New report estimates economic impact of toxic algae on razor clam harvesting in Washington state

A year-long shutdown in recreational razor clam digging, a major tourist attraction and local tradition in Washington state, could result in as much as $22 million in lost revenue to coastal counties, according to a new report by NOAA and the University of Washington. Reduced lodging, transportation, and dining sales would also translate to a direct loss in labor income of $13.5 million to residents of affected areas, including a small commercial fishery.

Few studies have been devoted to assessing the economic impacts of harmful algal blooms on a major recreational fishery.

WHAT:

News teleconference to announce economic impacts of harmful algal blooms to the razor clam fishery

WHEN:

Monday, November 20, 2009
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time (2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time)

WHERE:

Teleconference: 1-866-742-7910 (passcode: 3683992)

WHO:

Dan Huppert, report co-author and professor, University of Washington's School of Marine Affairs
Vera L. Trainer, Ph.D., report collaborator and harmful algal bloom program manager, NOAA's Northwest Fisheries Science Center

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NOAA understands and predicts changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages our coastal and marine resources. Visit http://www.noaa.gov.

On the Web:

NOAA Oceans and Human Health Initiative
http://www.eol.ucar.edu/projects/ohhi

NOAA Northwest Fisheries Science Center's Harmful Algal Blooms Program
http://www.nwfsc.noaa.gov/hab

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