17 October 2007
The Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA New Zealand) welcomes progress being made on further research into the effects of 1080 following its decision to allow continued aerial use of the pesticide.
The Authority released its decision on the reassessment of 1080 in
August, confirming the value of 1080 in the fight against possums, but
indicating that significant improvements are needed in using the poison.
The Authority imposed tighter mandatory controls on users, including
active monitoring of aerial operations by means of a watch list and
better management practices. It also called for further research to be
done into alternative methods of possum control and certain impacts of
1080.
The new management regime, which will be in place by 1 January 2008,
will require users of 1080 to produce detailed reports for the Authority
on each aerial drop carried out after that date, including comments on
any incidents and public complaints.
Authority Chair Neil Walter says the Authority has written to the
government about its recommendation that more research be done into
1080. “We have made it clear to the government that we would like more
research funding to be made available for research into the effects of
1080, its persistence in water and soil and possible alternative ways of
controlling possums.”
He says the Authority is encouraged by research work already being
commissioned by one of the country’s biggest users of 1080 – the Animal
Health Board, whose brief is to combat the spread of bovine
tuberculosis. “This research addresses one of the 1080 reassessment
committee’s key concerns, which is the risks posed by 1080 to native
plants valued by Māori such as watercress and puha.”
Mr Walter says the board is helping Māori by actively taking the results
of its research to Māori communities.
The Authority is also making progress on appointing someone to
coordinate the 1080 monitoring and reporting regime. Applications for
the position close on 17 October.
The Authority expects to release its first annual report on 1080 aerial
drops around this time next year. This first report is expected to focus
on the implementation of the Authority’s research recommendations.
For further information contact:
David Venables, Communications Manager, ERMA New Zealand.
• Telephone +64 4 918 4835 • Mobile 021 224 3304
• Facsimile +64 4 914 0433 • Email:
david.venables@ermanz.govt.nz