Warning that lead ban can only be effective at European level

The body that represents anglers in Holland believes that measures are needed at a European level to implement the successful introduction of lead-free fishing throughout the region.

As a result, the Sportvisserij Nederland and the country’s Ministries of Water Management, Health, Welfare and Sport and Agriculture and the Union of Water Boards is set to sign a cooperation agreement with the industry representative body, the European Tackle Trade Association (EFTTA).

It was agreed following a meeting of members of Sportfvisserij-Nederland and Barry Madlener, the Minister of Infrastructure and Waste Management, the man in charge of ensuring the introduction of lead-free fishing in the country.

The Government Minister was told that a Dutch ban on the sale of lead in recreational fishing was not feasible because there was not a good alternative available for all types of fishing.

“Moreover,” added the association: “The availability of lead products from foreign online outlets and the difficulty of enforcing the control of the use of lead makes a national ban ineffective.

“Madlener and Sportfvisserij-Nederland agreed that a European approach is necessary.”

Madlener added: “The industry itself is convinced that lead-free fishing is the future, but the only to go is a European-wide ban because a Dutch ban is not possible.”

“Sportvisserij-Nederland and the angling industry – together with Minister Madlener – are committed to an ambitious cooperation agreement aimed at making sport fishing in the Netherlands lead-free as soon as possible. This must be done at European level to really make a difference.”

It added that measures to reduce the use of lead, the promotion of alternatives and raising awareness of the consequences of using the toxic material should be part of a target communication strategy.

Picture: Former European Angler Alliance President Fred Bloot (left) is pictured alongside Barry Madlener and other meeting attendees.