On November 12-13, 1999, Approximately 300 people attended the Delmarva Coastal Bays Conference III: Tri-State Approaches to Preserving Aquatic Resources (CBCIII). The conference was organized by the Assateague Coastal Trust with planning and financial assistance from twenty-one local, state and federal agencies and organizations - plus support from the local business community. Much has been accomplished since the preceding Delmarva Coastal Bays Conference II held in 1996, including formation of the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, accomplishments by the Deleware Center for the Inland Bays, and the generally increased awareness along Delmarva's seaside of the importance of protecting the aquatic resources that underpin the local economy and quality of life. Strategies to mitigate the pressures from increasing tourist visits and year-around residential growth were also highlighted in presentations, exhibits and poster sessions devoted to aquaculture and ecotourism, among other topics. In fact, the numerous exhibits (35) provided a substantial addition to the presented data and covered secondary aquatic species and stressor issues that were beyond the limit of the conference. In the wrap-up panel discussion, resource managers, legislators and the business community noted the short-falls in Best Management Practices outlined during the conference, and pledged their support to their support to the development of a cooperative Aquatic Resources Management Plan, which has been lacking in focus until now.

Includes bibliographical references.