NOTICE OF MOTION
16 JUNE 2010
Tim Morris MP on tomorrow to move –
That the House notes a recent study titled Atrazine reduces reproduction in Fathead Minow undertaken by the United States Geological Survey found that permissible concentrations of atrazine as found in rivers and streams directly affects reproduction and spawning in fathead minnows, and further this House notes:
1: The study assessed concentrations of atrazine at 0 to 50 micrograms per litre, with 50 micrograms per litre being well below the United States EPA Pesticides in Aquatic Life Bench Mark of permissible levels of 65 micrograms per litre, and found:
(a) Total egg production was lower (19-39%) in all atrazine-exposed groups as compared to the controls
(b) The reductions in cumulative egg reproduction in atrazine treatment groups were most attributable to reduced numbers of spawning events and increased exposure to atrazine concentrations
(c) Gonad abnormalities were observed in both male and female fish of atrazine exposed fish
(d) Atrazine reduces egg production through alteration of final maturation of immature eggs in the ovum; and
2: Notes the studies principle author’s Donald E Tillett conclusion:
the reproductive effects observed in this study warrant further investigation and evaluation of the potential risks posed by atrazine, particularly in wild populations of fish from streams in agricultural areas with high use of this herbicide: and
3: Further notes there have been over 139 reported contamination detections of atrazine in Tasmania including the contamination of ground water supplies however under the current self regulatory system none of the atrazine contamination events are illegal; and
4: In light of this new study – calls on this House to enact the precautionary principle and ban triazines in Tasmania in the interests of protection both human and environmental health.
What Tim Morris says: HERE
