Upskilling Australian barramundi farmers on harmful algal bloom (HAB) identification, monitoring and fish health management tools

The upskilling of Australian barramundi farmers on harmful algal bloom (HAB) identification, monitoring, and fish health management tools will yield several benefits. Firstly, it will help mitigate the economic impact of harmful algal blooms, which have already caused significant losses in the industry. By preventing or minimizing the impact of these blooms, farms can achieve substantial cost savings, providing a direct return on the research investment. Additionally, increasing awareness and providing education and training to farm staff will enable them to differentiate between harmful and harmless blooms, respond appropriately, and develop monitoring programs to detect and address problem blooms before they lead to large-scale mortality events. The compilation of a manual, assembly of an algae identification kit, and the 1-day workshop will equip farmers with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively manage harmful algal blooms and ensure the sustainability of barramundi farming in Australia.