Submissions sought on release of dung beetles

The Environmental Risk Management Authority is calling for submissions on an application to import and release up to 11 species of dung beetle to manage dung produced by livestock in New Zealand.

The application is being made by the Dung Beetle Release Strategy Group – comprising farmers, interest groups and the MAF Sustainability Farming Fund. Scientific support is provided by Landcare Research.

Dung beetles process dung by burying it, then using it as a food source and breeding site.

The application states the benefits of dung beetle activity include improved soil health, improved water infiltration, and reduced nutrient runoff and waterway pollution. It also says greenhouse gas emissions from dung will be reduced.

The application is now open for submissions from the public. Submissions close on 4 November 2010.

All submissions will be evaluated, and a hearing may be held if requested, before a committee of the Authority makes a decision on whether to approve or decline this application.

Application and submission documents are available at: http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/find/WebResults.aspx?search=erma200599

ENDS

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