Trout Mass-Poisoned in New Zealand

The Graf Boys

New Zealand has some of the best trout fishing in the world! Every year thousands of international visitors wade pristine rivers in search of the freshwater game fish.

Large brown trout abound some back-country streams, and feisty rainbows reach weights of double figures in many regions. But there’s a problem facing New Zealand fishing, and it’s toxic, very toxic.

The Department of Conservation is using helicopters to aerially spread the deadly pesticide 1080 poison across large areas of New Zealand’s forests and streams. The poison is targeted at introduced possums, bush rats and mice, but many other animals, birds and insects are killed, including deer.

The poison contaminates the food chain, and in a rare admission last week, the Department of Conservation is warning fishermen to avoid eating their catch, despite paying for the privilege. If fishermen catch trout in poisoned areas, and there's many, the Department is suggesting that the trout be released, because of the risk of contamination.

But the problem is more complex than the Department of Conservation is letting on.
This video clip http://youtu.be/0Uf2wBprSw0 shows that the poisoning of New Zealand's trout goes much further than a few pesky mice!

Other videos covering the poisoning operations around New Zealand can be viewed at www.youtube/thegrafboys

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