PASSED RESOLUTION ON LEAD AMMUNITION AND FISHING TACKLE

Back in September, I posted an article on the proposed ban of lead in fishing tackle and ammunition. Here is the lastest adopted resolution from the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agency:

RESOLUTION #1-2010
LEAD AMMUNITION AND FISHING TACKLE

WHEREAS, lead is used for ammunition and fishing tackle due to its unique properties
and ease and cost of manufacture; and
WHEREAS, lead from ammunition and fishing tackle under certain circumstances of
exposure may pose health risks to wildlife; and
WHEREAS, state fish and wildlife agencies have primary trust responsibilities for most
fish and wildlife resources in this country; and
WHEREAS, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, which represents the collective
perspectives of the state fish and wildlife agencies, played a key leadership role in
resolution of the debate over regulation of lead shot for waterfowl hunting in the 1970s
and ‘80s; and
WHEREAS, state fish and wildlife agencies have been proactive in implementing
regulations, educational initiatives, and other efforts to reduce lead exposure to fish and
wildlife in cases where population‐level impacts have been documented;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
adopt the following principles regarding future regulation of lead ammunition and lead
fishing tackle:
1. Future regulation of lead ammunition and lead fishing tackle is best addressed by the
individual states, rather than federal agencies.
2. State fish and wildlife agencies should proactively address issues associated with
wildlife population health, and cooperate with the respective state health agencies
where human health issues have been substantiated, related to lead ammunition and
lead fishing tackle.
3. Decisions related to future regulation of lead ammunition and lead fishing tackle
should be based on the best available science related to wildlife population health.
4. Effective human dimensions strategies should be developed to ensure good
communication and understanding by hunters, anglers, and shooting sports interests.
5. Collaboration with industry, conservation organizations, hunting, angling, and
shooting sports interests is essential, and AFWA and the states should continue to lead
efforts to bring this about.
6. State agencies should focus regulation efforts where population‐level impacts to
wildlife are substantiated.
7. Public education and voluntary programs may be used where appropriate in lieu of
regulation.
8. Any new regulations that restrict use of lead ammunition or lead fishing tackle should
include multi‐year phase‐in periods to allow industry, retailers, and hunters and anglers
necessary time to transition and phase‐in non‐lead substitutes.
9. State fish and wildlife agencies should lead efforts to develop the best science, and
AFWA should provide this information to members for their use in bringing hunters,
anglers and various interests together to determine the need for and nature of any
needed management approaches to use of lead ammunition and lead fishing tackle.

Resolution passed September 29, 2010.