Take Action Now!
Large commercial oysters growers are seeking a permit to
spray the systemic and environmentally hazardous neonicotinoid neurotoxin—Imidacloprid--on
tidal mudflats.
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| No Poison in our Clams and Oysters! |
If they are successful this will create a precedent for
allowing this environmentally hazardous chemical to be sprayed in wetlands and
inter-tidal zones in other states as well.
While this permit application is for Washington State, if approved it
will likely affect many other areas.
This product is clearly marked on the label, “Environmental
Hazards, Do not apply directly to water, areas where surface water is present or
to inter-tidal areas below the mean high water mark.” “This product is toxic to wildlife and highly
toxic to aquatic invertebrates.” The following statement is also given on the
label: “PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS, HAZARDS
TO HUMANS AND DOMESTIC ANIMALS CAUTION.”
Source, page 5: https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/089442-00005-20140616.pdf
The State of Washington has temporarily denied the permit,
based on sound science. They are
requesting public comment. The comment
period is open until May 14th, 2018.
Comments can be made at the following link: https://ecology.wa.gov/Events/WQ/Aquatic-Pesticide-Permits/Public-notice-to-deny-permit
The Imidacloprid permit request is for using this chemical in
non-native commercial oyster beds, where it has been shown that it binds to
sediment particles and persists for many months. This product has been shown to be toxic to
arthropods, mollusks, and worms in terrestrial, aquatic, and marine environments. While binding to sediment particles, Imidacloprid
solution that comes in contact with water disperses readily. When absorbed by susceptible creatures it
binds permanently and cumulatively to sites in their cellular structures. Many of the susceptible creatures are
important to the food web, and their demise--as well as the demise of the
native burrowing shrimp they wish to target-- will affect the entire
ecosystem. The burrowing shrimp are an
important keystone species in our coastal wetland ecosystems.
If you would like to learn more about the importance of
burrowing shrimp, the dangers of Imidacloprid, or sustainable alternatives to
off bottom culture for oyster growers please stop by the facebook group, Resisting
Toxics in Coastal Environments. We have
collected a large body of evidence addressing these issues which we would be
happy to share with all interested persons.
Our priorities are to encourage lasting solutions that will
help the industry end its long-standing reliance on pesticides and create
conditions amenable to ecologically and economically sustainable fisheries and shellfish aquaculture.
It is up to us! We can do this!
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