Bees Can Be Legally Considered Fish In California, Court Rules

Bees are great contributors to the pollination factor in our world. Without them, pollination would become more difficult, especially for a lot of the food we eat today. So, thanks to some very determined conservationists, they have been categorized under the same invertebrate section as fish in the endangered species act. 

Bees are now Considered Fish

The California 3rd District Court of Appeals Sacramento, California passed a law involving the endangered species act. In short, in certain circumstances, bees can now be considered fish.

Fish and Wildlife argued tooth and nail to get Bees on the same list as fish, and their point was that the category of “invertebrates” should not exclude Bees or other insects. It should rather include them in the list of invertebrates. 

Previously, only mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, plants, and amphibians were included in the protection act. Bees were excluded until now. The Fish and Wildlife NGO contested the original law, asking for bees to be included in the invertebrate category. Three judges made up the panel of decision-makers.

“‘[f]ish’ means a wild fish, mollusk, crustacean, invertebrate, amphibian, or part, spawn, or ovum of any of those animals,” the judges said in court. They added, “We acknowledge the scope of the definition is ambiguous.

Bees are now Protected

The ruling has lifted the spirits of many conservationists. Never before has the law protected bees. “Although the term fish is colloquially and commonly understood to refer to aquatic species,” the judge said in court. “The term of art employed by the Legislature in the definition of fish in section 45 is not so limited”

They went on to say: “Accordingly, a terrestrial invertebrate, like each of the four bumble bee species, may be listed as an endangered or threatened species under the Act.”

The ruling states that no Harmful acts that might hurt or kill the Bees. This includes farmers growing crops and throwing pesticides, and letting the animals graze on the fields.  Not only that but one cannot “take” any Bees without permission. Moreover, Sarina Jepsen, the director of Xerces Society, Endangered Species stated: “The court’s decision allows California to protect some of its most endangered pollinators.” 

Pros and cons of the ruling 

Farmers are concerned about the change to the laws concerning bees. Consequently, they will need to make some changes to their farming techniques. For example, the use of pesticides.

Andony Melathopoulos, the Extension Service’s pollinator health specialist, and assistant professor at Oregon State University said that the intention was to protect the Bees from extinction. This would have some drastic effects on our planet. Consequently, some negative side effects might happen thanks to the need for permits to “take” bees. 

Antony said: “Before this ruling, entomologists in California could collect a lot of data on bumble bee distribution, and now, it will be more closely scrutinized through permits.” 

Why do bees need protection? 

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, USDA, Bees play a big part in agricultural pollination. Approximately one-third of the crops farmers grow to rely on bees for pollination. As a result, bees ensure higher quality crops. In the end, America will see a rise in the economy. Secondly, the citizens live healthier lives due to nutrient-rich food.

In conclusion, beekeepers have reported losing their bee colonies. Since the 1940s, the amount of hives has shrunk from 6 million to about a 2.5 million. So, bees are now part of the endangered species act. In addition, the secretary of agriculture has urged Americans to consider creating hives if they can and to plant as many bee-friendly flowers in their gardens.