EPA 1080 annual report released

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has released its seventh annual report on the aerial use of 1080. Findings are again consistent with previous years. The 1080 regime is working as intended with the benefits of using 1080 being seen while the risks are minimised.

1080, also known as sodium fluoroacetate, is used to control animal pests such as possums, rabbits, stoats and rats, to reduce the impacts on native animals and plants, and to prevent the spread of bovine tuberculosis. Aerial application uses aircraft to distribute baits and is considered by users to be a key advantage where pest control is undertaken on rugged or remote land.

EPA’s Chair Ms Kerry Prendergast says the annual report provides information on aerial 1080 operations carried out during the 2013 calendar year, and also research carried out up until July 2014.

There were three distinct research areas: alternatives to the use of 1080; improvements to the use of 1080; other research related to 1080 use and new research.

“There continues to be fewer complaints about 1080 operations. In this report there were three general complaints. Five were reported in 2012, which is a substantial improvement when compared to 34 in 2008 and 35 in 2009. We are pleased to see this happening,” Ms Prendergast says.

“The majority of incidents continue to be reported by operators and funding agencies rather than by members of the public or other agencies. Operators are following our communications guidelines, and making sure to engage with locals and iwi.”

View this year’s annual reports on aerial 1080

ENDS

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