WHAT: A National Sea Grant College Science Program Press Briefing

SPEAKERS:

Jim Falk, Delaware Sea Grant Marine Advisory Services director at the University of Delaware's College of Marine Studies, will disclose the results of his survey, "Pfiesteria--Public Perceptions, Concerns and Consequences," focusing on coastal residents from New York to North Carolina.

Rob Magnien, director of the Tidewater Ecosystem Assessment for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, will update reporters on activities within his region.

WHEN: Monday, Sept. 27 at 9:30 a.m. sharp

WHERE: The National Press Club, Edward R. Murrow Room, 13th Floor; 14th & F Streets, Washington, DC

NOTE: Limited seating. Please R.S.V.P. to (202) 662-7095 or [email protected]

WHY:

Two years ago, outbreaks of the toxic form of Pfiesteria Piscicida in the Chesapeake Bay moved the topic of harmful algal blooms to the front pages of papers across the nation and to featured positions on network news reports. Public reaction was at times panicky and fearful as rumors spread about safety of coastal waters and seafood.

Delaware Sea Grant coastal specialist Jim Falk of UD has taken the first real look at public attitudes and understandings of Pfiesteria through a comprehensive survey of coastal residents from New York to North Carolina. Results show public concerns remain high and potential economic impacts remain great. Falk will detail his survey results, including state-by-state differences, at this briefing.

While Pfiesteria has not made a major appearance the past two summers, scientists continue to monitor coastal waters and seek to define issues related to harmful algal blooms. Robert E. Magnien, director of the Tidewater Ecosystem Assessment for the State of Maryland Department of Natural Resources, will also be present to update reporters on Pfiesteria-related activities in the Maryland region.

He will report how a DNA probe, developed in part through Sea Grant research, is identifying the presence of the organism in a number of Maryland tributaries to the Chesapeake Bay.

A question-and-answer period will follow comments by Falk and Magnien. They will be available for individual interviews as well. A press kit on Falk, including an executive summary of his survey with graphs detailing key findings and individual state results, will be available at the briefing.

WWW News Media Center Site: http://www.seagrantnews.org