Three Pesticides Found Harmful To Salmon

It was recently discovered by NOAA’s Fisheries Service that three commonly used pesticides are harmful to west coast salmon.

Oryzalin, pendimenthalin and trifluralin are used by residential homeowners as well as agri-business operations.  The most harmful, trifluralin, has a direct impact on the salmon, deforming backbones even at low concentrations.  The other two have an smaller direct effect but are harmful to the aquatic plants necessary to the salmon habitat.  The study, known as a biological opinion, is available for public comment until April 30.  It should become final by the end of May.