Tackling Harmful Algal Blooms

A practical, integrated early-warning system for HABs

A collaborative partnership between Scottish Sea Farms, Mowi Scotland, SAMS, UHI Shetland, SRUC and SAIC, has delivered an early-warning system to help Scotland’s salmon sector respond to harmful algal blooms (HABs).

HABs are a growing threat to fish health and welfare – they can damage gill tissue and contribute to complex gill disease (CGD). With With climate-related factors such as rising sea temperatures and low oxygen levels increasing the risk, the need for timely, accurate forecasting has never been greater.

The project combined predictive modelling, farm-based monitoring, and cutting-edge technology. A key innovation was the deployment of the Imaging FlowCytoBot (IFCB). This has captured over 76 million images of phytoplankton, using AI to identify harmful species in near real time.

The system integrates farm data and the IFCB into a web-based platform that provides five-day forecasts and real-time alerts, enabling farmers to take early action before HABs reach critical levels. The project also delivered training for farm staff, improved data sharing across companies, and laid the groundwork for future forecasting tools.

A follow-up initiative extended high-resolution modelling to Orkney and Shetland, further strengthening Scotland’s capacity to manage HAB risks.

The project represents a step forward in safeguarding fish health and supporting the resilience of aquaculture in the face of environmental change.

Read the case study