Environmental body investigates uses of banned chemical
Last year, Government inspectors found cypermethrin traces in dying lobsters in the Bay of Fundy (Photo: Stock File/FIS)
(CANADA, 9/30/2010)
Environment Canada is running four active investigations into the alleged use of the banned pesticide cypermethrin at farming locations in the Bay of Fundy.
Federal government investigators identified the chemical cypermethrin late last year in ill and dying lobsters in their traps in the Grand Manan and Deer Island areas. Additional inspections conducted over the past few months have found the same chemical at two other aquaculture sites in southwest New Brunswick.
Cypermethrin is banned for marine use in Canada but is used in other countries to fight off sea lice.
“We know it's toxic to all crustaceans and that's a problem not only for our fisheries but for the environment,” stated Maria Recchia of the Fundy North Fishermen's Association, CBC Canada reports.