FOR RELEASE: January 10, 2008

 

For More Information:

Greg Kleinheinz or Colleen McDermott, Department of Biology and Microbiology,
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, (920) 424-1102
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, kleinhei@uwosh.edu. The meeting is free and open to the public.

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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.

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