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Cutting-edge Science and Tough Management Decisions: Protecting Shallow Water Resources

Release Date: 3/10/2000
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith (215) 814-5543

Bonnie Smith, 215-814-5543

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is hosting a
conference for environmental managers, regulators, academics, scientists, and local decision makers on the latest regulations and scientific research for protecting shallow water ecosystems like tidal marshes and wetlands. The fifth annual conference will be held at the Boardwalk Holiday Inn, New Jersey from March 12 - March 16.

There is a great deal of controversy about the best ways to regulate and manage shallow water habitats. Questions have been raised about the overall impacts to the habitats as a result of dredging. The conference will focus on new developments affecting shallow water habitats. Managers and regulators will discuss what additional academic research and public education is needed to help make decisions that protect shallow water habitats.

Shallow water habitats are stressed every day. Presenters will discuss the latest research, management decisions and real-life experience of the negative impacts affecting shallow water ecosystems including: hurricanes, dredging, and disposing of dredged material. Speakers will also discuss beneficial activities and protective measures.

A day-by-day listing of some conference highlights is attached.

Over 185 people have already registered, and registration is available on site. Participants with logistics questions may contact the hotel at (800) 548-3030 or call (800) 548-3037 x 4480
to leave a message for on site registration. An agenda and directions to the conference are available on line at EPA’s website: www.epa.gov/region3/shallow_water.

Fifth Marine and Estuarine Shallow Water Science and Management Conference highlights include:

March 12
Sunday: Academics, non-governmental organizations, and regulators can informally exchange ideas

March 13
Monday: Ways to minimize impacts during redevelopment of the ports
of New York and New Jersey

March 14
Tuesday: Submerged aquatic vegetation in the mid-Atlantic: the status of soil, physical disturbances, and protection

March 15
Wednesday: Monitoring successes leading to habitat restoration in New England, New York, and New Jersey

Changes for off-shore fisheries - fish habitat protection is now required

March 16
Thursday: Dredging and dredge material disposal

For a summary: Amplifying overall opportunities for research ensure the safety of shallow water ecosystems



This annual conference is sponsored by a consortium of businesses, non-governmental organizations, and state and federal agencies.
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