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1080 Annual Report released
15 December 2009
Media release
1080 Annual Report released
The Environmental Risk Management Authority has released its second annual report on the aerial use of 1080.
It includes details of aerial pest control operations undertaken in 2008, reports on incidents and research projects completed or underway.
The annual report is part of the Authority’s commitment to tighter management around the aerial use of 1080, following its decision in 2007 to allow the continued use of 1080, with additional controls.
ERMA New Zealand Hazardous Substances General Manager Andrea Eng says while it is too early to see trend data emerging, the report indicates the controls and recommendations put in place by the Authority are having a positive effect.
There were 74 aerial 1080 operations carried out in 2008, covering nearly 600,000 hectares and targeting mainly possums and rabbits.
The size of operations varied with location and purpose, with the largest covering 52,000 hectares and the smallest 65 hectares.
Information on public concerns and incidents was recorded, and 30 complaints were investigated.
Instances of breaches of controls were rare, however a number of cases of poor communication indicated that there was room for improvement.
ACommunications Guideline for Aerial 1080was published earlier this year to help improve this area of 1080 operations and ERMA New Zealand continues to monitor those responsible.
One of the Authority’s recommendations in 2007 was for more research, and the annual report gives details of 37 research projects into improvements to the way 1080 is used, alternatives, and other related topics.
The Authority expects the report will provide a baseline for longer term study and the results of monitoring of operations will inform future decisions on the use of 1080.
To read or download the annual report, go to http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/hs/1080resources/ERMA1080AR%20for%20web%20publication.pdf .
Detailed reports about each operation can also be found on the 1080 homepage, www.ermanz.govt.nz/1080.
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