Warning of Algal Toxin Events to support aquaculture in the NPP Coastal Zone Region
Funding Year: 2009
Funding Scheme: INTERREG IVB
Sub-Programme: Northern Periphery Programme
Project Duration: 2009 - 2011
Total Project Value: €1,609,700
EU Grant-Aid: €870,559
Grant-Aid to Ireland: €226,288
Lead Partner: Martin Ryan Institute, NUI Galway
Website: WATER Website
Project Summary:
Monitoring of the environment for potentially harmful phytoplankton and their biotoxins in shellfish is a requirement in EU member states. Time delays in achieving results, however, cause unnecessary losses to industry, particularly in peripheral regions. This project focuses on the provision of new methodologies that will provide: (1) rapid, on site analysis for the presence of toxins in shellfish and (2) the application of
simple procedures whereby harmful phytoplankton events can be predicted.
These techniques are highly suited to peripheral regions. A sustainable service will be put in place, including the provision of training courses, providing these methods for industry; thereby facilitating the development of aquaculture throughout the region as forewarning of harmful events is an essential element to further development of the shellfish aquaculture industry.
Additional information on the WATER project, (pdf 128k) is also available.
Pdf directories on Irish participation in INTERREG funded competitive marine research projects are also available from the EU Framework Research Programmes page on the Publications Section of the Marine Institute website.