CONTACT: Elleen Kane FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(301) 713-3086, X100 7/7/95
Eliot Hurwitz
(301) 713-3066
More than a thousand scientists, national leaders and international experts will debate issues of economic growth and environmental stewardship along America's coasts when they gather July 16-21 at the Tampa, Fla., Convention Center.
"CZ '95," the ninth in a biennial series of international fora on coastal and ocean management, is co-sponsored by the Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Texas A&M University, and the Florida Coastal Management Program.
The conference theme, "Spotlight on Solutions," will provide a focus for attendees to explore problems with
* managing complex ecosystems - should it be done/can it be
done,
* the human dimension of coastal management - private
property rights issues, and
* building partnerships among the many coastal interest
groups - local, state, federal, citizen groups, advocacy
groups and business interests.
"If you are interested in solving the critical environmental problems facing the world's coasts, this is the place to be," said W. Stanley Wilson, conference co-chair and assistant administrator of NOAA's National Ocean Service.
Conferees will participate in over 400 workshops covering every aspect of the coastal environment, and exchange valuable information and technology on water quality, beach erosion, property rights and other issues.
"Citizens, experts and federal and state officials have the opportunity to work together on these issues," Wilson said. "The answers that evolve from this conference can not only improve the environment but also increase understanding that long-term economic growth is inseparable from the health of the environment."
In addition to the workshop schedule, conference activities feature special sessions, a "coastal showcase" with exhibits from more than 125 programs around the nation and the world, and tours of the MT. MITCHELL, a NOAA Corps research ship used by NOAA for nautical charting and surveying.