AUGUSTA - On Tuesday, Gov. Janet Mills signed LD 958, sponsored by Rep. Allison Hepler, D-Woolwich, that will expand protections for Maine loons and other waterfowl by prohibiting the sale and use of certain painted lead fishing tackle, which can be fatal for these species.
"Protecting our wildlife is an essential component of our state's shared commitment to conservation," said Hepler. "Mainers care deeply about our iconic species and are eager to support initiatives like this one to help protect common loons. This bill is an opportunity to tackle this loophole and put an end to these avoidable deaths."
LD 958 builds on previous legislation that phased out unpainted small-sized lead jigs. It will prohibit the sale of painted lead jigs weighing one ounce or less, or measuring two and a half inches or less, by Sept. 1, 2024. It also bans their use by Sept. 1, 2026.
According to a Maine Audubon study, poisoning from lead fishing tackle was responsible for close to one-third of the documented adult loon mortality over a 25-year span. In 2020, Maine Audubon and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife launched a lead tackle buyback program in which participating retailers provide $10 store vouchers to anglers who turn in at least one ounce of lead tackle.
The law will go into effect 90 days after final adjournment of the legislative session.
Hepler is the House chair of the Marine Resources Committee and is a member of the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee as well as the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee. She is serving her third term in the Maine House, and represents Arrowsic, Georgetown, Phippsburg, West Bath and Woolwich.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Hepler], c. 305-965-2744