Re-registration of rotenone: A state/federal cooperative effort

Rotenone is an effective fish toxicant used by virtually all states to manage fish populations. In response to an allegation that rotenone might cause mammary tumors, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in 1976, announced that it was considering listing rotenone as an unsafe substance. To determine if these allegations were correct, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in concert with the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, embarked on an extensive research effort. The project was funded in part with Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration administrative funds, extended over 6 years, and cost nearly $3,000,000. Data developed from this effort indicate that, if used according to its label instructions, rotenone is a safe and effective product.