Phytoplankton experts in the Aquatic Science Branch continue to elevate their knowledge, with scientists attending both national and international courses to strengthen the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation’s (DWER) capability in phytoplankton monitoring.
Harmful algal blooms can have significant ecological, economic, and public health impacts, making accurate monitoring and identification essential for protecting aquatic ecosystems.
In November 2025 Dr Thang Duong attended the IOC Training Course and Certification on Identification of Harmful Marine Microalgae 2025 in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Thang was formally endorsed by Minister for Water and Climate Resilience, Don Punch MLA, to attend and was required to pass IOC’s admission program prior to being accepted on the course.
His completion of the course has strengthened DWER’s expertise, helping improve the accuracy of algal bloom identification and speed up response times. It will also ensure that Western Australia meets global standards for algal bloom monitoring and reporting, and supports resilience of our estuaries as algal patterns shift under a changing climate.
The IOC Training Course and Certification on Identification of Harmful Marine Microalgae is the world’s leading program for harmful algal bloom identification.
Since 1993, it has trained specialists from dozens of countries, setting the international standard for harmful algal bloom monitoring laboratories, with the course taught by internationally recognised experts. Participants learn advanced taxonomy, identification of toxic and invasive species, and quality assurance protocols.
Thang successfully completed the course, gaining an IOC Certificate of Proficiency – a globally recognised accreditation for harmful algal bloom identification – and strengthening Western Australia’s ability to identify and monitor potentially harmful algal blooms.
“I’m delighted to have participated in the 2025 IOC Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) course. Throughout the course, I had access to verified and globally significant preserved and cultured microalgae samples, which greatly enriched the learning experience. The training also allowed me to update my knowledge and techniques in line with international advancements in HABs taxonomy and toxicology” – Dr Thang Duong.
Australian and New Zealand Marine Harmful Algal Bloom Identification, Detection and Quantification Training Course
DWER scientists Dr Michaela Larsson and Connor Campbell attended a four-day identification, detection and quantification course at the University of Technology Sydney hosted by the Australian and New Zealand Marine Harmful Algal Bloom Network (ANZHABNET).
The course brought together experts from across Australia and New Zealand to share knowledge and best practices for detecting, identifying, and quantifying harmful algal blooms.
ANZHABNET is a network of the most experienced and knowledgeable scientists from government, universities and the private sector from across Australia and New Zealand and was established in response to the recent devastating algal bloom in South Australia.
As a founding member of ANZHABNET and an expert in phytoplankton monitoring and identification, Michaela shared her expertise by delivering a lecture and supporting hands-on training sessions alongside other specialists.
Sessions covered both traditional and advanced techniques, from identification using light microscopy to molecular approaches such as real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and metagenomics.
Through a mix of presentations, interactive discussions, and practical demonstrations, the program equipped participants with the skills needed for early detection and effective management of harmful algal blooms.
The training concluded with a one-day symposium, which brought together leading researchers, managers and citizen scientists to share insights into the science and management of the recent South Australian algal bloom.
“It was inspiring to be part of this gathering of experts, united in sharing their knowledge and experience. From the challenges of South Australia’s harmful algal bloom, we’ve built stronger connections and developed practical solutions that will significantly improve our ability to respond to future events,” Michaela said.
Both courses provided valuable platforms for collaboration and knowledge exchange, reinforcing the importance of integrated approaches to algal bloom monitoring and response.
Harmful algal blooms can occur in Western Australian waters as a consequence of excess nutrient inputs, posing risks to ecosystems and human activities. The Department’s Phytoplankton Ecology Unit leads the State’s phytoplankton monitoring program, providing critical data to support management decisions.
The tools and approaches from both events complement these efforts. By integrating these methods, we have strengthened our capacity to detect and respond to algal blooms effectively in Western Australia.