How predicted empty hives would mean end of the world

THEY play a vital role pollinating many of the crops we rely upon for food and are so essential that Einstein once warned if the bee disappears from the surface of the earth, humans would follow within four years.

But with studies showing them to be in serious decline, a new strategy has been launched to try to protect our vital honey bee populations.

It is estimated the honey bee brings 160 million a year to the economy across the UK.

However, more importantly, they play a crucial part in the human food chain.

Half the honey bee population in America has been wiped out in the past 35 years and there are fears the situation could be repeating itself in Europe.

The Scottish Government yesterday published its draft four-year Honey Bee Health Strategy.

It sets out initiatives to boost populations of the insect in hives owned by Scotland's 30 commercial bee farmers and 2,200 enthusiasts.

These include improving surveillance to spot diseases and pests, promoting education for beekeepers to help them learn the best techniques for avoiding disease, and boosting communication between the industry and government.

Richard Lochhead, rural affairs secretary, said honey bees contribute directly to local food production in Scotland.

He added: "Their contribution to crop production and our environment through pollination is also important."

The disappearance of honey bees from hives is shrouded in mystery.

So many hives are being found empty it has become known as Mary Celeste syndrome, after the ship that was famously found deserted.

The varroa mite, a bug that infests the bees and leaves them susceptible to disease, is thought to be partly responsible for the decline.

Other theories range from the use of pesticides on crops, vibrations from mobile phone masts, and even GM crops.

Ian Craig, president of the Scottish Beekeepers' Association, welcomed the Scottish Government's initiative but thinks more money needs to be ploughed into research to discover the reason for the fall in numbers.

No money will be put aside to implement the Scottish Government's strategy.

Mr Craig said over the past few years the number of hives deserted by bees each winter in Scotland has risen from about one in 60, to about one in six.

"We would certainly be a lot worse off if the honey bee was to disappear," he said.

He thinks wet Scottish summers over the past few years have contributed to their decline, because the queen bee must mate on the wing, but the rain stops her flying.

IN NUMBERS

166m:

Amount the honey bee contributes to the UK.

1992:

Date when the varroa mite first arrived in the UK.

50:

Percentage decline in US bees between 1971 and 2006.

8m:

Spent by the US on research into the collapse.

200,000:

Spent by the UK on research.

30:

Commercial bee keepers in Scotland.