Press release: EU takes major step toward lead ban in fishing weights
EU Member States just voted to support the restriction on lead in fishing weights, sending a political signal in support of biodiversity and citizens.
Today, after facing repeated delays and significant concessions, the majority of Member States chose to side with nature and supported the restriction proposal on lead in fishing weights.
The European Commission published a restriction proposal to ban lead in ammunition and fishing weights last year, which has been split into two separate proposals. At the latest REACH Committee meeting, national experts convened to vote in favour of the restriction on fishing weights.
Lead is a toxic metal that has proven to contaminate aquatic ecosystems. It is estimated that 4.800 tonnes are released into the environment each year from the use of lead in fishing tackle. Its impact ripples far beyond the water, threatening wildlife, contaminating habitats, and endangering people. 7 million birds are at risk of ingesting lead sinkers and lures, while fishers and their families can also be directly exposed.
This is a great win for health and nature, but it is not the final chapter. The proposal will now enter a three-month scrutiny period by the European Parliament and the Council which have the right to object before the restriction becomes law.
In parallel, the restriction proposal on lead in gunshot, which covers the largest share of lead pollution, will still be discussed at the REACH committee in June.
We urge the Parliament and Council to follow the scientific consensus behind the fishing tackle restriction and allow its swift adoption. We also call on Member States to move forward with the gunshot restriction without further delay.
Barbara Herrero, Senior Nature Restoration Policy Officer says, “Voting this proposal through sets a precedent. It means that our leaders care for their citizens’ health and environment, and there is hope they will follow suit regarding a ban on lead shots across the EU, with even greater benefits.”
ENDS
For more information, contact:
Alessandra Di Placido, Junior Communications Officer
[email protected]
picture by Shutterstock
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