CONCORD, N.H. (AP) – Some conservationists say a ban on lead fishing tackle on the state’s lakes and ponds doesn’t go far enough to protect loons.

The law became a model for other states, with some adopting similar measures and others banning the sale of lead tackle entirely. But the Loon Preservation Committee says the ban, enacted nearly four years ago, isn’t working.

Now Sen. Carl Johnson, R-Meredith, is proposing legislation to ban lead tackle on all freshwater in New Hampshire, as well as make it illegal to even possess it.

State law says anyone caught using lead sinkers and jigs on lakes and ponds could be fined $250. State Fish and Game officials say they have yet to issue a single fine, saying they prefer to educate instead.

Lead tackle kills the birds and turtles that eat it.

“Fish and Game has done a great job with the (education) campaign,” said Harry Vogel, executive director of the Loon Preservation Committee. “It’s unfortunately evident that there’s an issue of noncompliance.

“We’re still seeing lead as the major known source of mortality in a declining, threatened species,” he said. “It has not had the dramatic effect we were hoping for. It has been marginal.”

Johnson’s proposal would make it illegal to have lead tackle, even in a tackle box, on any freshwater body.

Earlier this month Johnson met with a Fish and Game subcommittee, which he said initially was receptive to the new law, but later voted 7-2 against it. The vote doesn’t prevent Johnson from submitting the bill to the Senate.

Johnson wasn’t discouraged.

“When we put the first one (law) together, the vote was 11-0 against. Once the bill was explained the vote was 11-0 in favor,” he said. “Communication goes a long way.”

AP-ES-11-30-03 1552EST