HAB Research Projects

​​​SafeFish

2026 hazard identification and prioritisation process

The following issues were identified as having the highest priority to the Australian seafood industry and will receive technical funding from SafeFish to progress research in the space:

• Ciguatera

• Emerging biotoxins in novel seafood

• Vibrio species in seafood.

https://safefish.com.au/technical-program/

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University of Technology Sydney / Prof Shauna Murray

Genetics, ecology and distribution of Karenia cristata​

• Determining historical and current distribution within Australian waters.

• Investigating environmental conditions associated with blooms.

• Understanding toxin production and ecological impacts.

• Assessing future distribution under climate change scenarios.

• Developing species-specific molecular tools for early detection.

Participating organisations include researchers from the University of Technology Sydney, University of Tasmania, University of Queensland, Adelaide University, SARDI, Cawthron Institute and state monitoring agencies.

https://profiles.uts.edu.au/Shauna.Murray

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National Environmental Science Program (NESP)

NESP Project EP5.12 - Assessing impacts of harmful algal bloom events on South Australian benthic habitats

The project team will analyse data collected in pre and post-bloom towed camera and baited underwater stereo-video surveys to assess and quantify HAB impacts.

https://www.nespmarinecoastal.edu.au/project/ep5-12/

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NESP Project EP5.13 - A trophic-ecology based tool to assess and manage HAB impacts on marine ecosystems

Models will be developed that link the Normalized Reef Status Index (NRSI) to environmental, disturbance, and management drivers of trophic integrity. This will enable the mapping of 2025 HAB impacts and recovery and predict areas most vulnerable to future events.

https://www.nespmarinecoastal.edu.au/project/ep5-13/

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NESP Project EP5.14 - Learning from the field: a rapid assessment of the composition and ecotoxicology of the harmful algal bloom in South Australia

This project is conducting a rapid investigation into the composition, toxicology and variability of the Karenia species bloom across sites, depths, and stages.

https://www.nespmarinecoastal.edu.au/project/ep5-14/

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NESP Project EP5.15 - National assessment of harmful algal bloom preparedness and future needs

This project will identify gaps in Australia’s HAB preparedness and provide recommendations to build strong science capability to respond to future events.

https://www.nespmarinecoastal.edu.au/project/ep5-15/

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Deakin University / Dr Kay Critchell

Harmful algal blooms: where to act and what to do

Funded by the Ian Potter Foundation, the project will combine machine learning and ecological models with satellite, oceanographic and biogeochemical data. The team will produce forward-looking maps showing where blooms are more likely across southern Australia, and which species and habitats may be most exposed. The Great Southern Reef Foundation is a supporting project partner.

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Cawthron Institute

Changing Microalgal Communities

The project is improving knowledge of the microalgal communities around NZ, understanding the changes that are happening to those communities and the knock-on effects these changes can have.

https://www.cawthron.org.nz/projects/changing-microalgal-communities#about​​​​​​​​​