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By daybreak
Published: February 3, 2009
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NOAA and other sponsors will hold a public meeting where national experts will discuss the effects of harmful algal blooms (HABs) on coastal communities, and propose solutions to lessen their impact on the West Coast.

Harmful algal blooms have had significant impacts on California, Oregon and Washington coastal communities for decades. These problems are widespread and often extend beyond state boundaries. HABs close beaches to recreational razor clam harvesting; make Dungeness crabs too toxic to eat; close mussel and oyster beds to recreational and commercial harvesting; and cause the death of sea otters, dolphins, sea lions and pelicans.

This public session culminates a three-day West Coast Regional Harmful Algal Bloom Summit, and is open to the media and public. Attendees will hear plans for development of a HAB Monitoring, Alert and Response Network, and a West Coast Regional HAB Forecasting System.

When: Feb. 12, 2009, 5 – 7 p.m.

Where: Portland Marriot Downtown Waterfront, Portland, Ore.

 

Summit Sponsors: NOAA, West Coast Governors’ Agreement, Southern California Coastal Ocean Observing System, Central & Northern California Ocean Observing System

For more information on the summit, visit : http://www.cop.noaa.gov/west_coast_summit
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