Puerto Rico launches initiative to protect honey bees

Puerto Rico is implementing a plan to preserve the island's honey bee population amid a worldwide decline in the insects' numbers, Agriculture Secretary Myrna Comas Pagan said.

Last year Puerto Rico's honey production increased by more than 30 percent and sales grew to more than $300,000, she told a press conference.

"Our statistics show an increase in honey production since 2011, so we have remained vigilant to detect the arrival of diseases or viruses that could affect the hives," Comas said.

A survey among beekeepers shows that 5,744 gallons (21,742 liters) of honey were collected in Puerto Rico in 2011, but production decreased to 4,103 gallons (15,530 liters) in 2012.

In 2013, beekeepers collected 6,529 gallons (24,713 liters) of honey and production increased again in 2014, to 9,169 gallons (34,706 liters).

Comas pointed out that in many areas of the world, honey bees are threatened by mites, fungi and viruses, along with the widespread use of insecticides by people who fear being stung by bees.

"We cannot ignore that hives' production is being affected at the global level," the official said, adding that her department regards bees as essential.

To maintain the honey bee population and the production of honey, some 250 employees of Puerto Rico's State Agency for Emergency and Disaster Management, or AEMEAD, have been trained in the protection of hives.

The agency's director, Miguel Rios, said the pact with the Agriculture Department has been "very important" to manage the problems that affect hives.

"We have been working on this issue at schools and neighborhoods, but now we will work in a coordinated way with the Department of Agriculture to save the bees," he said.

Hives found in residential areas "represent a high risk for families," Rios said.

"What we are trying to achieve is that if someone gets in touch with AEMEAD, the agency calls on beekeepers, who have better skills for removing the hives," Comas said. "We want to protect the bees and obtain more products from our farms." EFE

Puerto Rico launches initiative to protect honey bees