APP Washington Celebrates a Victory for Birds and People
The Department of Ecology made the responsible decision to end a half-century of pesticide use in Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay.
SEATTLE —“Sound science won the day for the birds and people of Washington,” said Gail Gatton, executive director of APP Washington, in response to the to deny a permit for the use of imidacloprid, a neonicotinoid pesticide, on oyster and clam beds in the state.
Oyster growers in Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay have used pesticides to control native populations of burrowing shrimp since the late 1960’s, citing harmful impacts on their oyster-growing operations.
“We should be moving away from the use of chemical pesticides in ecologically important coastal areas, especially those with harmful effects on the fish and birds of Washington. This was the right call by the state, and APP stands ready to work with oyster growers and other stakeholders to find the best way forward for everyone involved.”
Ending the use of pesticides will have a positive impact on Washington shorebirds like the Marbled Godwit.
Established in 1981, APP Washington works statewide with its 25 independent chapters and 35,000 members on the conservation of the in Eastern Washington, protection of , and , the number one threat to birds today. Through the , we provide science, nature and environmental education programs for youth and families. Learn more at , @audubonWA.
Contact: Nicolas Gonzalez, ngonzalez@audubon.org, (212) 979-3100.