NMFS issues final Biological Opinion for pesticides harming salmon

Date:06-04-2012


On May 31, 2012, US EPA received the National Marine Fisheries Service's (NMFS') final Biological Opinion relative to the potential effects of the dinitroanaline herbicides oryzalin, pendimethalin and trifluralin on federally listed threatened or endangered Pacific salmon and steelhead and their designated critical habitat.

In the Biological Opinion, NMFS concluded that oryzalin, pendimethalin, and trifluralin are likely to jeopardize the continued existence of some listed Pacific salmonids, and adversely modify designated critical habitat of some listed salmonids. NMFS considered comments and incorporated suggestions from EPA, the states, the pesticide industry, grower groups and other stakeholders to complete this Biological Opinion. The Biological Opinion provides a one-year timeframe for implementation. EPA will consider the opinion and take appropriate steps to protect threatened and endangered species from pesticide risks.