Illegal pesticide use probed in 4 N.B. sites

September 29, 2010
CBC News

Environment Canada has launched four active investigations into the alleged illegal use of the pesticide Cypermethrin in the Bay of Fundy.

Last fall, federal government investigators found the chemical cypermethrin present in weak and dying lobsters in the Bay of Fundy.

Now, further inspections done over the past few months have turned up detectable levels of cypermethrin at two other aquaculture sites in southwest New Brunswick.

The chemical is illegal for marine use in Canada, but it's used in other countries to combat sea lice.

The initial discovery of lobster kills in the Grand Manan and Deer Island areas late last year launched two investigations that are still ongoing.

Ever since, Environment Canada officials have been monitoring the Bay of Fundy through routine inspections and sample collections.

Between May and July, they found levels of cypermethrin in certain fish farms in Charlotte Country, which led to two new investigations into its alleged use.

Read the full story on CBC News 

Read related stories:

• Telegraph Journal; October 1, 2010; "Aquaculture company denies using harmful pesticide - Investigation: Environment Canada probing discovery of illegal substance in Bay of Fundy"
• CBC News; September 30, 2010; "Fish farm pesticides should be banned: association"
• Telegraph Journal; September 25, 2010; "Bay of Fundy Mystery: What killed the lobsters"