AgResearch stalls damaging report
The story tells of a professor who was requested by GE Free New Zealand to investigate AgResearch's monitoring of the risk of horizontal gene transfers at its Ruakura facility, in Hamilton.
The following findings were printed in AgResearch stalls damaging report ...
What Prof Heinemann found was:
- "Fundamental flaws" in the monitoring of horizontal gene transfer from genetically modified animals disposed of in offal pits.
- AgResearch monitored soil that was irrelevant because it was at the top of the offal pits, not where the animals where buried.
- Gene transfer risks were not rigorously pursued.
What AgResearch says:
- Monitoring programme is effective and there is no measurable transfer of genetic material in eight years.
- Monitoring programme is appropriate and meets all the conditions.
But, perhaps more interesting, was the length staff reportedly went to to suppress the findings of Prof Heinemann.
And then there's the story Scientist warns of mass extinction published today in the Dominion Post. Scientist, Mike Joy states "All of New Zealand's terrestrial mammals and frogs were now at risk of extinction, as were 60 per cent of reptile and native fish species, half our birds, one third of the freshwater invertebrate species and a quarter of marine fish species." Taking into account that frogs, lizards, insects, and birds species are aerially poisoned, on a repeated basis in New Zealand, and that our endemic freshwater crayfish love to eat the 1080 baits that are dropped into their habitats, this story comes as no surprise.
To view documentary Poisoning Paradise, and the evidence against 1080, click this link...
Why is this story relevant to this blog?
And then there's the story Scientist warns of mass extinction published today in the Dominion Post. Scientist, Mike Joy states "All of New Zealand's terrestrial mammals and frogs were now at risk of extinction, as were 60 per cent of reptile and native fish species, half our birds, one third of the freshwater invertebrate species and a quarter of marine fish species." Taking into account that frogs, lizards, insects, and birds species are aerially poisoned, on a repeated basis in New Zealand, and that our endemic freshwater crayfish love to eat the 1080 baits that are dropped into their habitats, this story comes as no surprise.
To view documentary Poisoning Paradise, and the evidence against 1080, click this link...
Why is this story relevant to this blog?
Because this type of concern is repeatedly raised by scientists critical of research conducted into the use of 1080 in New Zealand.
These scientists criticise the selective methodology of researchers, the use of strong statements that are unreferenced, the quality of the studies, and the fact that species that are likely to show undesirable results from the use of 1080 poison, are avoided for research.
Predetermined outcomes and advocacy research is nothing new, but it appears to be alive and well in New Zealand.
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extinctions even more likely if 1080 stopped
ReplyDeleteMike, how do you explain how animals are surviving when they co-exist in the parts of Te Urewera that are not being treated with 1080?
ReplyDeleteSome research has suggested that where animals have had a sub-lethal dose of 1080, there have been signs of 'ill-thrift.' Eel studies for instance showed that eels lost weight, and that although they survived, the researchers didn't know if this would have impact on their survival long-term.
What if 1080 affects animals long-term? We haven't done that kind of research. Admittedly, it would be difficult to do, but it needs to be done. We also haven't done studies that allow us to compare (long-term) areas that have ground-control, areas that use aerial drops of 1080, and areas that use none.
I would like to see long-term studies done by overseas scientists who have not been affected by the New Zealand story and our pest control history. Kathy.
From what we've observed, the most depleted bird populations are where 1080 is aerially used. The areas where populations are doing best, is where targeted, ground control is being employed.
ReplyDeleteWe have requested from DoC, credible, scientific evidence of native species population benefits, (let alone ecosystem level) as have other scientists, none have been presented.
Many breeds of native bird species have been found with 1080 residues in them. To aerial poison a forest, claiming only the pest eats the bait, is incorrect, and irrational. The extent of the damage is unknown, but analysis of the research suggests urgent intervention is required.
"What if 1080 affects animals long-term? We haven't done that kind of research."
ReplyDeleteWe've got a neat natural experiment where humans have been ingesting trace amounts of sodium monofluoroacetate for centuries - by drinking tea. Wouldn't that have shown us long term effects for that species?
"From what we've observed, the most depleted bird populations are where 1080 is aerially used. The areas where populations are doing best, is where targeted, ground control is being employed."
ReplyDeleteI found an interesting comment on that sort of statement:
"(T)his assertion is based on nothing more than opinion, i.e.uncontrolled “observation”. It is not based on science. It is an anecdote and as such is more likely to represent the prejudice of the writer than truth."
Would you agree with that, Clyde?