via Laconia Daily Sun:
"July and August are when lead-poisoned loons are most often found, which correlates with peak lake use and fishing pressure in New Hampshire. The state Fish and Game Department and the Loon Preservation Committee urge anglers to stop using lead tackle to protect loons and other lake wildlife. Poisoning from lead fishing tackle is the leading cause of adult loon mortality in New Hampshire. The loss of so many adults from this preventable cause of mortality has inhibited the recovery of loons in New Hampshire, according to the Loon Preservation Committee.
"Because loons do not breed on average until 6 to 7 years of age and have low reproductive success, it is important that adult loons survive for many years to produce surviving young," said Harry Vogel, senior biologist and executive director of the committee. "The loss of an adult loon may also result in the loss of that loon's nest or chicks, further negatively impacting the population."
Two loon deaths come just weeks after the implementation of a new law strengthening the ban on lead fishing tackle in the state. New Hampshire was the first state in the nation to restrict the use of small lead fishing tackle in lakes and ponds beginning in 2000. Subsequent legislation to restrict the use of this tackle in all freshwater in New Hampshire took effect in 2005, and the sale was restricted beginning in 2006. A new law implemented on June 1, 2016, increased protection for loons and other waterfowl banning the sale and freshwater use of lead jigs weighing one ounce or less, regardless of length, adding to the previous ban on lead sinkers one ounce or less.
The Loon Preservation Committee and state Fish and Game are part of a region-wide initiative called Fish Lead Free, which is dedicated to providing resources for anglers across New England to help them make the switch to lead-free tackle. Safe alternatives to lead tackle, made of steel, tungsten, tin, bismuth and many other materials, are effective and readily available.
Learn more tips and tactics for fishing lead-free at www.wildnh.com/fishing/get-the-lead-out.html. Collection receptacles for old lead tackle can be found at all New Hampshire Fish and Game offices and at The Loon Center in Moultonborough."