The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, along with the Newfoundland and Labrador Beekeeping Association (NLBKA), have stated their support for “restricted, permitted importation” of honey bees into Newfoundland. This stance is wrong and endangers Newfoundland’s honey bee population. We call on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to implement a ban on all honey bee imports. 

Background

Newfoundland is one of few places in the world free of a devastating mite called the “Varroa Destructor.” Luckily, this mite cannot suddenly swim across the Atlantic and will only arrive via the importation of an infected bee. Legal importation, even with strict guidelines, is still risky. There is no legitimate reason to take this risk and as Newfoundland honey bee populations continue to grow, importation becomes less and less necessary. The introduction of Varroa into the province will destroy Newfoundland’s pristine bee status and cause irreparable environmental and economic damage. 

Let’s do what is #BestForTheBees and stop all honey bee imports into NL.

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