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For More Information: Greg
Kleinheinz or Colleen McDermott, Department of Biology and Microbiology, Reynee Kachur, Department of
Biology and Microbiology, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, (920) 424-3148 Nuisance Algae in the
Great Lakes: State of the Research OSHKOSH, Wis.
(1/10/2008) – Nuisance algae on Great Lakes beaches will be the focus of
a public forum 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Thursday, January 17, 2008, at the
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Reeve Union, Room 227C. Speakers will
include researchers, state and local officials, University of Wisconsin Sea
Grant Advisory Services staff, and interested citizen groups. Speakers
will address the origin of the algae, known as Cladophora, its impacts
on beach closings and human health, and algae management strategies. Discussion
among all attendees will be encouraged. Cladophora
has been fouling beaches on Lake Michigan and other Great Lakes for about eight
years. When piles of the algae rot in the sun, they can smell like sewage,
spoiling enjoyment of Great Lakes beaches, parks, and other public and private
places. Mats of the algae may also harbor large amounts of the bacteria E.
coli, which may indicate the presence of harmful microorganisms that can make
swimming unsafe. The forum is open
to researchers, beach managers, state regulatory agencies, county officials,
public health staff, lake associations, and all other interested parties. People interested
in attending the forum are requested to RSVP by Tuesday, Jan. 15, to Reynee
Kachur, Department of Biology and Microbiology, University of
Wisconsin-Oshkosh, (920) 424-3148, kachurr@uwosh.edu.
The meeting is free and open to the public. # # # # Conceived in 1966, Sea Grant is a national network of
30 university-based programs of research, outreach, and education for enhancing
the practical use and conservation of coastal, ocean and Great Lakes resources
to create a sustainable economy and environment. The National Sea Grant
Network is a partnership of participating coastal states, private industry, and
the National Sea Grant College Program, National Oceanic & Atmospheric
Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. |