Great Lakes Aquarium Will Take Your Lead Tackle

DULUTH, Minn. – The Great Lakes Aquarium is collecting lead-based fishing tackle in hopes of reducing lead poisoning in wildlife.

Working with the Minnesota pollution control agency the aquarium is encouraging people to bring in their lead tackle by giving lead-free tackle as a replacement.

Lead can be especially harmful to loons as the birds oftentimes prey on fish who ingest the tackle.

“Lead is super dangerous for a lot of animals,” said community engagement manager Danielle Tikalski. “Eagles, loons, and the fish, and ultimately even us—and if it gets ingested by fish or is even in the lakes. So it’s a great way to get the lead out.”

The aquarium will have a lead collection box through the end of summer and plans to continue these efforts in the fall.