Additionally, SLPID has placed several fishing line recycling containers around the lake at the NYS Boat Launch, Lee’s Campground, the City of Saratoga Springs Waterfront Park and Saratoga Boat Care and Lake Lonely Water Sports on Crescent Avenue.
A risk management strategy for mitigating lead in our waterways starts with education. As the effects of lead have been rigorously examined and reported, all that remains is the gap between the science and the action. By spreading the word about the dangers of lead and taking accountability, we can improve the populations of the eagles and loons on Saratoga Lake and keep the environment safe for everyone.