(JUNE 8, 1999 - Baltimore) -- Baltimore's Inner Harbor will be the site of the first SECCHI DIP-IN, on Sunday, June 13 at 2:00 p.m. Environmentally-concerned organizations have organized the first Baltimore Harbor SECCHI DIP-IN. Volunteers from the Baltimore Metropolitan Council, the Maryland Science Center, the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Save Our Streams, the Living Classrooms Foundation, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the Patapsco/Back River Tributary Team, and the National Aquarium in Baltimore will use a SECCHI DISK to measure the water clarity at numerous locations around the harbor.

An eight-inch black and white circular SECCHI DISK will be lowered into the water until it can no longer be seen-this depth of disappearance is a measure of the transparency and quality of the water. Results of the tests will be recorded in the Interpretation Area, near the Maryland Science Center. The Interpretation Area also will offer exhibits, educational materials and activities suitable for all ages. There will also be free gifts for children.

The author Paul Travers will be there to sign his book on the history of the Patapsco River. Jack Anderson, Chair of the Patapsco/Back River Tributary Team will be hosting the event.

The Baltimore Harbor SECCHI DIP-IN is part of the national "Great American Secchi Dip-In." 1999 marks the 6th anniversary of this international effort in which volunteers across United States and Canada take a "snapshot" of the transparency of their waterways. This activity will also tie into a statewide effort on that day when other Tributary Teams will be promoting "wade-ins." At selected beach areas, other Tributary Teams and their participants will wade into the water until they can "no longer see their sneakers." As with the secchi disk, the depth of the water at that point is a rough measure of the clarity of the water. This has come to be known as the "Bernie Fowler Index" after Former Senator Bernie Fowler who for many years has led such a "wade in" in the Patuxent River. He will repeat the activity this year.

The Baltimore Harbor SECCHI DIP-IN is free and open to the public.