Loons, Lines, and Lead: Why Picking Up Fishing Line and Tackle is Important

Every summer, we hear about or are brought birds, especially waterfowl, tangled in fishing lines. Not all of these birds can be saved.

Discarded fishing tackle is also dangerous to birds and can be fatal. Loons are especially vulnerable as they swallow their prey whole, so they can accidentally ingest lead sinkers connected to the fish. Just one lead sinker can result in the death of a loon.  

How you can help:

• Put monofilament in a collection bin so that it can be collected and recycled. Thanks to Anchorage Waterways Council, there are bins at many popular fishing spots (see map below.) Pack out your line if there is no bin at your fishing spot.

• Buy non-lead tackle.

• Let others know about the danger of discarded fishing lines and lead tackle to loons and other waterfowl.

Bird Treatment and Learning Center is proud to partner with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Anchorage Waterways Council, and the Alaska Conservation Foundation on the Loons, Lines, and Lead campaign.

Visit the Love a Loon website for more information.

Map of monofilament collection bins in Anchorage

Anchorage retailers of non-lead fishing tackle