The Common Loon has been experiencing population increases in Vermont over the last few decades and we are grateful that loons call both Woodward Reservoir in Plymouth and Lake Ninevah in Mt. Holly home. However, these fascinating creatures still face many human-made obstacles that affect their well-being and reproduction rate. Between 1989 and 2022, 50% of loon deaths in Vermont were caused by either hook ingestion, lead fishing gear, or monofilament fishing line. These items also kill other wildlife including eagles, swans, geese, mammals, and fish. Lead is unsafe for humans as well! As of 2007, Vermont enacted a law making it illegal to use and sell lead sinkers that weigh half an ounce or less. However, biologists are still noticing loon mortality from lead. Between 2019 and 2022, 10 loons died from ingesting lead fishing tackle.
The Vermont Center for Ecostudies in partnership with Vermont Fish and Wildlife, the Nongame Wildlife Fund, and Fish Lead Free Vermont, has announced an exciting new project that hopes to address these issues. In July of 2023, FWC was fortunate to meet with Vermont Center for Ecostudies Loon Biologist Eloise Girard and her intern Ava. Girard works for the Common Loon Conservation Project along with her colleague and fellow loon biologist Eric Hanson. Together they created a program where fishing enthusiasts and people recreating at Vermont lakes and ponds can safely dispose of lead fishing tackle and monofilament fishing line. Girard was installing lead collection tubes at both Woodward Reservoir in Plymouth and Lake Ninevah in Mt. Holly.
She explained that the Common Loon’s main source of food is fish. When a fish has ingested lead tackle, it becomes lethargic and much easier for loons and other prey to catch. When a loon consumes a fish that has lead poisoning, the loon will also become poisoned. The smallest bit of lead will kill a loon of any size or age. Loons also collect small stones to grind food in their gizzards and sometimes mistake lead sinkers for tiny stones. Loons may chase bait and hooks when people are fishing nearby and can get tangled in monofilament fishing line. It is important to stay away from loons and reel in when loons are close by. Non-toxic lead tackle is also essential. If you happen to find lead fishing gear in your tackle box or when you are out recreating on Vermont waters, you can responsibly dispose of these items in one of VCE’s collection tubes. There are approximately 23 other Vermont lakes that are involved in the program including Lake Dunmore, Lake St. Catherine, and Waterbury Reservoir. Participation in this program helps keep Vermont lakes, ponds, and rivers clean and safe for loons, aquatic wildlife, and humans too!
Learn more about the Vermont Center for Ecostudies Common Loon Project by visiting their website.
Learn more about Lead Free Vermont by visiting their website.