BioScience_Pfiesteria Outbreaks in Chesapeake Bay 2001
- Published:
- October 1, 2001
- Originator:
- BioScience
In summer and fall 1997, the public learned of an environmental crisis in the Chesapeake Bay: Harmful algal blooms (HABs), epecially from the dinoglagellate Pfiersteria piscida, were reportedly cuasing helth problems for both fish and humans in the region. Intensive media coverage drove this issue to the forefront of the public consciousness and kepit there for more than a year.The reports of HABs and their attendant health problems in several relatively remote tidal tributaries to the Chesapeake Bay was the basis for fears that soon arrumed crisis proportions. Although the area ultimately affected was relatively small,the issue escalated into a crisis at least partly because so much remained unknown as events were unfolding-including the potential magnitude of ecological and human impacts-yet a large population close to the Chesapeake Bay perceived that these impacts could be widespread.