Name two non-target aquatic organisms that must be protected during pesticide applications.

• A. Fish and aquatic invertebrates (e.g., zooplankton, macroinvertebrates).
• B. Birds and mammals
• C. Algae and bacteria
• D. Amphibians and reptiles

Answer: (A)

Protecting aquatic life in the water is essential when pesticides are used near or in aquatic systems. The two non-target aquatic organisms you must guard are fish and aquatic invertebrates (such as zooplankton and macroinvertebrates). They live directly in the water and are often the most sensitive to pesticides, so even small amounts drifting into a stream, pond, or lake can affect their survival, reproduction, and overall health. Keeping these organisms safe helps preserve the food web and ecosystem function, and labels or best practices typically emphasize measures like avoiding application over water, establishing buffer zones, and timing applications to minimize exposure. While birds, mammals, algae, and bacteria can also be affected under certain circumstances, the emphasis for protecting aquatic life centers on fish and aquatic invertebrates due to their direct exposure and ecological roles.