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March 12, 2010

Red tide strategy passed by U.S. House

By Beth Quimby bquimby@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

Legislation that would create a national strategy to deal with harmful red tide algae was passed today by the U.S. House of Representatives.

Co-sponsored by Reps. Chellie Pingree and Michael Michaud, both Maine Democrats, the legislation would coordinate state and federal research and control efforts to combat the toxic algae that accumulates in filter-feeding organisms such as clams. This can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning in humans and wildlife that consume them.

Last year red tide closed 98 percent of the state's shellfish beds, following similar outbreaks in 2005 and 2008. Scientists predict another severe outbreak this summer. 

Sen. Olympia Snowe is the sponsor of companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.

 

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