KENNEBEC JOURNAL • July 2, 2023
Gov. Janet Mills has signed a bill into law that seeks to protect Maine’s loon population by phasing out the use and sale of certain small, painted lead fishing jigs. One of Maine’s most beloved wildlife species, loons are threatened by the use of painted lead fishing tackle, which Mills and experts have said can kill loons and other waterfowl. “Death by lead poisoning is avoidable,” says Francesca Gundrum, policy advocate with Maine Audubon, a group focused on wildlife and wildlife habitat conservation. “This new law will help put a stop to needless suffering for this beloved Maine species.”