Agenda - 06-07-1993 - VII-C - Laserfiche WebLink

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13 • Continue to investigate the causes of fish and shellfish kills and diseases through management oriented research which is supported with expanded monitoring data provided through an environmental response network. The investigation of fish and shellfish kills should be made a top priority through the establishment of a response network for the Albemarle-Pamlico region. This network would create a database of information on kill events and thereby, support research aimed at determining the causes of fish and shellfish kills. Research • concerning fish and shellfish kills and diseases should have objectives which are closely coordinated with management objectives. In such research, if human activities are determined to be a factor in the occurrence of a fish and shellfish kill or disease, management strategies should be designed to reduce or eliminate the human impacts. (See Fisheries Action Plan, Management Action G.) PubU .e�lwarenea>t :}{::..:�::riii�i:.ii•.i:.. :Iiii;�i:�::}i::i::•ii:'!'r.i"i}:ri�ii:�i::�iii::i::;:i;i:^::i:i�i:'•:::i::::i.:....... :v:........:�.: ::. Environmental education efforts can instill in the public a sense of ownership and responsibility for the protection of natural resources. Effective management of the Albemarle-Pamlico region depends upon the participation of an informed and involved public. Public education and involvement opportunities concerning the Albemarle-Pamlico system should be expanded to encourage environmental stewardship and increased public participation in resource management decisions. • Enhance environmental science education in primary and secondary schools. • Improvements in environmental science education for students would increase awareness and encourage stewardship of the region's resources. Such improvements can be made with increased curricula requirements for environmental science, development and distribution of environmental science teaching resources, continuing education opportunities concerning environmental science for teachers, specific requirements for science coursework in undergraduate and graduate education programs, and partnerships with business, industry, and government to provide science learning experiences. (See Public Involvement and Education Plan, Management Actions A, B, C, D, E, F, and G.) • Establish institutional arrangements to foster public involvement in environmental decision making in the Albemarle-Pamlico region. Organizations and facilities such as non-profit organizations, local Environmental Advisory Boards, and educational centers provide a forum for consideration of environmental issues, a clearinghouse for information, and organizational support for education and public involvement activities. Furthermore, they serve to promote environmental education, a sense of personal environmental responsibility, and involvement in local and regional environmental issues. Any organizations formed for these purposes should receive guidance from a board representing diverse interests. (See Public Involvement and Education Plan, Management Action H.) • Promote interaction between the general public and government agencies and officials through increased information dissemination in the form of newsletters, fact sheets, media releases, and citizen's manuals;provide increased public notice concerning actions of regulatory commissions. Increased opportunities for communication between the public and government agencies will foster public involvement, representation of public interests in policy making decisions, and increased dissemination of information. (See Public Involvement and Education Plan, Management Actions I and J.) Executive Summary—12