Evidence of such change was just witnessed in Maryland when the House and Senate agreed upon and passed the Maryland Pollinator Protection Act, a bill that would limit the sale and use of pesticides containing neonicotinoids, which are believed to harm bees and other pollinators, such as birds and butterflies. The bill represents only a partial ban on neonicotinoids, as they may continue to be used by certain people—such as farmers, veterinarians, and those who have been trained to use it — though regular consumers will not have access to them.
Studies have shown that neonicotinoids, or neonics, directly contribute to bee mortality. One particularly worrisome study—considering the role bees play in pollinating many of our food crops—found that neonics blocked the part of the bees’ brain used for learning, causing them to forget the scent for food or nectar. However, the bill was still met with some controversy, as opponents questioned the science regarding neonics, and insisted that the sate should wait to act until the federal government addresses the issue.
Still, Maryland beekeepers are celebrating, as Maryland honeybee losses are among the highest in the country with beekeepers losing up to 61% of their colonies between 2014-2015. There are about 900 beekeepers and 9,000 colonies in Maryland, many of which are considered small-scale.
Although bees face other threats, such as the loss of food resources, limiting the use of neonics is a solid first step in addressing the issues bees face. Though other cities have enacted bans, and other states have considered legislation, Maryland is the first state to actually pass a partial ban on neonics in the House and Senate, and many are hoping other states will follow.
What do you think? Have you contacted your local politicians about passing legislation to #savethebees?
