BCIT LIBS 7001 CRITICAL READING AND WRITING

Silence of The Bees

Will A Precautionary Pesticide Ban Help Cease
The Buzz kill?

Lyndsey MacEwen
8/1/2013




"If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe then man would only have four years of life left. No
more bees, no more pollination, no more plants, no more animals, no more man." Albert Einstein
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Lyndsey MacEwen Persuasive Essay Silence of The Bees
Honey bees. They have been worshipped since ancient times, given us the nectar of the
Gods, the idiom as busy as a bee and are considered a free service gifted from nature.
These social natured and perfectly structured creatures play a critical role in the agricultural
industry and in the abundance of our entire natural ecosystem. Indeed, they are extremely
precious to our very survival. Being the most abundant pollinators, they are responsible for
pollinating 71% of the worlds 100 crops that supply 90% of the worlds food (FAO, 2005) and
30% of crops in North America. That equates to one of every three bites of food we eat
(Germaine, 2013). The Food and Agriculture Organization on behalf of the United Nations,
estimates the global monetary value of pollination at billions of euros annually (FAO). Priceless.
Imagine a life without this industrious little wonder that we are so dependent upon. How about
surviving on a diet consisting primarily of wheat, barley and rice (because most of those
gorgeous nuts, fruits and vegetables will no longer be available)? Oh, and you can forget about
that nice juicy steak, because without feed crops to feed cattle, there wont be much of that
either. This would be a devastating reality to celiacs, carbophobes, carnivores and vegetarians
alike. Without the marvellous honey bee, our comfortable little lives as we know them to be
would cease to exist.
Since 2006, honey bees have been mysteriously vanishing or experiencing colony
decimation from mass mortality by the millions (Langworthy, 2011). While losses are not
unusual and have been well documented throughout history (Kevan, 2007, p.15) symptoms do
not seem to match anything in literature according to Cox Foster of the CCD Working Group
(Latsch, 2007). This catastrophic phenomenon has been dubbed Colony Collapse Disorder
(CCD), which is defined by a precise set of symptoms: bees that have completely disappeared,
with hives containing only a young capped brood and its Queen present (Kevan 15). This leaves
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an insufficient workforce so the colony collapses (CAPA, 2013). In addition, food stores are
present but nearby pollinators or parasites who usually pirate immediately leave them untouched,
suggesting that there is something toxic in the colony itself which is repelling them," says Cox-
Foster (Latsch). Canadian cases have not been diagnosed by the Canadian Association of
Professional Apiculturists (CAPA) as CCD because for the most part, dead bodies are found in
and around hives, including dying Queens. A 2012 annual colony loss report released by CAPA
shows average overwintering losses from 2007- 2012 as 15-35% (2013, p.5), but variations from
region to region report operation losses at 50-80% each year (p. 4). Similarly, the Department of
Entomology in Maryland reports US colony losses averaging 30% annually over the last five
winters, but surveyors who cited the symptom of no dead bees in hive or apiary experienced
significantly higher mortality (vanEngelsdorp, 2012, p.116) from 30-90% (ARS, 2013). North
American agriculture is suffering at these shocking declines. The Canadian apiary industry is
valued at $1 billion annually (Pollination Canada) and pollination contributes to $20-30 billion in
crop production annually in the U.S. (Walker, 2013). The National Stakeholders Conference on
Honey Bee Health by USDA and EPA reported that in the last seven years, approximately 10
million bee hives have been lost, costing beekeepers alone $2 billion in replacement costs
(USDA, 2013, p.1).
Since the 1990s, neonicotinoids or neonics have been the most widely used class of
systemic insecticides in urban and commercial agriculture (Vaughan, 2012, p. 3). Their
mechanism of action affects the central nervous system of insects, causing paralysis and death
(EFSA, 2013). They also persist long term in soil, are absorbed into the flowers of plants and
contaminate water tables (2013). A number of recent studies have suggested that exposure to
neonicotinoids at sub-lethal doses can significantly impact bee navigation patterns, foraging
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behaviour, and memory negatively (EFSA, 2013; Gray, 2013). Supporting this, Elizabeth Renter
of the Natural Society reported that after investigating the mass casualties in the U.S., Purdue
University researchers discovered that bees exhibited neurotoxic symptoms and that seed
treatments of field crops (primarily corn) are the only major source of these compounds(2013).
Do we really want these chemicals being introduced to our food sources if they have neurotoxic
effects? What are the chronic, long term sub-level effects to both bees and humans? I grew up on
PEI, the most intensely sprayed province (Labchuk, 2012), surrounded by potato fields -
literally. Grave concerns have been raised over the years regarding ongoing ground water
contamination, fish kills and the rise in cancer. Sadly, Ive observed a ridiculous number of cases
of cancer deaths in my rural community alone. It has been speculated that the exponential use of
pesticides over the last 20 years may be related to the sharp increase in cancer related mortalities.
There is no simple, single agreed upon smoking gun for CCD or the catastrophic number
of fatalities, but it is widely accepted throughout the scientific community, agricultural and
apiary industries that a complex combination of factors is synergistically responsible for the
damaging impact on bees (Watanabe, 2008, p.383) including: pesticides from agricultural
regimens (Germaine, 2013), parasites and pathogens: nosema (Pettis, 2013), varroa mites
(Guzman, 2010, p.443), cosmetic spraying of wild flowers with herbicides (Black), monocultures
(Langworthy, 2011), habitat loss (Germaine), commercial migratory apiary practices (Kevan,
2007, p.16), genetic engineering (GMO/terminator seeds) (Latsch, 2007), and other stressors
(Kevan). Environment Canada believe that the mild winter temperatures, early onset crop
planting, and dust residues created from (planting) pesticide treated seeds are most likely
responsible for the majority of honey bee losses this year (Germaine). All of these mitigating
factors collectively decrease a bees ability to forage or maintain a healthy hive. As a result,
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weak and malnourished bees eventually succumb to a host of pathogens from being immuno-
compromised (Langworthy).
There is no doubt of the mounting evidence linking bee deaths to pesticides. A study
published in late July by researchers from the US Department of Agriculture and the University
of Maryland linked low level exposure of real-world pollen-pesticide blends to honey bee
mortality. Exposure weakens the bees immune system, increasing their susceptibility of
infestation to the parasite Nosema ceranae and fungicide infections (Pettis, 2013). Tibor Szabo
Sr. is a world-renowned bee researcher, professor at Guelph University and an Order of Canada
recipient who has been farming bees since 1957. He has written dozens of papers for Agriculture
Canada including one that identified the varroa mite as one of the many contributing factors in
CCD (Bridgeman, 2013). Another study in the Journal of Apidology, found that a significant loss
in overwintering honey bees was due to varroa mite infestations (Guzman, 2010, p.449). Szabo
Sr. recently lost 50 of his hives and over the past four years, has observed the steady decline in
birds, honey bees and other pollinating insects near his apiary. Pettis, Guzman and Szabo Sr. (all)
strongly attribute the increased use of pesticides and neonic treated seeds to the reduced ability
of normally hearty bees to ward off and eventually succumb to mite infections (Bridgeman).
David Schuit a beekeeper in Elmwood, Ontario recently suffered a phenomenal loss, losing 600
hives totalling 37 million bees, also when seed treated corn planting occurred nearby (Renter,
2013). In June 2013, 50, 000 bee deaths, impacting a massive 300 bee colonies in Oregon were
linked to neonics. Maria Spivak, a professor and authority on bee deaths at the University
Minnesota advised that The Oregon bee poisoning is a clear warning. We have to stop pesticide
use in cases where human health or food security is not at risk (Black, 2013).
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Lyndsey MacEwen Persuasive Essay Silence of The Bees
After reviewing the existing literature on neonicotinoids, the European Food and Safety
Authority released an independent report and concluded that neonics pose an unacceptable risk
to bees and that they should not be used on flowering crops, launching the European Unions
(E.U.)s ban proposal (EFSA, 2013). On April 29, 2013 the E.U. announced the ban of three out
of the eight most used neonics over a two year period, beginning December 2013 in areas that
might be most affected (Renter, 2013). While Ontario effectively banned the use of Cosmetic
Pesticides in 2009 to reduce the unnecessary risk of chemical exposure to humans and the
environment (Suzuki, 2013; OME, 2013; Black, 2013), Environment Canada have yet to motion
an absolute moratorium ban of neonicotinoids nationwide; but say if warranted they will take
action. The long term health of thriving, reproductive hives for pollination is absolutely
necessary (Germaine, 2013). I think the recent overwhelming loss of bee colonies in Canada is
likely the infancy stage of the catastrophic crisis that is already occurring the world over. A
domino effect. In order to prevent further devastation to Canadian colonies we need to take the
necessary precautionary steps to protect these vital creatures. Even if there is not an immediate
ban, Health Canada officials need to establish mitigating risk assessment policies and carry out
their recommendations for improving agricultural and apiary practices. The survival of both
industries is dependent upon their cooperation with one another. And why is that important?
Because bees are critically essential in sustaining biodiversity by providing invaluable
pollination for a vast array of wild plants and crops (FAO, 2005). Furthermore, they contribute
economic wealth and human wellbeing through the production of honey and food products. More
importantly, bee health is an indication of environmental wellness, and if they are healthy, we are
healthy!
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Lyndsey MacEwen Persuasive Essay Silence of The Bees
Not surprisingly, many seed and pesticide companies - as well as some researchers-
fiercely dispute the assertion that neonics are a significant factor in bee infestation and death.
Biotech conglomerates like Monsanto believe lobbyists, environmental groups and researchers
are misleading the public regarding the demise of bees (Entine, 2013). A field study carried out
in Ontario by Cutler and Scott- Dupee on seed treatments, found that there were no long term
impacts or link to honeybee deaths (2007, p.770). Interestingly, this study neglected to account
for pesticide laced crop dust levels (that are known to effect bee health) and was funded by the
Bayer chemical company, a leading manufacturer of neonicotinoid pesticides. I think this is a
gross conflict of interest. I believe it critical for studies to be funded and carried out by impartial,
independent sources to satisfy the need for high transparency of research to avoid bias and elude
vested interests.
Kevan, an entomologist from the University of Guelph disagrees with the ban and would
rather see conservative recommendations made (Kenan, 2007; Germaine, 2013). Similarly, Jon
Entine, a skeptic science contributor for Forbes does not see a linkage between the recent
upsurges in bee mortality rates with neonic usage and feels that, precipitously acting without
really understanding the mechanisms at work is reckless (2013). Further, he believes that
banning chemicals willy nilly without persuasive empirical evidence is a slippery slope and
that policy should not be based on irrational public fear (2013). Years of research from various
prestigious institutions, headed by renowned scholars in their field would beg to differ. In fact,
the mechanisms of these chemicals are well known. Pesticides are designed to kill. New and
agreed upon research is confirming these pesticides do indeed play a role in bee death (Guzman,
2010; Pettis, 2013; USDA, 2013; EFSA, 2013;Vaughan, 2012). The questions are why are they
synergistically detrimental and what are their long term effects on environmental health and
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Lyndsey MacEwen Persuasive Essay Silence of The Bees
safety? Canadian corn and grain farmers have also expressed their concern, saying a ban on
pesticides would be completely reactionary and not being able to use this tool would devastate
their crops (Germaine, 2013). They estimate a 10% decrease in yield annually from 2.3 million
acres (2013). I believe strongly that not taking precautionary measures would be reactionary and
an unreasonable risk. Why lie in wait for a national crisis before initiating action, while
witnessing the annihilation that has already snowballed globally? The reality is that its coming
and we have a window of opportunity to avert the endangerment of public health and wildlife
safety, while safeguarding the industries that produce our food sources. Many farmers say its the
equipment (causing the dust) and not their practices to blame (Germaine, 2013). Many critics
refute field study research because they claim that scientists are exposing bees to doses of
pesticides significantly higher than what they would experience in the natural environment
(Gray, 2013). The progressive shift from researching bee mortality from the lab into the real-
world, however, is highly representative of actual scenarios that may provide credible answers as
to why pesticides synergistically affect bee health so deleteriously (Pettis, 2013).
The overwhelming consensus is that this is a very complex issue with a combination of
stressors involved, and pesticides, while playing a role, are not the sole culprit. Further, there is a
unanimous cry for more (internationally) collaborative research to assess long term exposure
risks, and for initiating recommendations from mitigating risk assessments. I believe any
(pesticide) product deemed to have a negative impact on the health of humans, pollinators and/or
the wellbeing of the ecosystem should be banned. Based on sound evidence, even a partial
precautionary ban of neonicotinoids would greatly improve the vigour of the honeybee, with
minimal loss to agricultural farmers. A poll conducted on the CBCs (2013) website asked the
public, Should Canada follow the European Union's lead and further restrict the use of
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pesticides? The results were almost universal, with 92.97% of 1, 891 votes saying Yes (As of
August 1). We know these chemicals are harmful in combination with other factors. This is one
piece of the fabric that we can influence, whereas we fall vulnerable to factors such as the
weather. There are alternatives to using this form of pesticide that are much less harmful. Until a
ban comes into effect, we need to agree to compromise. There are several effortless preventative
alternatives individuals can participate in including: developing new control methods and
agricultural regimes, decreasing risk of exposure by not planting on windy days or planting at
dusk or dawn when bees arent foraging, tweaking mechanisms on machinery to lessen the dust
produced during seeding (Germaine, 2013), becoming informed consumers and not buying
products or plants that contain neonics, using alternative products or organic gardening
techniques (Langworthy, 2011), and stiffening regulation to include proper labelling that warns
of the toxicity to bees and other pollinators.
The use of pesticides, especially neonicotinoids is not simply a matter of the agricultural
survival for a few grain crops. It is a wide scale matter of environmental and social policy that
cannot be hidden under the umbrella of economic revenues driven by big chemical marketing
companies and the agricultural industry. While independent research continues investigating the
interactive causes for bee decimation and forecasting the nominal long term effects on bee
survival within the ecosystem, it is essential for individuals and industry to participate in
sustainable practices that help relieve environmental stressors detrimental to bee health
(Germaine, 2013; Langworthy, 2013). In response to the growing credible evidence toward the
shared contributory role pesticides play in declining bee numbers, and increased susceptibility to
mass infection leading to death, the Canadian Government should take a proactive approach by
following in step with the E.U.s decision to effectively ban the use of neonicotinoids until
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research and risk assessments suggests otherwise. Any concerns that pose valid risks to the
health and wellbeing of society or threaten the safety of the global ecosystem deserves
immediate action to mitigate any further damage.
While the environment would fare well without our presence, we are intimately
dependent upon its fitness for our survival. No mutual relationship exists between the two.
Continuing to unfairly pressure bees to unsustainable limits will ultimately lead to the massive
loss of plant and animal biodiversity, a colossal reduction in food choice and nutrition, followed
by skyrocketing food prices, and then the complete collapse of all forms of agriculture,
beekeeping practices and the economies supported by pollination (Langworthy, 2013). That
devastating prognosis far outweighs the potential loss to biochemical companies and grain
farmers. We need to focus on the big picture and how it will affect people in the long term for
generations to come. The onus lies in the hands of scientists, researchers, politicians, industry
and the individuals of society to collectively do what they can to protect and sustain this
incredibly precious commodity.

Works Cited
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bees and colony collapse disorder. Retrieved on July 31, 2013 from
http://www.ars.usda.gov/News/docs.htm?docid=15572
Black, S.H. (2013, June 27). Scientists call for an end to cosmetic insecticide use after the largest
bumble bee poisoning on record. Xerces. Retrieved from
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after-the-largest-bumble-bee-poisoning-on-record/
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Bridgeman, T. (2013, July 2). Sudden death in Guelph area bees raises new questions. Guelph
Mercury. Retrieved from http://www.guelphmercury.com/opinion-story/3874086-
sudden-death-of-guelph-area-bees-raises-new-questions/
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vanEngelsdorp, et. al (2012). A national survey of managed honey bee 2010-11 winter colony
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