Miss Florane Tondu

My research experience began with the monitoring of Ostreopsis blooms in Villefranche-sur-Mer and Monaco. This experience introduced me to harmful microalgae, marine biotoxins, field sampling, and the monitoring of toxic species in coastal environments.

I then joined the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Monaco, where I worked on a project investigating the interactions between marine biotoxins, biofilms, and polyethylene microplastics. In particular, I studied the adsorption and desorption of radiolabelled brevetoxin by polyethylene microplastics in the presence of biofilms (publication available). This experience developed my knowledge of marine biotoxins and environmental contamination, as well as my laboratory and experimental research skills.

I am currently undertaking my PhD at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), University of Tasmania. My research focuses on the effects of paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) on blacklip abalone (Haliotis rubra rubra). I am particularly interested in the exposure of abalone to PST-producing dinoflagellates, including Alexandrium catenella and Gymnodinium catenatum, and in the influence of environmental conditions such as temperature on toxic dinoflagellates and their toxin profiles. My PhD also involves developing approaches for monitoring toxic microalgae in Tasmanian marine environments.

In addition, I have experience in marine conservation through my work with the NGO iSea in Greece, where I contributed to the ElasmoCatch project on elasmobranch bycatch. This experience provided me with a broader perspective on marine biodiversity, fisheries interactions, and the importance of research for marine conservation.