Assessing the risks of harmful algal blooms and impact on marine aqua culture
Collaborators: Dr Theo Economou (Mathematics); Dr Ross Brown (Bioscience), Dr Ian Ashton (Renewable Energy); Dr Fabrizio Costa (Computer Science); Dr Ricardo Torres (Plymouth Marine Laboratory).
IDSAI Research Fellow: Oliver Stoner
Description: Aquaculture is the fastest growing food production sector globally and is vital for future global food security. SW England is a prime area for the expansion of shellfish farming. However, the uptake of biotoxins from naturally occurring Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) into shellfish is a significant problem. The main risk is intoxication of human consumers, which causes various shellfish poisoning syndromes (from stomach upsets, to amnesia and paralysis).
The vision for this pilot research project was to make a step change in the accuracy of HAB risk prediction both spatially and temporally, thus facilitating operational and development planning for the UK (and wider) marine culture industry. Development of statistical models for predicting HAB risk and impacts on marine culture will have major academic and societal impact. Importantly this project provided pilot data and key learning for the future development of mechanistic models that will be applicable over wider temporal and spatial scales, including future climate change scenarios.
