The European Parliament yesterday voted to ban lead in wetlands, with BirdLife Malta describing it as ” a victory for nature and for birds.”

Following the rejection of the first motion to amend the original EU Environment proposal tabled by the ECR Group – Conservatives & Reformists in the European Parliament on Tuesday, yesterday evening MEPs also rejected the second amendment proposed by the far-right Identity & Democracy Group in the European Parliament.

This was defeated, with 153 votes for, 499 votes against, and 39 abstentions. The European Commission can now adopt the proposal.

BirdLife Europe in a statement explained that, within 24 months, all ammunition used in wetlands must be free of lead. The REACH committee already voted to ban lead in October because of its highly toxic properties.

Lead has been used in ammunition and fishing tackle for decades, “despite knowing the terrible impact it has on humans, wildlife and nature,” it said.

BirdLife Europe added that lead shot, favoured by many as ammunition, consists of many tiny bullets which are sprayed out of the rifle, as opposed to shooting just one bullet.

“Because of this, only a small proportion of the lead fired hits its target. The rest is scattered in nature. It is estimated that around 21 – 27 000 tonnes of lead is dispersed into the EU environment per year from these uses,” BirdLife Europe said.

These bullets are commonly ingested by water birds such as swans, flamingos, ducks and geese, who tragically confuse them for the pebbles they use for digestion and the seeds they eat, it said.

The European Chemicals Agency estimates this results in the death of over one million water birds annually.

Photo: Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus) (c) Lars Soerink

Permalink: European Parliament votes to ban lead in wetlands – BirdLife Malta