The first international conference on Harmful Algae Management and Mitigation was held 10-14 May, 1999, in Subic Bay, Philippines. There were 104 registered participants and 16 guest observers, representing 25 economies.

The site and geographic emphasis of the conference were in the Asia Pacific region, in recognition of the significant impact Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) have had in that region and the importance of fish and shellfish for food and for commerce throughout the region.

The purpose of the conference was to facilitate the management and mitigation of the impacts of harmful algal blooms to

1. enhance sustainable use of marine resources
2. minimize the extent to which harmful algae and their toxins are an impediment to human well-being and commerce

The conference was designed to provide managers with training and exposure to current methods and strategies used throughout the world for managing HABs and their diverse impacts. Distinct from the many scientific conferences on HABs the conference, after briefly reviewing the nature of harmful algae and their impacts, placed the greatest emphasis on exploring practical, currently available options for their management and mitigation.

It was hoped that the conference would be a basis for continuing efforts toward the development of regional cooperation, coordination, and compatable procedures, since among the impacts of harmful algae are the impediments to trade among countries that arise when differing and incompatible regulations are implemented, particularly regarding biotoxin contamination in foods.

Indeed, the conference appears to have begun something of enduring value. The participants expressed strong interest in holding a similar conference in two or three years. Planning for this has already begun.

Lectures and workshops during the conference conveyed the general themes that:

1. HABs exist as a problem, with significant economic and public health implications.
2. Due to the nature of HABs, effective amelioration can occur only through trust and cooperation among the constituent economies.
3. Current economic pressures make it all the more important that this problem, which can impede trade and incur costs, be dealt with effectively.

and presented specific information on

1. nature of HABs and their impacts
2. options for management and mitigation
3. tools and skills useful for management

One of the more ambitious, long-range goals of the conference, and now the continuing HAMM Forum coordinated through the web page, is the development of a consensus on a spectrum of management options applicable to the needs of diverse economies and cultures, faced with an array of HAB problems and societal constraints.

In pursuit of this goal, one of the greatest achievements of the conference participants was the production of a draft guidance document, intended to help managers in government and industry make decisions about responses to HABs. Now about 30 pages of raw text, these "Guidelines for Harmful Algae Management and Mitigation” will be posted on the HAMM web page once they have evolved sufficiently, and eventually be distributed in print.

Conference participants were strongly in favor of publishing the proceedings, so the proceedings will be published. We expect 40 to 50 manuscripts, with a total of not more than 600 nor less than 300 pages.

The HAMM web page at     http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~frf/sfhamm.html

was initially set up to assist in preparing for the conference. It now serves as a medium for communicating the evolving products of the conference and, through hot links on the participant list, makes it easy for participants to contact one another.

If you are interested in the next conference, HAMM 2001, please visit the web page or contact us at the address below. Neither the location nor the exact date have been set; suggestions are welcome. Sherwood Hall, Ph.D.
FDA HFS-426
200 C Street SW
Washington, DC 20204

TEL: 1 202 205 4818
FAX: 1 202 205 4881
shall@cfsan.fda.gov
spindrift@erols.com