The dinoflagellate Pfiesteria piscicida, responsible for large fish kills
in North Carolina waters and presently infesting Chesapeake Bay, could
pose a threat to Maine coastal fisheries, if it is transported in bulk
cargo vessel ballast water. Some Maine forestry companies may begin
selling woodchips to North Carolina mills, Vessels coming from N.
Carolina to pick up woodchip in Maine could bring large quantities of
this pest in the million+ gallons of ballast water it will taken on prior
to leaving N Carolina and discharge into Maine waters before taking on
woodechips.
Any info on whether this parasite is known to survive ballast water
travels would be most appreciated.
Ron Huber, director
Coastal Waters Project
email coastwatch at acadia.net
