New beekeeping association minding Newfoundland's beeswax

A newly formed beekeeping association is asking the public to help it protect Newfoundland's unique bee population, arguing thatforeign bees and even seeds from other parts of the world couldharm local bees.

Newfoundland's bee populationhasn't been infectedby mites and illnesses that have been a blight onbees around the world..

"It's the last place on earth that hasn't been touched," says Dan Price, president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Beekeeping Association.

Price says provincial legislation protects the local beesby banning the importation of bees from other parts of Canada or the world but he fears a new beekeeper might make a tragic mistake.

"Don't bring used beekeeping equipment or, god forbid, live bees into the province," said Price, citing his advice to others.

Colonycollapse isanother threat thatbees face.

In many parts of the world, whole bee populations have died or disappeared mysteriously. Some research suggests commonly used pesticides are to blame.

Price says gardeners in Newfoundland and Labrador may be unknowingly putting bees at risk.

"Like ordering gardening seeds from a catalogue knowing that a lot of these seeds are treated with neonicotinoids and poisons that, that can kill or harm our native bees."

The newly formed association is also hoping to convince more municipalities in the province to allow beekeeping within their boundaries.

"They need to get in the game and know that backyard beekeeping and urban beekeeping is anestablished thing across North America and around the world in high density urban areas," says Price.

"Peopledon't have to fear bees or beekeeping. Actually the Newfoundland bee is one of the most easy-going and gentle bees around."

So far, beekeeping is permitted in the communities ofPasadena, Paradise and Placentia.