On January 1, 2012, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts enacted legislation limiting lead use in recreational fishing. Mike Browne and his Get the Lead Out of Fishing project is proud to be part of reason that birds and waterfowl in Massachusetts can now be safer from this hidden danger.
In 2009, Mike was invited to testify at the Massachusetts Wildlife Department of Fish and Wildlife board meeting. He provided valuable insight from his many fishing derbies – first hand knowledge from going out and talking to anglers. He also testified about his experiences at both the EPA and at many environmental events he had attended both in the United States and in Sweden.
The board decided to ban lead (read the announcement on the MassWildlife website) and gave anglers and retailers until January 1, 2012 to transition to non-lead fishing tackle.
Mike is proud that his efforts played a part in helping the board decide to ban lead.