Disclaimer: These postings were sent to us from a variety of media sources over the Internet. The content has not been reviewed for scientific accuracy or edited in any manner.

CHESAPEAKE BAY: MD COMMISSION URGES PHOSPHORUS CUTBACKS

A Maryland commission investigating outbreaks of the toxic algae Pfiesteria piscicida in Chesapeake Bay tributaries on 10/13 called on the state to reduce phosphorus pollution from poultry waste.

"The informal agreement among members was the strongest indication to date that the commission is likely to recommend changes in the way the poultry industry handles chicken manure on Maryland's Eastern Shore." Commission chair and former Maryland Gov. Harry Hughes (D): "There's a consensus here that phosphorus is a problem" (Peter Goodman, Washington Post, 10/14).

A coalition of farmers and environmental groups, including the Sierra Club, yesterday called for a two-year moratorium on new commercial poultry houses in Maryland to limit runoff from chicken manure (Marcia Myers, Baltimore Sun, 10/16).

Meanwhile, North Carolina officials on 10/9 began posting signs at waterways where Pfiesteria-related fish kills have occurred, including parts of the Neuse and New rivers and Pamlico Sound (AP/Raleigh News & Observer, 10/10).

Florida is convening a task force to study the microbe, which has been found in the St. Johns River near Jacksonville (AP/Greensboro [NC] News & Record, 10/9).

Maryland yesterday kicked off a $500,000 marketing campaign designed to overcome "Pfiesteria hysteria" and boost sagging seafood sales (Ted Shelsby, Baltimore Sun, 10/16). The state this week has taken out full-page ads in the Washington Post and Baltimore Sun assuring that Maryland seafood is safe to eat (Greenwire sources).