Lantra launches industry training to standardise harmful algal bloom response.
Lantra has launched a new online training course aimed at standardising how the UK aquaculture sector monitors and responds to harmful algal blooms (HABs).
The programme, which goes live today (2 June), is designed to help producers detect and record HABs using consistent procedures, regardless of their organisation. The course is open to all workers in the sector and is initially available free of charge.
HABs—often driven by rising water temperatures—pose increasing risks to fish health and welfare. The new training offers standard operating procedures for sampling and identifying targeted algal species, assessing bloom severity through a traffic-light system, and calculating risk levels for reporting.
The training was developed through the climate change working group of Scotland’s Farmed Fish Health Framework, with input from regulators, academics, and industry representatives. Partners involved in shaping the content include Mowi, Scottish Sea Farms, Loch Duart, Bakkafrost, Salmon Scotland, SAMS Enterprise, and the RSPCA.
“This is the first aquaculture e-learning course of its kind for Lantra,” said Jillian Couto-Phoenix, head of aquaculture at Lantra. “Improved access to information can support early warning systems and better treatment decisions, ultimately helping producers adapt to climate pressures and protect fish health.”
Sean Black, senior scientific and policy officer for aquaculture at the RSPCA, welcomed the initiative: “Proactive monitoring of the environment for harmful algae is crucial. A dedicated training course and standardised procedures will improve both monitoring and reporting.”
The course was developed with support from the Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC) and the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), and funded by Defra through the UK Seafood Fund’s Skills and Training Scheme. It is available on-demand and provides certification upon completion.