What is 1080?

1080 has been used in New Zealand for pest control since the mid-1950s, the only poison registered for aerial application, usually from a helicopter. The Department of Conservation (DOC) says the biggest threat to our wildlife is predation by introduced pests such as rats, stoats and possums. About 80% of our bird species are at risk of extinction. 

Monitoring data show that aerial 1080 operations are effective at protecting our native species and restoring our forests.

More information on 1080 can be found at:-

1080 hazards to fish, wildlife and invertebrates - US National Biological Service - click here 

Department of Conservation - click here

Where 1080 is used - DOC - click here

1080 FAQs - DOC - click here

How does 1080 get into trout flesh?

1080 doesn’t contaminate trout flesh through bait dropped into waterways, but through secondary poisoning.

In the current situation, we’re talking about trout which have consumed one or a number of mice, which have fed on 1080 bait as a result of DOC's and TB-free New Zealand’s aerial 1080 programmes.

So what are the risks?

The Environmental Protection Authority and the New Zealand Food Safety Authority consider the consumption of wild-caught fish and crayfish from 1080 operation areas unlikely to pose a food safety risk to humans.

To minimise food safety concerns, the Ministry for Primary Industries advises anglers to wait seven days after an aerial 1080 operation.

For more details about MPI's advice, click here

More information on '1080 and water' can be found here

Where can I fish in complete safety?

You can safely fish anywhere in New Zealand, the only potential risk could come if you were  angling in an area where there had been a recent 1080 drop, and you consumed a large quantity of trout flesh.

Naturally you can still catch and release in the affected areas, and the vast majority of our fresh water fisheries remain completely safe to take a trout home for the table.

More information on the areas proposed for 1080 drops can be found here

What does DOC's Battle of the Birds campaign involve?

DOC has carried out aerial 1080 drops as part of its ‘Battle for the Birds’ campaign.

For the latest information on the campaign focused on predator control, click here

To find out where pesticides are being used in DOC regions, click here

Where can I find out more?

We suggest for those interested, look up the link provided for some scientific views.

For 'science supports 1080,' click here