The Pathogens Workgroup has scheduled a workshop focused on improving our ability to assess the risk to human health from exposure to pathogens from contact with our coastal waters.

Scientists working on human-health risk assessment as well as those involved in other areas that use risk-assessment methods will gather at the Mote Marine Laboratory, October 13-15, 2010, to exchange information and identify ways to improve existing methods.  The workshop will feature an examination of the strengths and weaknesses of the present method when used in the public health arena and when used in the water quality regulation arena.  Speakers will present methods used in other types of risk assessment and participants will see if aspects could be used to improve our pathogens risk assessment of coastal waters. 

There is a general scientific consensus that the present methods can overstate or understate the actual risk when used in the environmental conditions found around the Gulf of Mexico. The workshop will move us toward a common rating system that will help better our understanding of the water quality in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Pathogens Workgroup is a part of the Water Quality Priority Issue Team. Together with five other priority issue teams, we are the Gulf of Mexico Alliance, a working partnership for a healthier Gulf of Mexico. As a result of a shared vision for a healthy and resilient Gulf of Mexico region, the Gulf States of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas formalized the Gulf of Mexico Alliance in 2004.  The Alliance recognizes the economy and quality of life for citizens of the Gulf are linked to its ecological health.  Through the collaborative leadership of local, state and federal government partners, and the active participation of businesses and non-governmental organizations, the Alliance is addressing six priority issues facing the Gulf region. The Governor’s Action Plan for Healthy & Resilient Coasts, endorsed by all five Governors, outlines specific actions needed to achieve the Alliance’s mission. To view the Action Plan and learn about the priority issues visit www.gulfofmexicoalliance.org

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