May 24, 2001 

The Honorable Carl Marcellino
New York State Senator
250 Townsend Square
Oyster Bay, NY  11771

Dear Senator Marcellino:

 In lieu of the recent proposed bill (Senate 4786) the New York Fishing Tackle Trade Association (NYFTTA) is requesting this be revisited for both language and its purpose.

 On the language end, banning the use of 1/2-ounce sinkers would drastically impact the fishing community as rubber core sinkers, egg sinkers and dipsey style are all used for weakfish, bass, fluke and flounder, in sizes from 1/2-ounce or less.

 As for safety, we have been lead to believe that the common loon has seen few reported deaths since this has become a problem, and this was due to the ingestion of lead shot from a shot gun. The health factor caused by kids using their teeth to clinch split shot is also a little bit stretching as well.

We do agree that keeping lead out of the hands, or better yet the stomachs of kids is an issue that should be addressed, but lets look at other solutions.

 As for the kids, how about mandatory markings on the packaging informing health risks associated with lead, and encouraging the use of pliers? We bend over backwards to make sure cigarettes and alcohol are labeled yet legal for sale and consumption, why not lead.

 In closing, if we had to opt for one thing, it would be to have the language written to include only split-shot type lead sinkers, and not the entire line of lead products used.

 Thank You for consideration in this matter.  If the organization I represent can ever be of any assistance to you, please feel free to contact me at (631) 654-2311.  Thank you. 

Sincerely,

John Mantione
President,
New York Fishing Tackle Trade Association