Lantra launches sector-wide training to mitigate harmful algal blooms.
Lantra has expanded its role in aquaculture by leading a UK-wide training initiative on harmful algal blooms (HABs), funded through the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) UK Seafood Fund: Skills and Training Scheme.
The programme aims to equip aquaculture professionals with the skills needed to detect and report HABs, which pose risks to fish health and welfare due to rising water temperatures and other environmental factors. The training follows standard operating procedures initially developed under the Scottish Government’s Farmed Fish Health Framework, aiming to improve sector-wide reporting and support predictive modelling and early-warning systems.
An estimated 1,800 sector professionals and students are expected to complete the free-to-access training, which will launch this spring. Developed in collaboration with the Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC) and the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), the course provides guidance on species identification, risk assessment, sampling procedures, and data recording. Additional resources include a handbook and support for calculations.
The initiative has been shaped with input from industry stakeholders, including Salmon Scotland, Mowi, Scottish Sea Farms, Loch Duart, Bakkafrost, SAMS Enterprise, and the RSPCA.
Jillian Couto-Phoenix, head of aquaculture at Lantra, stated: “With decades of experience providing training and qualifications, Lantra is well placed to take on the next stage of the HABs initiative. The user-friendly, introductory-level course is designed to be accessible and understandable, enabling the sector to work together on tackling the challenges associated with HABs. Timing is key, and we’ll be rolling out the training ahead of the summer season, when HABs can be most prevalent.”
Couto-Phoenix added that with climate change expected to increase the frequency of HABs, standardised operating procedures will be critical. Lantra anticipates developing additional modules in the future, including content on micro jellyfish blooms, which can have similar impacts on fish health and welfare.
