I am a Professor to Marine microbial Ecology at SAMS near Oban. Currently the main focus of my research is related to harmful algal blooms (HABs) and their impact on marine aquaculture. These events are caused by a range of phytoplankton genera and can negatively impact human, other mammal or fish health through the production of natural biotoxins and other mechanisms. My research centres on how the physical/chemical/biological environment governs HABs, and how technology can be used to better monitor HABs and the associated marine environment. We are using this increased understanding to develop methods, including models and other risk assessment tools, that provide early warning of HAB events for aquaculture, regulators and the public.
