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More than 5 million Canadians take part in recreational angling each year, spending over 50 million days fishing on open water. Recreational anglers contribute to environmental lead deposition through the loss of lead fishing sinkers and jigs. East year lost or discarded fishing sinkers and jigs amounting to an estimated 500 tonnes of lead, and rep...
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Context 1
... loon pop u la tions in Quebec were stable over the period from 1980 to 2000. This con clu sion is sub stan ti ated by counts of loons made during heli cop ter surveys of breeding Black Ducks in Quebec, which indicate stable or increas ing loon numbers ( LePage and Bordage 1998; Champoux, CWS -Quebec Region, pers. commun.; Fig. ...
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The National Park Service with support from numerous partners and community volunteers, has implemented long-term monitoring of coastal breeding birds in the Boston Harbor Islands since 2007. The objectives of the monitoring are to assess long-term trends in the abundance of priority coastal breeding species among the islands to inform conservation...
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... Modifications in the behaviour, social interaction patterns, life history, food web dynamics (Arlinghaus et al. 2017a) induced by the timidity syndrome could have severe consequences at the levels of population and ecosystem. Other issues related to RA such as the episodes of losing or leaving fishing gear in the water, littering of nylon lines, poisoning caused by the lost angling gears (sinkers, jigs) containing heavy metal lead (Scheuhammer et al. 2003) etc. could deteriorate the health of the water bodies (Cowx 2002;Asoh et al. 2004). ...
Megafish mahseers popularly known as the 'tiger of rivers', are the dream catch of recreational anglers in India. The present study explored the Recreational Angling (RA) videos of five mahseer species Tor khudree (deccan mahseer), T. putitora (golden mahseer), T. remadevii (humpback mahseer), T. mosal (mosal mahseer) and Neolissochilus hexagonolepis (chocolate mahseer) recorded from India and uploaded on the social media platform YouTube from January 2010 to October 2022. We did not come across any RA videos of T. mosal and T. remadevii on YouTube hence further analyses were carried out on the remaining three focal species. No seasonality was observed in the frequency of RA videos uploaded on YouTube and T. khudree attracted the highest number of views per video. Catch and Release (C&R), an ethical RA practice was noticeably low in the case of N. hexagonolepis. The size of the catch was found to be positively associated with the social engagement received by the RA videos of all the three mahseer species focused. Angler and angling-related remarks and words associated with the emotion 'trust' dominated the comments received by the videos. The results are discussed in light of the trending discourses on developing social media data as a complementary tool for monitoring and managing RA and conserving fish.
... Due in part to the modeling complexities surrounding the life history of eagles and the contextual situation of population recovery in the study area (Franson et al. 2003, Scheuhammer et al. 2003, Keyfitz and Caswell 2005, Koons et al. 2006, the population-scale consequences to bald eagles through the continued deposition of Pb into uplands has long constituted a critical information gap for wildlife managers in the northeast United States. ...
Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) are considered a recovery success in the United States after rebounding from near extirpation due to widespread use of the insecticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) in the 20th century. Although abundances of bald eagles have increased since DDT was banned, other contaminants have remained in the environment with unknown influence on eagle population trends. Ingestion of spent lead (Pb) ammunition, the source of Pb most available to eagles and other scavengers in the United States, kills individual eagles. However, the influence of the contaminant on overall population dynamics remains unclear, resulting in longstanding controversy over the continued legality of the use of Pb in terrestrial hunting ammunition. We hypothesized that mortalities from the ingestion of Pb from spent hunting ammunition reduced the long-term growth rate and resiliency of bald eagles in the northeast United States over the last 3 decades. We used Holling’s definition of resilience (the ability of a system to absorb changes of state variables, driving variables, and parameters, and still persist) to quantify how reduction in survival from Pb-associated mortalities reduced the likelihood of the population to persist. We used a population matrix model and necropsy records gathered between 1990-2018 from a 7-state area to compare population dynamics under current and hypothetical Pb-reduced and Pb-free scenarios. Despite a robust increase in eagle abundances in the northeast United States over that period, we estimate that deaths arising from ingestion of Pb was associated with a 4.2% (females) and 6.3% (males) reduction in the asymptotic long-term growth rate. Comparison between real (current) and counterfactual (Pb-reduced and Pb-free) population dynamics suggest that the deaths from acute Pb poisoning was additive, as the mortality events were associated with marked reduction in annual survival performance of hatchlings and reproductive females. These shifts in survival performance were associated with a reduction in resilience for hatchling (95.4%) and breeding (81.6%) female eagles. Counterintuitively, the current conditions saw an increase in resilience (68.9%) for immature and non-breeding female eagles over Pb-free conditions, suggesting that the population of eagles in the northeast US reorganized to ensure population expansion despite additive mortalities associated with Pb. This study can be used by state and federal wildlife managers or non-governmental organizations to educate hunters of the population scale effects of their ammunition choices, or to inform policy surrounding the use of lead ammunition.
... Anglers using lead tackles pose another problem in North America (Bedrosian et al., 2012). Grade (2017, 155) note that "ingested lead fishing tackle has been documented in 28 species of North American birds, as a risk factor for 75 species and as a leading cause of death for Common loons" (Gavia immer, Brunnich, 1764) (see also Pokras & Chafel, 1992;Blus, 1994;United States Environmental Protection Agency, 1994;Scheuhammer & Norris, 1995;Anderson et al., 2000;Stone & Okoniewski, 2001;Scheuhammer et al., 2002;Franson et al., 2003;Sidor et al., 2003;Strom et al., 2009;Grade, 2011). The study by Grade (2017, 157) used dead specimens of common loons, and assessments were made using the methodology of Sidor et al. (2003) and Franson et al. (2003). ...
Large carnivores such as pumas are often killed in conflicts with humans because they prey on domestic livestock. Habitat loss, partly driven by the increasing use of traditional pasture systems, makes livestock vulneracle to puma attacks. The aim of this study was describe the conflict between local farmers and pumas in a mosais of Protected Areas in southern Brazil. We hypothesized that the farmer's preception, knowledge and attitudes towards the conflict with pumas is affected by socioeconomic variables, such as age, educaton, monthly income and farming experience. Forty-five face-to-face interviews with local farmers were performed in 2011, using a structured questionnaire with 16 open and 26 closed questions focusing on the perception farmers. Our results show that the majority of the local population considered the conflict with pumas a serious problem and thought that attacks by pumas on domestic herds shoud be controlled with the involvement of government authorities. Financial losses caused about pumas attacks on farms did not inflence the attitudes of farmers, and knowledge abou pumas was more inluenced by social variables such as age and educational level. Meetings with the local Rural Consulting Council revelated that conflict with pumas still remains in the region. In this context, a long-term educational program with local farmers is highly recommended, focused on engaging the community in the discussion about possible mitigations tools. Conservation wildlife depends on the ability to provaide decision makers with academic and traditional knowledge which could be build bridges between the commnunity and Environmental Agencies.
... Anglers using lead tackles pose another problem in North America (Bedrosian et al., 2012). Grade (2017, 155) note that "ingested lead fishing tackle has been documented in 28 species of North American birds, as a risk factor for 75 species and as a leading cause of death for Common loons" (Gavia immer, Brunnich, 1764) (see also Pokras & Chafel, 1992;Blus, 1994;United States Environmental Protection Agency, 1994;Scheuhammer & Norris, 1995;Anderson et al., 2000;Stone & Okoniewski, 2001;Scheuhammer et al., 2002;Franson et al., 2003;Sidor et al., 2003;Strom et al., 2009;Grade, 2011). The study by Grade (2017, 157) used dead specimens of common loons, and assessments were made using the methodology of Sidor et al. (2003) and Franson et al. (2003). ...
INTRODUCTION
This book is edited by two environmental scientists with interests in GIS and remote
sensing applications, forest, and habitat change, and large animal ecology. It examines
the cutting-edge issues related to animal and habitat ecology research and
management, with case studies across Asia, the Americas, Africa, and Europe. The
topics are based on research and reviews of specific and general topics covering the
habitats as well as the species of importance in selected case studies, and the overall
general scenarios. The chapters of the book are written by leading academic and field
experts, who discuss their skills and research findings. The field covered is vast, so
selectivity enters, based on concurrent and relevant subjects, such as field research
techniques, nature-society relations, and chemistry in conservation biology and policy.
The chapters focus on cases as varied as vultures, storks, waterbirds, pumas or
cougars, and elephants, and research techniques such as genetics and GIS.
Technological developments, such as GIS and remote sensing, and some genetic
methods have altered the nature of ecological research. These include the utility of
GIS, and the related techniques of remote sensing, which allow more precise and
accurate measurements and consequently more informed and reliable results.
Species distribution modeling enables evaluations of habitat suitability and the impacts
of habitat alteration and the requirements for the improvement of animal conservation.
Integrated research, including the interfacial studies of social and natural sciences, is
increasingly important in ecological research, as disciplinary boundaries break down and
hybrid disciplines emerge. Simultaneously, chemical and genetic studies are
increasing in importance, with applications in the interfaces of the ecological, social, and medical sciences.
The topics covered in this book may contribute to the scientific understanding of
different, relevant topics on research methods on ecology and conservation biology.
This is especially the case, considering the wide selection of research topics in widely
varying contexts. Strands may emerge from these selected topics that may inform
further research and development in varied areas. These research findings may be
replicable in the different contexts to contribute to the objectives of ecological
sustainability. The results and conclusions presented, and the strategies
recommended in different chapters will help the policymakers and decision
implementers, scientists, resource managers, research scholars, and other
stakeholders to attain effective and sustainable animal conservation and habitat
... Marine birds, for example, ingest lead weights because they confuse them with seeds or use them as pellets in the gizzard, or may take up lead weights attached to prey fish (Locke et al., 1982;Daoust et al., 1998;Franson et al., 2003;Sidor et al., 2003). Marine anglers primarily use large sinkers/weights (weights range up to several hundred grams), that are not easily ingested by aquatic birds (Scheuhammer et al., 2003). A review by Grade et al. (2019) showed, however, that diving loons (Gavia immer) can ingest saltwater jigs exceeding 100 g. ...
Marine litter affects marine environments and ecosystem services worldwide. A substantial amount of the traceable marine litter originates from tourism and recreational activities. An important activity carried out in coastal areas is marine recreational fishing (MRF). Although the impacts of MRF on marine ecosystems has received increasing attention during recent years, the contribution of MRF to marine litter is widely unknown. Marine litter is caused by human activities and its avoidance requires an understanding of environmental behaviour. This study presents results obtained by a telephone survey aimed to assess the behaviour, motivations and attitudes of Baltic Sea anglers towards marine litter. The telephone survey identified three angler types primarily separated by the predominant motives regarding nature experience, catch orientation and challenge seeking. Regardless of their motivation, most anglers were concerned about marine litter, recognised their responsibility and were willing to contribute to litter avoidance and mitigation. The telephone survey was supplemented by face-to-face angler interviews during a stratified random access point intercept survey along the German Baltic coast to estimate the amount of lost fishing tackle based on anglers self-reports. According to the reports, the loss of fishing tackle was a rare event for individual anglers. Nonetheless, given a high number of Baltic Sea anglers and angling effort, local environmental impacts due to lost fishing tackle on marine environments cannot be excluded.
... Non-metallic alternatives include resin and polypropylene, but these are disadvantaged by their low bulk density (compared to metallic elements) and their price. Other substitutes can be plastic stone or heavy-weight concrete [2]. ...
The paper deals with the design of composition and verification of the properties of heavy-weight concrete for the production of weights. Heavy weights from fine-grained heavy-weight concrete can be used as a substitute for harmful lead weights (sinkers) for fishing purposes. Lead fishing weights contaminate water, posing a risk to aquatic animals and birds. The production of fishing sinkers from heavy-weight concrete seems to be a possible substitute. A significant reduction in the use of lead fishing sinkers in the European Union is currently under preparation. The formulas of heavy-weight concrete from fine aggregate (fractions max. 2mm) were designed and tested. The consistency of concrete was designed for casting. The optimum vibration frequency of concrete compaction was determined at 75 Hz, resulting in a smooth, colourable surface. The density of the dried concrete after 28 days was 4000 kg.m ⁻³ using a magnetite aggregate with an apparent density of 5.07 Mg/m ³ .
... Fishing tackle is also a source of lead exposure when eagles consume fish or other birds that have ingested lead sinkers (Scheuhammer et al. 2003, Lewin et al. 2006, Haig et al. 2014. The greater frequency of lead poisonings observed during spring may correlate when lost fish, with the line and sinker still attached, that have died during winter become available during ice-out in Michigan. ...
As bald eagle populations recover, defining major sources of mortality provides managers important information to develop management plans and mitigation efforts. We obtained data from necropsies on 1,490 dead bald eagles ( Haliaeetus leucocephalus ) collected in Michigan, USA, conducted from 1986 to 2017 to determine causes of death (COD). Trauma and poisoning were the most common primary COD categories, followed by disease. Within trauma and poisoning, vehicular trauma ( n = 532) and lead poisoning ( n = 176) were the leading COD subcategories, respectively. Females comprised a greater number of carcasses for most COD diagnoses. The proportion of trauma and poisoning CODs significantly increased in the last few years of the study in comparison to a select few years at the beginning. Trauma CODs were greater in autumn months during whitetail deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ) breeding and hunting seasons and in February, when aquatic foraging is unavailable and eagles are likely forced to scavenge along roadsides. Poisoning CODs were greatest in late winter and early spring months, when deer carcasses containing lead ammunition, which are preserved by the cold weather, also become a supplemental food source. The major infectious disease CODs, West Nile virus and botulism ( Clostridium botulinum type E), were more prevalent during summer months. We recommend moving road‐killed carcasses, especially white‐tailed deer, from the main thoroughfare to the back of the right‐of‐way, and the transition from lead ammunition and fishing tackle to non‐toxic alternatives to decrease these main anthropogenic sources of mortality for bald eagles, and other scavenger species. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
... Toxicity from ingested lead fishing tackle has been documented in many species including humans (Table 1; Blus 1994;Perry 1994;Scheuhammer and Norris 1995;Anderson et al. 2000;Scheuhammer et al. 2003;Franson et al. 2003). It is well documented as a leading cause of death for common loons (great northern divers, Gavia immer) (Pokras and Chafel 1992;Stone and Okoniewski 2001;Sidor et al. 2003;Strom et al. 2009;Grade et al. 2018) and swans (Cygnus spp) (Sears and Hunt 1991;Kirby et al. 1994;Newth et al. 2016). ...
... ' Radomski et al. (2006) estimated that during a single walleye (Sander vitreus) fishing season, one metric ton of lead fishing weights entered five Minnesota waterbodies. Scheuhammer et al. (2003) calculated that approximately 4384 tons of lead fishing tackle were lost each year in U.S. waterways, and Jacks et al. (2001) reported that, in Sweden, 100-200 metric tons of lead sinkers are estimated to be lost annually. Similarly, in Great Britain, Birkhead (1982) reported an estimated annual loss of 250 metric tons of fishing sinkers each year. ...
... This evidence suggests that current fishing activity (e.g., eating a fish that has ingested a lead jig or sinker and broken the line, or striking at tackle or a fish being retrieved by an angler) is a primary mechanism by which loons ingest lead fishing tackle (Grade et al. 2018). This is in contrast to speculations in previous studies (Pokras and Chafel 1992;Scheuhammer et al. 2003;Pokras et al. 2009;Haig et al. 2014). These studies noted that lead fishing gear ingested by common loons is typically close in size to the pebbles which these birds ingest to help break down food, suggesting that loons ingest lost lead tackle from lake substrates (Franson et al. 2001). ...
Many publications have investigated the ingestion and toxicity of metallic lead from hunting and the shooting sports. However, there is limited literature on toxicity associated with the ingestion of lead fishing weights, despite our knowledge of damage caused to many species from entanglement in lines, nets, and fish-hooks. This paper surveys current knowledge of species poisoned by ingestion of lead fishing gear and the types of gear that have been implicated. We review the impacts of lead fishing tackle on wildlife species and human health and describe the efficacy of efforts to reduce the use of lead tackle through voluntary, educational, and regulatory approaches to encourage adoption of non-toxic fishing gear. The authors emphasize the need for further research and policy initiatives to deal with this serious problem.
... Given the high numbers of anglers, the amount of lead introduced into water can be substantial Forbes, 1986;Cryer et al. 1987a;Jacks et al., 2001;Radomski et al., 2006). Scheuhammer et al. (2003) estimated that 500 tonnes of lead from lost and discarded lead sinkers and jigs were deposited annually in the Canadian recreational fishery representing 14% of all lead releases in Canada. Various studies indicated that lead sinkers (split shot weights) as well as spent ammunition from hunting were directly (waterbirds) or indirectly (raptorial birds and scavengers) ingested by birds (Mudge, 1983;Blus, 1994;Clark and Scheuhammer, 2003;Haig et al., 2014); and the mortality following lead intoxication can be substantial (Birkhead and Perrins, 1985;Sidor et al., 2003). ...
Marine recreational fishing (MRF) is a popular activity that involves millions of people worldwide. While the impacts of recreational fishing on freshwater ecosystems received increasing attention in recent decades, the consequences of MRF on marine fish and ecosystems are largely unstudied. MRF takes place mainly in coastal areas where most of its impacts concentrate. This review identified and ranked the activities and potential risks associated with MRF using a risk assessment matrix based on ecological and fisheries-related literature. The majority of the impacts were rated to be of minor importance (impacts that occur locally, are reversible, and comparably easy to manage on local scales). Three impacts were ranked as high-risk impacts (severe impacts that are difficult to reverse and to manage, and that may require management measures on a broad spatial scale): (1) the direct and indirect impacts of high and selective fishing mortality (truncation of the natural age and size structure, depensatory mechanisms, loss of genetic variability, evolutionary changes, and food web changes) because they potentially contribute to the decline of fish stocks and undermine biodiversity and ecological resilience, (2) the use of live bait organisms that originate from water bodies elsewhere because released or lost live bait organisms potentially impact the genetic, species, and ultimately ecosystem diversity, and (3) the loss of lead containing fishing tackle that potentially causes environmental contamination. The separation of MRF-induced impacts from other anthropogenic impacts is difficult and the impacts vary according to country-specific fishing practices, legislation, and cultural backgrounds. It can nonetheless be concluded that MRF can impact fish populations and coastal environments. In particular, the high-risk impacts require further investigations as information on their effects on marine fish stocks and ecosystems are generally sparse. Finally, the review outlines management implications for sustainable marine recreational fisheries that match the temporal and spatial scale of both the marine environment affected and the recreational fishing effort and proposes areas for future research.
... The positive or negative impact of this activity, inferred from different studies, depends greatly on the analyzed subject. Studies on RF's economic value or on its effects on social wellbeing tend to portray the activity's positive impacts Lovell et al., 2013;McConnell, 1979;Pascoe et al., 2014;Peirson et al., 2001;Steinback et al., 2004;Morales-Nin et al., 2015), while those with ecological or biological perspectives mostly observe the negative ones (Coleman et al., 2004;Donaldson et al., 2003;Font and Lloret, 2014;Marengo et al., 2015). Further, the underlying moral debate and the conflicting moral economies are more topical than ever, especially where key concepts like fishing values or public resources contribute to the conflict with the professional fishing sector (Boucquey, 2017). ...
