BirdWatch Ireland welcomes the decision of the Irish government and other European Union Member States to ban the use of lead ammunition in gunshot over wetlands at a meeting of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) on September 3rd 2020. This is an important day for wildlife in Ireland, in Europe and beyond. Lead has been completely banned for many years in paint, petrol and water pipes because there are no safe thresholds, but toxic lead ammunition has still been allowed in the wider environment.
The decision today is about stopping the poisoning of wildlife, and especially waterbirds in wetlands, some of which are targeted by hunters. Of the 150,000 tonnes of lead ammunition produced in Europe each year, industry figures suggest 20,000 tonnes pollute the European environment annually, affecting a staggering 1 million waterbirds. Waterbirds can inadvertently consume discarded lead shot due to its similarity to grit which birds utilise as part of their digestive process. Ingestion of these toxic lead fragments can lead to a slow, painful death by poisoning. Lead can also seep into the food chain, with secondary poisoning being a problem for birds of prey which may eat poisoned waterbirds. Lead ammunition can also poison people, in particular game-eating and hunting communities.
Nicholas Williams, CEO of BirdWatch Ireland said, “Today’s vote by EU Member States is an extremely positive step for people, the environment and biodiversity, particularly certain species of birds. We commend the Irish government for voting in favour because it sends an important signal to the shooting industry of the need to move away from lead ammunition”.
“We call upon all gun owners to seize this opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to wildlife conservation by rapidly implementing this decision and, in addition, voluntarily switching to non-lead alternatives for all ammunition used everywhere, not just at our precious wetland sites”.
There will be a transition period for those who currently use lead ammunition but we would hope that gun owners will take the initiative to stop the release of this poisonous substance into the environment as soon as possible. Indeed, ECHA has begun its work on the proposal to restrict lead ammunition everywhere.
The next step is for the European Parliament to vote in agreement with ECHA and then the Irish Government, along with other EU Member States, would be required to transpose this decision into law.
Today Ireland and other European Union Member States voted to ban the use of lead ammunition in gunshot over wetlands at a meeting of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). This is an important day for wildlife in Ireland, in Europe and beyond. Lead has been completely banned for many years in paint, petrol and water pipes because there are no safe thresholds, but toxic lead ammunition has still been allowed in the wider environment.
The decision today is about stopping the poisoning of wildlife, and especially waterbirds in wetlands, some of which are targeted by hunters. Of the 150,000 tonnes of lead ammunition produced in Europe each year, industry figures suggest 20,000 tonnes pollute the European environment annually, affecting a staggering 1 million waterbirds. Waterbirds can inadvertently consume discarded lead shot due to its similarity to grit which birds utilise as part of their digestive process. Ingestion of these toxic lead fragments can lead to a slow, painful death by poisoning. Lead can also seep into the food chain, with secondary poisoning being a problem for birds of prey which may eat poisoned waterbirds. Lead ammunition can also poison people, in particular game-eating and hunting communities. We have produced briefings on the call to ban lead ammunition and on alternatives to lead ammunition.
Nicholas Williams, CEO of BirdWatch Ireland said, “Today’s vote by EU Member States is an extremely positive step for people, the environment and biodiversity, particularly certain species of birds. We commend the Irish government for voting in favour because it sends an important signal to the shooting industry of the need to move away from lead ammunition”.
“We call upon all gun owners to seize this opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to wildlife conservation by rapidly implementing this decision and, in addition, voluntarily switching to non-lead alternatives for all ammunition used everywhere, not just at our precious wetland sites”.
There will be a transition period for those who currently use lead ammunition but we would hope that gun owners will take the initiative to stop the release of this poisonous substance into the environment as soon as possible. Indeed, ECHA has begun its work on the proposal to restrict lead ammunition everywhere.
The next step is for the European Parliament to vote in agreement with ECHA and then the Irish Government, along with other EU Member States, would be required to transpose this decision into law.
