Aqua Agenda: Harmful Algal Blooms webinar
The latest online event in the Aqua Agenda series will tackle a problem that is both local and worldwide. Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a significant concern for fish farmers around the globe. These blooms occur when colonies of algae—simple plants that live in the sea and freshwater—grow out of control while producing toxic or harmful effects on people, fish, shellfish, marine mammals, and birds.
The occurrence of HABs has been increasing due to a combination of natural and human-induced factors, posing a growing threat to the aquaculture industry.
Fish Farmer’s Harmful Algal Blooms webinar on 4 June will feature a panel discussion on the causes of harmful algal blooms, how prediction can be improved and what mitigating actions can be taken. While algae are part of the marine ecosystem, under some circumstances they can create dangerous conditions for farmed fish, or toxins that can make shellfish unfit for human consumption.
With our panel partner Poseidon Ocean Systems, we’ll be talking to the experts to find out how the aquaculture sector is dealing with the problem.
The panel members represent a range of perspectives from the fish farming sector to the academic world:
Robert Wyvill, Commercial Manager, Europe, Poseidon Ocean Systems
Robert Wyvill started in fish farming in April 1996 working in a variety of roles before becoming the Manager of Muck for Mowi in 2014. He then moved to Tasmania to take the role as General Manager with Petuna Seafoods. In 2021 he moved back to Scotland to become COO of Organic Sea Harvest. Then he joined Loch Duart, becoming Area Manager for Skye, until joining Poseidon Ocean Systems in January 2025.
Beth Osborne, Fish Health & Welfare Manager, Loch Duart
Beth Osborne has been a part of the aquaculture industry for 11 years and currently works at independent salmon farmer Loch Duart, based in the north of Scotland. She has a specific focus on improving the health and welfare of all the finfish in the company’s care.
Sarah Riddle, Head of Research & Innovation, Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC).
Sarah Riddle brings over 25 years’ experience to her role at SAIC, having previously worked at Scottish Sea Farms and Aquascot. As MD of Northern Light Consulting, she has also provided strategic support to a range of businesses, helping them secure funding and deliver innovative R&D.
Jillian Couto-Phoenix, Head of Aquaculture, Lantra
As Head of Aquaculture with Lantra, the leading body for environmental and land-based skills training in the UK, Jillian Couto-Phoenix’s role includes running the Defra (Department of Food, Environment and Rural Affairs) training course on harmful algal blooms. She was formerly Head of Skills and Talent at SAIC.
Professor Linda Lawton, Robert Gordon University
Professor Linda Lawton is an internationally renowned researcher and environmental microbiologist with over 35 years’ experience in the study of toxic cyanobacteria. Linda joined RGU in 1994 gained Professor status in 2007. She has had outstanding success in international research collaboration and the award of major research grants totally close to £10 million have facilitated the establishment of a research group at RGU that is world-leading in cyanotoxin detection and treatment.
The Harmful Algal Blooms webinar takes place on Wednesday 4 June 2025, 1130-1230 (UK time). To register for this FREE event click here.
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