B.C. prawn fishermen wonder about salmon farm pesticide

摘要

The B.C. Pacific Prawn Fishermen's Association is participating in two studies currently under way to assess the impact of the pesticide SLICE (emamectin benzoate), used in treating sea lice infestations in salmon farms. The goal: Discover what effectthe pesticide has on prawns and other invertebrates in the areas near salmon farms. The University of Victoria is conducting one study, and DFO, with the participation of the prawn fishermen, is conducting the other. SLICE is a veterinary drug administered via fish feed. Prawn fisherman Guy Johnston said that fishermen have been concerned for years about the impact on prawns and other invertebrates by SLICE. He said he has seen the effects himself. "Fishermen felt that there was an effect throughout the ecosystem when you use a pesticide like this," he said. "There is no way to stop it from spreading out over the area. We have seen dramatic changes in prawn populations after SLICE treatment is done in an area around a farm that has previously been a good producer.