COLOSS: Honey bee colony loss/survival survey 2018/2019
Dr Mary F Coffey
Dear Secretary and Fellow beekeepers,
This short correspondence is a reminder that it is now time to complete the annual COLOSS survey on winter colony losses. As described in my recent article on colony losses in the May edition of An Beachaire, this annual survey has allowed the creation of a reliable profile on the winter losses being experienced by beekeepers over the past 10 years. The collection of this type of information is not only beneficial to beekeepers, but is necessary for the development of bee health strategies now and into the future.
To ensure that the data we collect is representative of Irish beekeeping, it is essential that as many beekeepers as possible complete the survey. Irrespective of the number of colonies you have, or the number of years you are beekeeping, we would appreciate it if you would complete this year’s survey. It is a relatively simple survey which aims to quantify winter colony losses as well as identifying possible causes.
The survey can be completed manually using the printable version attached. For beekeepers who prefer to complete the survey online, the online version is available NOW at www.nationalapicultureprogramme.info In a day or so a link to the online version will also be available on the FIBKA, NIHBS and IBA webpages.
Please note that all completed surveys should be returned by 1 June 2019.
Thanking you,
Regards,
Mary F
Dr Mary F Coffey
Teagasc
Oakpark Research Centre
Carlow
Dr Mary F Coffey
Dear Secretary and Fellow beekeepers,
This short correspondence is a reminder that it is now time to complete the annual COLOSS survey on winter colony losses. As described in my recent article on colony losses in the May edition of An Beachaire, this annual survey has allowed the creation of a reliable profile on the winter losses being experienced by beekeepers over the past 10 years. The collection of this type of information is not only beneficial to beekeepers, but is necessary for the development of bee health strategies now and into the future.
To ensure that the data we collect is representative of Irish beekeeping, it is essential that as many beekeepers as possible complete the survey. Irrespective of the number of colonies you have, or the number of years you are beekeeping, we would appreciate it if you would complete this year’s survey. It is a relatively simple survey which aims to quantify winter colony losses as well as identifying possible causes.
The survey can be completed manually using the printable version attached. For beekeepers who prefer to complete the survey online, the online version is available NOW at www.nationalapicultureprogramme.info In a day or so a link to the online version will also be available on the FIBKA, NIHBS and IBA webpages.
Please note that all completed surveys should be returned by 1 June 2019.
- Printed versions should be returned to Mary F Coffey, Teagasc, Oakpark Research Centre, Carlow.
Thanking you,
Regards,
Mary F
Dr Mary F Coffey
Teagasc
Oakpark Research Centre
Carlow
| colossquestionnaire2019_ire_final.pdf |
