SEPT. 27--When toxic Pfiesteria piscicida microorganisms invade recreational waterways, summer tourism and seafood sales can suffer, a researcher with the University of Delaware Sea Grant College Program reported today in a briefing at the National Press Club, Washington, D.C.
A new survey of 3,500 coastal residents from New York to the Carolinas--conducted by UD Sea Grant Marine Advisory Service Director James M. Falk--reports that Pfiesteria outbreaks may dramatically affect consumers' seafood eating habits and travel choices.
"According to our survey," Falk points out, "a Pfiesteria outbreak could reduce tourism in an affected area by at least 40 percent, significantly impacting coastal communities."
Seafood sales also may plummet as a result of Pfiesteria outbreaks. Nearly two-thirds of Falk's survey respondents said they would eat less locally harvested seafood if the microorganism had been reported in their state waters.
To gauge public perceptions and attitudes related to Pfiesteria, Falk mailed a four-page, 30-question survey to residents of Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, New Jersey and New York--states most vulnerable to the microorganism. Some 26 percent of the questionnaires (excluding undeliverable envelopes), or 789, were returned to Falk.
"The goal," he explains, "was to better understand what Mid-Atlantic residents know and think about Pfiesteria, and how it's affecting their lives."
What is Pfiesteria?
The vast majority of respondents--90 percent--said they had heard of Pfiesteria. When asked to describe Pfiesteria by selecting one of five definitions, however, participants' answers were "all across the board," Falk says.
In fact, he points out, Pfiesteria is a form of microscopic algae--a
single-celled dinoflagellate--which propels itself through the water with
whip-like projections called flagella. A primitive life
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Contact: Tracey Bryant
tbryant@udel.edu
302-831-8185
University of Delaware
27-Sep-1999