The Hidden Cost of Lead Fishing Tackle | How Lost Sinkers Harm Wildlife & People

Canada’s lakes and waterways are places of beauty, tradition, and life — but beneath the surface, a hidden threat persists. Every year, toxic lead fishing tackle is lost in lakes and rivers across Ontario and beyond. Often mistaken for food, these small pieces of lead can poison wildlife, causing long-term suffering and, far too often, death. Once introduced, lead can persist in ecosystems for generations. In this video, veterinarian and wildlife conservation expert Emiko Wong, Head Scientific Advisor at the Biodôme in Montreal, explains how lead moves through ecosystems, why exposure is so difficult to treat, and why prevention remains the most effective solution. She also explores the impacts on animals, potential risks to human health, and why regulation matters. Protecting our waterways means understanding the unseen consequences — and choosing safer alternatives. #GetTheLeadOut #LeadFreeFishing #ProtectOurLakes #WildlifeConservation #EndLeadPoisoning #OntarioLakes #FishingResponsibly #EnvironmentalHealth #WildlifeProtection #LeadAwareness #EcoFriendlyFishing #ConservationScience