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On Dec. 10, 1997, the American Assoc. for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) announced that Dr. JoAnn Burkholder, who brought Pfiesteria to public and scientific attention, has been named a recipient of the 1998 AAAS Scientific Freedom and Responsibility Award, to be presented on Feb. 16, 1998, at the AAAS annual meeting in Philadelphia.

Raw Shellfish Warnings; On Dec. 12, 1997, the NC Commission for Health Services voted unanimously to adopt a proposal that requires all NC restaurants and seafood houses to post signs warning about the health risks of eating raw shellfish. [Assoc Press]

Hog Waste Spill; On Jan. 3, 1997, between 10,000 and 20,000 gallons of hog waste flowed into wetlands along the Neuse River, NC, after an equipment malfunction allowed too much waste to spray on nearby fields.; A Neuse River Foundation pilot spotted the spill from the air and reported it.