Landcare Research is opening a survey as an initial means of assessing the causes behind bee colony losses in New Zealand. Thankfully, in New Zealand the number of hives have been increasing. However, bee populations are currently on a drastic decline in many other parts of the world - and New Zealand has recently sustained an increase in the failure of colonies. Anecdotal evidence suggests that diseases, pesticides, and overstocking are part of the problem, but Landcare's study aims to get a clearer picture of the situation and the reasons behind it. Beekeepers are being asked to contribute their experiences and observations, working towards the protection of the $5.1 billion industry, in an online survey. Dr Pike Brown, director of the New Zealand Bee Colony Loss and Survival survey, says the survey will give a valuable image of New Zealand's bee industry. "The data from the survey will allow policy makers, industry groups and beekeepers to make better decisions on how to preserve New Zealand's bee populations," says Dr Brown. The survey is structured to enable comparisons to the situation worldwide, but also includes several questions looking at the local context. Federated Farmers Bee Industry Group chairman John Hartnell says bees are critical to the world's agricultural and horticultural industry, noting their importance in the role of pollination. "Looking ahead, this survey will help the industry to form a framework for building a long-term picture of annual trends and explore the potential causes of losses and ways to prevent them." The National Beekeepers Association has declared September as Bee Aware Month. The survey of beekeepers is funded by the Ministry for Primary Industries, National Beekeepers Association of New Zealand, Federated Farmers Bee Industry Group and Agcarm. Beekeepers can take part in the survey here, with participants remaining anonymous.