The poultry industry is a large and welcome employer on the Delmarva Peninsula and agriculture is a respected part of the history and culture of Maryland and its Eastern Shore. Nothing is gained if Marylanders and this Commission are forced to choose between the environment, the seafood industry, the poultry industry, tourism and agriculture. All of these things can thrive and coexist if we all work together. The Commission, therefore, has been mindful throughout this process that all Marylanders are in this together. No one person or industry is responsible for causing this problem or for polluting the Bay, and altering one type of behavior or practice is not going to make these problems go away.
Every environmental problem has many causes and widespread effects.
With creative thinking and partnership, however, such crises can have diverse, broad-based solutions that are implemented by many people. The Commission s recommendations are meant to be fair, practical and the responsibility of every Marylander. The Commission also recognizes that the Pfiesteria problem will not be solved overnight. Just as most environmental problems occur for many reasons, such problems occur over periods of time and can only be addressed over time. Maryland should not expect to be free of toxic outbreaks of Pfiesteria in the Spring and Summer of 1998.