In 2014, the fifth year of the Loon Recovery Plan’s implementation, Loon Preservation Committee staff and volunteers counted 289 pairs of loons on lakes in New Hampshire. Despite an impressive increase in numbers since LPC’s inception, loons remain a threatened species in the state and face growing challenges. Lead fishing tackle continues to be the largest documented cause of death of adult loons in the state; and other anthropogenic stressors, including mercury, other contaminants, and human disturbance, continue to affect loon breeding success. LPC’s groundbreaking research has revealed high levels of PBDE (flame retardants), PFOS (stain repellants), and a host of other contaminants in eggs that failed to hatch.
Project Report: New Hampshire Loon Recovery Plan – Year Five Final Report