Regulation will help prevent deaths of 1m waterbirds by lead poisoning every year

Some 40% of whooper swans were found to have elevated blood lead levels.Photograph: tbkmedia.de/AlamyPatrick Barkham@patrick_barkhamThu 26 Nov 2020 13.13 EST

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/26/eu-to-ban-use-of-lead-shot-by-wetland-bird-hunters

Lead shot is to be banned from all wetlands in the European Union, in a decision that is expected to pave the way for phasing out all toxic ammunition.

The European parliament voted against objections lodged by far-right parties, allowing the European commission to introduce the new regulations by the end of the year.

The ban will ensure that any wildfowl or waterbirds are shot with non-toxic steel ammunition after scientific studies found that1 million waterbirds are killed by lead poisoningeach year. Millions more wild birds, including raptors, are poisoned but do not die, with 40% of whooper swans found to have elevated blood lead levels.Advertisement

If the regulations come into…