It has been linked to declines in insect populations and therefore to declines in bird populations that depend on insects for food.
Doc needs to establish the science before it does the drop, not after. This is just an experiment with no basis in scientific enquiry.
Doc should not be experimenting with our wildlife in this way.
John Smith
Stewart Island
The Dotterel’s diet consists of insects, sand-hoppers, and other small creatures.
Although experts are aware of this fact,
they plan to distribute poisoned pellets in multiple rounds, with an overlap on the boundaries. According to their own statements, they intend to use 4kg per hectare initially, which will overlap to make 8kg. Subsequently, they will follow up with 2kg per hectare along the boundaries, resulting in 4kg over a significant portion.
Some boundary areas may end up receiving 12kg per hectare.
This operation is entirely experimental, and to exacerbate the situation, none of these areas will be off-limits to the public, including hunters and walkers.
There seems to be a looming disaster even before the pellets are dispersed.
As an Airbnb host on the island, I feel obligated to alert all guests. It would be unfair for them to engage in recreational activities like walking or hunting in an area where the safety of the environment, including water sources, cannot be guaranteed.
Mary Molloy
Hari Hari
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[Mary Molloy represents Farmers Against 1080.]
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