Here's what I received from WDFW about rotenone. There's a discussion meeting set
over in Spokane for next month.
Bill Warner
Thank you for your e-mail correspondence to the Washington Department of Fish and
Wildlife (WDFW) regarding rotenone. Below is the prepared Briefing Points for your
review:
Briefing Points
WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE
600 Capital Way North, Olympia, Washington, 98501-1091
Internet Address:
February 14, 2001Contact: Tim Waters
Public Affairs (360) 902-2262
ROTENONE USE TO BE DISCUSSED
- The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will discuss the use of rotenone as a
fisheries management tool during a regularly-scheduled meeting April 6-7 in Spokane.
The meeting will be held at the Ramada Inn located at the Spokane International
Airport.
- Rotenone, a plant-derived pesticide, has been used extensively in the United States
for the past 60 years, although its use in Washington state has decreased
substantially in recent years due to environmental restrictions and public concerns.
These factors, coupled with costs associated with administering the chemical, have
prompted a review of rotenone's use. The Department, like all state agencies, faces
budget cutbacks this year and is being forced to prioritize activities.
- Besides examining the environmental and other concerns surrounding the use of
rotenone, WDFW scientists are investigating methods other than rotenone use for
rehabilitating lakes to provide predictable, robust fisheries. The Department also is
reviewing alternative methods for applying rotenone. Other states, for example,
utilize specialized equipment.
- Rotenone is a naturally-occurring substance regulated by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA). The chemical is used by fisheries biologists as a tool to rid
lakes of invasive fish species. The lakes are then re-populated with desirable
recreational species such as trout.
- The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) began using rotenone as a
fisheries management tool in 1940. The pesticide is applied under the supervision of a
licensed pesticide applicator, and all EPA guidelines are followed.
- Although rotenone continues to be utilized as a fisheries management tool in various
parts of the United States, the amount of the chemical used in recent years has
decreased significantly due to regulatory restrictions and public concerns. As these
concerns have grown, rotenone use has been increasingly scrutinized by scientists and
the public.
- For example, a recent experiment conducted at Emory University in Atlanta concluded
that rats chronically treated with rotenone develop symptoms associated with
Parkinson's disease. The study suggests that environmental toxins may contribute to
the disease.
- In Washington, the decreased use of rotenone in recent years is attributable to the
state's growth and the development of previously undeveloped land for residential,
industrial, agricultural and other uses. EPA regulations prohibit rotenone use in or
near potable water supplies, or in water used for crop irrigation.
- WDFW has not used rotenone in lakes in densely populated areas of western
Washington since 1989. In recent years, use of the chemical has been largely confined
to remote eastern Washington lakes. Last year, 14 lakes ranging in size from 12 acres
to 190 acres were treated with rotenone.
- The Department presently has plans to use rotenone next spring to treat five small
lakes in the Columbia Basin. After Fish and Wildlife Commission and public review,
future use of the chemical will be determined by the Commission and WDFW Director Jeff
Koenings.
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If you have further questions, please email again or call (360) 902-2700. Our
Customer Service hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Sincerely,
Fish Program
