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May 4, 2007

For More Information Contact:
  Keith Reopelle (608) 251-7020 Ext. 11
    (608) 212-2935 cell
  Eric Uram (608) 233-9022
    (608) 347-8008 cell
  Gary Engberg: (608) 795-4208

Fishing season opener tempered by advisory on mercury laden fish

As anglers head out onto the water Saturday for the opening of the fishing season the Department of Natural Resources and state legislators are considering proposals to address whether it will ever be safe to eat the fish caught opening weekend; fish that contain toxic mercury.

Clean Wisconsin, fishing professionals, and others interested in Wisconsin’s fishing heritage caution anglers: When fishing your favorite lake or stream this spring it is important to remember that the State Health Department has issued a fish consumption advisory warning anglers and their families to limit the number of fish they eat from all Wisconsin lakes and rivers.

“Another fishing opener and we’re still talking about how bad the mercury pollution is. As a fishing guide, I believe our actions should match our concerns. We need to take action to reduce mercury pollution in Wisconsin as much as possible, and as soon as possible,” said Gary Engberg, professional angler and fishing guide.

In just 10 days the DNR will begin a series of five hearings across the state taking input on a proposal that would weaken Wisconsin’s regulations of mercury from coal-burning power plants. Many groups, including environmental, health, and sporting groups, advocate for a much stronger regulation instead.

Wisconsin’s current law requires that utilities reduce their power plant mercury emissions by 75% by 2015. The DNR is proposing that Wisconsin revise – and essentially weaken - its regulations to make them consistent with newer federal regulations that only require a 70% reduction by 2018. Neighboring states of Illinois and Minnesota have established more stringent laws that require a 90% reduction by 2009 and 2013 respectively.

“We urge the DNR to follow the lead of Illinois and Minnesota; both states are adopting much more protective regulations than Wisconsin’s or EPA’s,” said Keith Reopelle, Program Director for Clean Wisconsin. “Illinois adopted regulations requiring a 90 percent reduction by 2009 without the interstate trading program; do we care less about the development of our children’s brains than Illinois does?”

“Wisconsin, is the land of milk and honey where tourism brings in over $4 billion dollars, the Friday fish fry is a household tradition, and the fishing opener is considered a holiday. It’s time we show we are ready to act decisively and directly on the issue of mercury pollution,” said Eric Uram, board member of the Yahara Fishing Club. “Our neighbors in Illinois and Minnesota and 20 other states have set the bar higher to reduce mercury pollution faster and further than the federal rule. We should follow their lead rather than ducking under the bar.”

“Based on Health Department studies, we estimate that more than 9,000 children are born in Wisconsin every year with levels of mercury in their blood that potentially impairs their memory, attention span and IQ development,” said Keith Reopelle, Program Director for Clean Wisconsin. “The way to protect our children is not by fishing less but by reducing the mercury loading into our lakes and rivers.”

In a separate initiative Senator Bob Jauch (D – Poplar) has announced he will introduce a bill this session to remove mercury from many products that end up being improperly disposed of. This bill will phase out the retail sale of several products that contain mercury – primarily switches, relays and measuring devices – where reasonable alternatives to mercury are available. Examples of products covered include thermostats, space heaters, and gas and water meters.

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Clean Wisconsin, an environmental advocacy organization founded as Wisconsin’s Environmental Decade, protects Wisconsin’s clean water and air and advocates for clean energy by being an effective voice in the state legislature and by holding elected officials and corporations accountable. Phone: 608-251-7020, Fax: 608-251-1655, Email: info@cleanwisconsin.org, Website: www.cleanwisconsin.org.