Date: June 10, 1997
SG-97/NR156

FAIRBANKS, Alaska--The recent death from paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) of a Kodiak, Alaska, resident has heightened the need for public understanding of the dangers of eating shellfish dug from Alaska beaches. Discussion of these issues by the state's media is encouraged and welcome.

The Alaska Sea Grant College Program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks is engaged in research to understand the causes of PSP as well as extension activities to inform and educate the public of the risks associated with eating unsafe shellfish.

Media wishing to talk to experts are encouraged to call:

• Ray RaLonde, Aquaculture/Shellfish Specialist, Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program, Anchorage, Alaska 907-274-9691.

• Gerald Plumley, Sea Grant PSP researcher, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 907-474-6786.

The Alaska Sea Grant College Program is a marine research, education and outreach service headquartered at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences. It is funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in partnership with the state of Alaska and private industry.

Alaska Sea Grant press releases and links to other fisheries and oceanographic material can be found on the Internet at http://seagrant.uaf.edu/