|
Background
In 2000, HawkWatch International (HWI) conducted extensive planning and
research to develop
its Raptor Conservation Strategy (available upon request or at www.hawkwatch.org).
This strategy identifies major threats to North American raptors including:
power line electrocution, habitat loss and degradation, persecution/disturbance
by humans and toxic contamination from pesticides
and lead.
The
Problem:
Poisoining of Wildlife from Lead-based Ammunition & Sinkers
Thousands of tons of lead hunting ammunition and fishing tackle are deposited
in the environment annually. Many animals are exposed to this lead. For
example, waterfowl, shorebirds, upland game birds, songbirds and small
mammals can eat lead shotgun pellets or lead split shot sinkers, mistaking
them for food or grit. Ingested lead can be metabolized causing lead poisoning.
Because they are at the top of the food chain, raptors and other predators
can experience secondary lead poisoning when scavenging on contaminated
carcasses or preying on animals
that have eaten shot or been wounded by hunters. Raptors' highly acidic
digestive tracts easily erode lead which is then absorbed into the blood
stream. Metabolized lead can cause reproductive impairment, immune suppression,
tissue damage and death. Any raptor species that forages on game animals
is at risk of secondary lead poisoning. Acute lead poisoning has been
documented in Golden and Bald Eagles, California Condors, Peregrine Falcons,
Osprey and accipiters such as Cooper's Hawks, Sharp-shinned Hawks and
Northern Goshawks. For instance, five endangered California Condors, reintroduced
into Arizona's Vermillion Cliffs, died after consuming lead shot in 2000.
Lead-based ammunition and tackle
have been partially regulated in North America during the last decade.
The use of lead shot for waterfowl hunting was banned in the U.S. in 1991
(and in Canada in 1999) resulting in reduced lead poisoning of waterfowl.
Additionally, the use of certain lead sinkers and jigs has been banned
on some National Wildlife Refuges, National Parks and in Maine and New
Hampshire. However, lead is still the primary material for ammunition
used to hunt mammals and upland birds and for weights used to fish. Thus,
current regulations have not eliminated the problem, and much work remains
to reduce the lead-related threats posed to wildlife.
The Solution:
HWI's Campaign to Reduce the use of Lead-based Ammunition & Sinkers
HWI seeks to lessen the extent of lead deposition resulting from hunting
and fishing by encouraging outdoor enthusiasts to voluntarily explore
lead-free ammunition and tackle. To succeed, we will provide information
on the damaging effects of lead on non-target wildlife and on the benefits
of nontoxic alternatives. HWI has developed the Wildlife Without Lead
website as a research and outreach approach, to reduce the amount of lead
used in hunting and fishing.
Research
As the foundation of the Wildlife Without Lead program, HWI has reviewed
the scientific literature on the lead ammunition, sinkers and jigs used
for different hunting and fishing activities, the associated toxic impacts
and the effectiveness of lead-free alternatives. In some cases, alternatives
are equivalent to, or better than, lead. In other cases, alternatives
yield declines in performance and/or increases in cost that may be acceptable
in light of the environmental benefits of reducing lead use. HWI is also
convening a technical advisory panel to help us assess available data
and guide the program.
Public Outreach
Synthesizing the scientific data on lead poisoning and the performance
of lead-free alternatives is just the first step in crafting effective
messages for stakeholders. Under the Wildlife Without Lead program, HWI
has convened focus groups of hunters and anglers to better understand
their attitudes and solicit their input. The focus group discussions have
addressed: the benefits of using lead in various activities, the impacts
of this toxin on wildlife, the outdoor enthusiasts' perceptions of/experience
with non-lead alternatives and what might make using alternatives acceptable
to them. It is essential to involve hunters and anglers in message development
because only they can reduce lead use and minimize lead poisoning of wildlife.
In addition to the information
gathered from the focus groups, HWI is working with diverse organizations
to determine how to most effectively create and convey messages to hunters
and anglers. HWI is building a coalition of sporting, avian, conservation
and agency partners to increase the effectiveness and reach of the lead-reduction
messages. HWI will develop tools based on the messages including slogans,
brochures, posters, a website and portable displays. HWI will also ask
partners to endorse the Wildlife Without Lead program.
Once messages are honed and
educational tools are produced, HWI will disseminate them through several
avenues. HWI will operate booths, make presentations and hold press conferences
at sporting expos (using live raptors where possible); speak at national
wildlife management conferences; write articles for sporting, wildlife
management and conservation publications; and conduct editorial board
visits. Coalition partners will be involved in these dissemination efforts
and share information with their own communities and constituents. We
are also beginning to network with state wildlife agencies and will eventually
provide them with technical information and educational tools with which
to educate their publics about the impacts of lead to wildlife. HWI will
also integrate the Wildlife Without Lead program into its environmental
education programs for youth and adults.
|
