Killing our Fisheries, Pets & Kids... is Herbicide Spraying a Necessary Evil or Ecological Disaster?

On this episode of Fishing the DMV, I’m joined by Dave Miller to dive into one of the most heated conservation debates facing our waters today overspray of herbicides in our local bodies of water. We tackle a hot-button issue shaking up the fishing and conservation community: The decision to use diquat dibromide—a federally approved herbicide that’s banned in the European Union—to combat the spread of subaquatic grass has sparked serious concerns. Critics warn it is creating ecological disasters, killing fish in lakes, making people sick, and even causing the deaths of pets.

A recent opinion piece slammed the move as reckless and undemocratic, arguing that spraying chemicals into public waterways risks fish kills, long-term ecological damage, and public health concerns. Critics point out the decision was made quietly by federal and state agencies, without town halls, public consent, or community input, raising serious questions about accountability.

Even more concerning, this is part of a pilot program that could expand to other states if considered successful—potentially setting a precedent for how invasive species are managed nationwide. Meanwhile, alternatives such as mechanical removal and less toxic treatments have largely been overlooked.

 Parkinsonism relating to intoxication with glyphosate: a case Report: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/331317400_Parkinsonism_relating_to_intoxication_with_glyphosate_A_case_report 

Glyphosate Exposure Associated with Human Neurodegenerative Disorders: A Scoping Review: https://www.scirp.org/pdf/jbbs2024147_13901129.pdf  

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