The fact that some of the increase is simply a result of better detection does not diminish the seriousness of the problem. It is big, and it is growing, and that trend is all the more worrisome in light of rapid population growth in the coastal zones of the world and our heavy dependence on nearshore waters for economics, nutrition and recreation. Some view the Pfiesteria outbreaks as a visible and dramatic warning of the dangers that arise from decades of abuse of estuarine and coastal waters. We need to rethink our policies and manage human activities in the coastal zone more carefully, unless of course we are willing to live with more episodes of sick, dead and rotting fish, and the illness and death of humans and marine mammals.

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