FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 20, 2002

Oyster growers given ok to use carbaryl on limited basis

OLYMPIA - Oyster growers will be allowed to control burrowing shrimp with the pesticide carbaryl on a limited basis for the next four years under a highly restrictive permit just approved by the state.

The Department of Ecology issued the permit after reviewing comments given by the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, other public agencies, oyster growers and the public.

"This permit strikes a balance between those who would prefer zero use of chemicals and an industry that is trying to cope with a serious threat to their livelihoods," said Megan White, manager of Ecology's water-quality program. "Over the years, the oyster industry has been one of the biggest champions of water quality.

"We've developed a permit that limits the amount of carbaryl that may be used so that sensitive inter-tidal areas are protected, but will allow this important part of our Northwest economy to remain viable."

White said the permit protects the marine environment by restricting how much and at what times of the year carbaryl can be used. It also requires growers to monitor water quality and sample sediment, something not previously required by Ecology. Also, the growers still must seek alternative methods to grow oysters.

"The Department of Ecology accepted many of our recommendations in the final permit," said Sue Patnude, a regional director with the state Department of Fish and Wildlife. "We remain involved to protect the sensitive marine environment, but we understand the oyster growers' predicament - the ecosystem is out of balance and we're trying to manage in the best way possible for all concerns."

Burrowing shrimp tunnel beneath shellfish-growing beds creating a "quicksand" effect. The hard inter-tidal surface is softened and oyster survival is greatly reduced when oysters sink into the mud and cannot feed on waterborne algae.

So far, the shellfish industry has not found any shrimp-control alternatives that are as cost-effective as carbaryl, White said.

The permit will allow carbaryl use from July 1 to Sept. 1 each year through 2005. The permit allows a maximum of one application per site every three years, and applications must be publicized in advance.

Carbaryl is used by oyster growers on approximately 1 percent of the tidelands in Willapa Bay and 0.5 percent of Grays Harbor. It is highly targeted through spray application during low tides and light winds using helicopters or ground sprayers. It is applied outside of the harvest season and does not persist for long periods of time in water or aquatic life.

Tests by the state have shown no sign of carbaryl in oyster meat, salmon or other seafood.

Oyster growers have used carbaryl under state oversight in Willapa and Grays harbors since the early 1960s. The requirement for a permit stems from a court decision last year in Oregon.

In addition to the new permit being issued for the use of carbaryl, Ecology has issued a permit for noxious- weed control to be used by licensed, professional applicators and county noxious weed boards. To apply for a noxious-weed permit, call Kathy Hamel at Ecology, 360-407-6562.

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