Algal Toxins and Harmful Algal Blooms: 
A National Plan...
 





To provide the consensus of the U.S. scientific and management community
of impediments to harmful algae research and a vision for the next
decade that serves as a framework for initiatives to promote effective
management of fisheries, protected species, coastal resources and public
health on issues involving harmful algal blooms.


In 1993, a National Plan for Marine Biotoxins and Harmful Algal Blooms
was formulated by scientists, agency officials, and private sector
representatives with expertise in marine biotoxins, harmful algae,
seafood safety, and public health.  The goal of the National Plan was
"Effective management of fisheries, public health, and ecosystem
problems related to marine biotoxins and harmful algae." The National
Plan served as the foundation for a U.S. national program on marine
biotoxins and harmful algal blooms for the last 10 years, guiding the
implementation of numerous national, regional, state and local research
and monitoring programs. 


In the last decade, harmful algae and their toxins have continued to 
threaten public and natural resources health and to impact local economies. 
In recognition that there are newly emerging problem species and that algal 
blooms encompass a much broader diversity of habitats and issues than were 
originally discussed, it is timely to revisit, expand, and update the National 
Plan. Future financial, personnel and intellectual resources should be directed
toward priority topics that reflect the changing nature of the HAB
problem in the U.S., and summarize the progress that has been achieved
thus far.  A workshop is thus planned with the following objectives:

1. To characterize the U.S. HAB problem, highlighting new or emerging
problem areas, habitats, and the nature and scale of the problems faced;

2. To examine the original National Plan to determine what has been
accomplished, what remains to be done, and what was omitted; and 

3. To prepare a document that reflects the views of the research and
management community with respect to future needs, impediments to
progress, and recommended actions, including those related to program
infrastructure and development.