According to findings released by the NCSU researchers earlier this month, the microbe, Pfiesteria shumwayae, is linked to fish kills-- and in some cases, human health problems-- along the mid-Atlantic coast. It is the second species to be identified from "the toxic Pfiesteria complex" according to Dr. JoAnn Burkholder, North Carolina State professor of aquatic botany and marine sciences. Pfiesteria consists of a group of closely related dinoflagellate marine organisms believed responsible for killing millions of fish from the Chesapeake Bay to the Gulf of Mexico.
Burkholder named the new species in honor of the Southampton College alumnus because "Shumway is a premier scientist studying harmful algal blooms. She's done some of the most significant pioneering research on how toxic algal blooms impact wild and cultured shellfish populations." Shumway's harmful algal bloom and bivalve expertise is recognized by New York Sea Grant as well, which recently invited her to serve on the program's Hard Clam Initiative Advisory Committee. In addition to currently serving on the committee, Shumway is also working with the NYSG Institute to finalize details for the International Conference on Molluscan Shellfish Safety, which will be held at Southampton College this June.
To learn more about the microbe and to see a photo of it, surf over to the related NC State University press release: http://www2.ncsu.edu:80/ncsu/univ_relations/news_services/press_releases/00_03/60.htm.
For more information on such New York Sea Grant-funded efforts as its Hard Clam Initiative, visit the program's web site at: http://www.seagrant.sunysb.edu.
Paul C. Focazio
New York Sea Grant Assistant Communicator
115 Discovery Hall
SUNY at Stony Brook
Stony Brook, NY 11794-5001
Phone: 631-632-6910 Fax: 631-632-6917
E-mail: pfocazio@notes.cc.sunysb.edu
Internet: http://www.seagrant.sunysb.edu