Use of imidacloprid in Willapa Bay’s oyster industry will cause damage to juvenile worms, crustaceans, and shellfish in the tidal mudflats

The long, contentious debate over using a controversial pesticide to control pests threatening Willapa Bay’s multimillion dollar oyster industry may be resolved this year.The state Department of Ecology Tuesday released a draft environmental impact study of using imidacloprid to control the burrowing shrimp that undermine and smother oyster beds. Supporters and opponents likely will both find ammunition in the report, which draws a mix of conclusions. It says that using imidacloprid would:

Cause immediate, adverse, unavoidable damage to juvenile worms, crustaceans, and shellfish in the tidal mudflats where it is applied and in nearby areas covered by incoming tides.

Have limited impacts across the entirety of Willapa Bay. However, there is significant uncertainty about the cumulative impacts and other unknown impacts, including those to other marine invertebrates.

Pose little direct risk to fish, birds, marine mammals and human health, but it could disrupt the food sources of fish and birds.

Source: TDN.com, September 20, 2017
http://tdn.com/news/local/state-department-of-ecology-releases-pesticid…