Report EV/HAB/07/01:
HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS WORKSHOP AND DISTANCE LEARNING COURSE
22 January 2007 to 2 February 2007
PROJECTS: BCLME PROJECT REFERENCE NUMBER: EV/HAB/07/01
HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS WORKSHOP AND DISTANCE LEARNING COURSE
Deon Louw
Directorate of Resource Management
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Swakopmund, Namibia
Dr. Jacob Larsen
Science and Communication Centre, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen,
Denmark
Bronwen Currie
Directorate of Aquaculture
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Swakopmund, Namibia
This report to be cited as:
Louw, D., Larsen, J and Currie B 2007 - Harmful Algal Blooms Workshop and Distance
Learning Course for the BCLME region, 22 January to 2 February 2007. Workshop Report
EV/HAB/07/01
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY……………………………………………………………………….
4
1
BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND PURPOSE OF THE WORKSHOP ..................... 5
2
WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES........................................................................................... 9
3
WORKSHOP OUTPUTS................................................................................................ 9
4
COURSE CONTENT ................................................................................................... 10
5
ASSESSMENT OF THE WORKSHOP ........................................................................ 12
6
ACTIVITIES AND THE WAY FORWARD..................................................................... 13
7
6.1
SOUTH AFRICA ........................................................................................................................ 13
6.2
NAMIBIA .................................................................................................................................. 13
6.3
ANGOLA .................................................................................................................................. 14
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................ 15
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Executive Summary
A regional distant learning course for Harmful Algae was introduced for the first time
in the BCLME region. This course is usually done through the internet but due to
internet constrains in the region it was decided to preferably provide CDs of the
course. The participants came from different levels of education and expertise and
this set the platform for the workshop held in Swakopmund from 22 January to 2
February 2007.
During the workshop participants were introduced to the concept of Harmful Algal
Blooms and although numerous species of varying harmful potential exist, we
concentrated mostly on likely species in the region, as well as species which are
possible toxic. Lectures on the different harmful groups were given, supported by
practical examination of species under the microscope. Cultures of toxic species
were examined to show the characteristics used for identification of the species. The
participants also were provided with preserved field samples from which they had to
pick out the harmful algal species. Practical procedures regarding working in
different marine environments, sampling procedures, techniques and different
counting techniques were demonstrated, as well as monitoring and management
considerations.
The participants were provided with a personal CD copy of the lectures, the
MANUAL ON HARMFUL MARINE ALGAE (eds. Hallegraeff, Anderson D.M and A.D
Cembella) and a one copy of IDENTIFYING MARINE PHYTOPLANKTON (eds.
Thomas C.R) for each country, which can be used as reference material. At the end
of the workshop a Course Certificate was provided to each participant.
An A0 poster on the workshop will be analyzed and provided to the BCLME. The first
10 to 15 species will be described by August 2007 and will be ready by the end of
the year in the new proposed identification sheets. A follow-up workshop was
proposed for February/March 2008 to finalize species found in the region, providing
funding can be sourced for it.
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1
BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND PURPOSE OF THE WORKSHOP
Among the thousands of species of microscopic algae at the base of the marine food
chain are a few dozen that produce toxins. These species make their presence
known in many ways, ranging from massive "red tides" that discolor the water, to
inconspicuous concentrations of cells important only because of the harm caused by
their highly potent toxins. Impacts include mass mortalities of wild and farmed fish
and shellfish, human illness and death, alterations of marine trophic structure, and
death of marine mammals, seabirds, and other animals (Anderson et al. 2001). The
term “red tide” is misleading, however, since toxic blooms may be greenish or
brownish; non-toxic species can bloom and harmlessly discolor the water; and,
conversely, adverse effects can occur when some algal cell concentrations are low
and the water is clear. Given the confusion, the scientific community now uses the
term “harmful algal bloom” or HAB. This new descriptor includes algae that cause
problems because of their toxicity, as well as non-toxic algae that cause problems in
other ways.
It also applies to macroalgae (seaweeds) which can cause major
ecological impacts as well (Anderson et al. 2005).
HAB phenomena take a variety of forms. With regard to human health, the major
category of impact occurs when toxic phytoplankton are filtered from the water as
food by shellfish which then accumulate the algal toxins to levels that can be lethal to
humans or other consumers. These poisoning syndromes have been given the
names paralytic, diarrhetic, neurotoxic, azaspiracid, and amnesic shellfish poisoning
(PSP, DSP, NSP, AZP, and ASP). All have serious effects, and some can be fatal.
Except for ASP, all are caused by biotoxins synthesized by a class of marine algae
called dinoflagellates. ASP is produced by diatoms that until recently were all thought
to be free of toxins and generally harmless. A sixth human illness, ciguatera fish
poisoning (CFP) is caused by biotoxins produced by dinoflagellates that grow on
seaweeds and other surfaces in coral reef communities. Ciguatera toxins are
transferred through the food chain from herbivorous reef fishes to larger carnivorous,
commercially valuable finfish. In a similar manner, the viscera of other commercially
important fish such as herring or sardines can contain PSP toxins, endangering
human health following consumption of whole fish. Yet another human health impact
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from HABs occurs when a class of algal toxins called the brevetoxins becomes
airborne in sea spray, causing respiratory irritation and asthma-like symptoms in
beachgoers and coastal residents. The documented effects are acute in nature, and
studies are underway to determine if there are also long-term consequences of toxin
inhalation.
Other types of HAB impact occurs when marine fauna are killed by algal species that
produce exogenous toxins associated with the cell surface, release toxins and other
compounds into the water, or that kill without toxins by physically damaging gills, by
creating low oxygen conditions as bloom biomass decays or by causing light
attenuation as thus affecting submerged aquatic vegetation. Some algae (including
but not restricted to those that produce chemically well-characterized toxins known to
affect humans), can adversely affect growth and survival of larvae or adults of
commercially important shellfish populations. For example, red tides of the
dinoflagellate Heterocapsa circularisquama in Japan are not a public health concern
and do not appear to affect finfish, but have caused mass mortalities of valuable
cultured pearl oysters (Pinctada fucata) as well as edible bivalves including Pacific
oysters (Crassostrea gigas), clams (Tapes philippinarum) and mussels (Mytilus
galloprovincialis) (Matsuyama et al. 1996). Similarly, brown tides of the
picoplanktonic alga Aureococcus anophagefferens (Pelagophycea) have caused
mass mortalities (not linked to hypoxia) of mussels, and devastated bay scallop
fisheries in the mid-Atlantic USA, but are not known to affect finfish or humans
(Bricelj and Lonsdale 1997). Brown tide species have also been reported from South
Africa (G. Pitcher, pers. comm.)
Farmed fish mortalities from HABs have increased considerably in recent years, and
are now a major concern to fish farmers and their insurance companies. The list of
finfish, shellfish and wildlife affected by algal toxins is long and diverse (Anderson
1995) and accentuates the magnitude and complexity of HAB phenomena. In some
ways, however, this list does not adequately document the scale of red tide effects,
as adverse impacts can occur throughout coastal ecosystems in subtle ways that are
difficult to detect. In virtually all compartments of the marine food web, there can be
impacts from toxic or harmful blooms.
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Finally, economic impacts can also result from the so-called “halo effect”, or
avoidance of safe, uncontaminated seafood because of mistaken public perceptions
that the HAB event has affected all fish and shellfish and that toxins that kill these
organisms are retained within their tissues. Management strategies must address
this public overreaction and devise strategies (e.g. via public education) to reduce
these impacts.
HAB problems in the BCLME region
HABs of the Benguela pose a threat over an extensive area, spanning three
countries. There is huge disparity in the amount of available information on HABs
within the Benguela region, with little known of the role they play in the Northern
Benguela. The history and extent of the HAB problem in the region are briefly
summarized here.
Earliest documentation of PSP poisoning with probable involvement of Alexandrium
catenella comes from an incident in Cape Town in 1888, when illness and deaths
amongst the local population occurred, together with apparent poisoning of baboons
after eating white mussels (Pitcher 1998).
Cases of PSP poisoning have been
recorded from the Cape area intermittently over the last decades. DSP was identified
for the first time along the South African coast in 1991 (Pitcher et al. 1993). The
regular appearances of Dinophysis spp make DSP a potential hazard in both the
South African and Namibian waters. The presence of Gymnodinium and
Pseudonitzschia species strongly suggests that NSP and ASP are potential
problems in the Benguela as well (Pitcher 1998).
Mussel mortalities along the South African west coast have been linked to blooms of
Alexandrium catenella and Gonyaulax grindleyi (= Protoceratium reticulatum, a
producer of a toxin called yessotoxin), with cases of extreme poisoning of both white
mussels Donax serra and black mussels Choromytilus meridionalis attributed to
Alexandrium
catenella
blooms
(Pitcher
and
Calder
2000).
Mortalities
of
phytplanktivorous fish such as sardine are susceptible to PSP toxins with confirmed
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PSP poisoning incidents in St. Helena Bay. Investigations may reveal microalgal
ichthyotoxins to account for unexplained fish mortalities throughout the Benguela. Of
special interest is the dinoflagellate Gymnodinium galatheanum (now called
Karlodinium veneficum and recently shown to produce a novel fish-killing toxin;
Kempton et al. 2002, Deeds et al. 2006) Members of the Prasinophytes and
Rapidophytes are also of interest, as the ichthyotoxic raphidophyte Heterosigma
akashiwo has been observed in the northern and southern Benguela, but has yet to
be associated with harmful impacts (Pitcher and Calder 2000). Further up the food
chain, seabirds and marine mammals that consume affected mussels, zooplankton
and fish, are in danger of accumulating the toxins to lethal levels.
Ciguatera Fish Poisoning is unlikely to occur in Southern Benguela waters but
warrants investigation in Angolan waters, especially near offshore islands with coral
reef resources.
In Namibia the role of toxic HABs in the ecosystem is not clear. Despite potentially
toxic species and cysts having been sampled in Namibian waters, there are no
records of human illness or mortality which implicate microalgal biotoxins as the
causative factor. Admittedly, the coastal community is small and harvesting of
shellfish is minimal, so toxic incidents could pass undetected.
Cultured mussels from Lüderitz tested positive for PSP in the mid-1990s, apparently
caused by Alexandrium catenella. Prior records are few, and limited to claims that
fish mortalities were caused by algal blooms, e.g. mass fish mortalities in the region
of Walvis Bay in the 1940’s were ascribed to a Gymnodinium species, and
Heterocapsa triquetra, Gymnodinium galatheanum (=Karlodinium veneficium),
Peridinium trochoideum and Alexandrium tamarense were found to occur commonly
in the Walvis Bay region, as well as Prorocentrum micans and various species of the
genera Gyrodinium, Peridinium and Dinophysis (Pitcher 1998). On the South African
west coast, blooms of Ceratium furca, Ceratium lineatum, Prorocentrum micans and
to a lesser extent Alexandrium catenella dominate (Pitcher and Calder 2000).
Blooms comprising vast quantities of algal cells contribute to secondary problems
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not related to the production of toxins. Along the Namibian coast, decay of such
intense primary production results not only in water column hypoxia but also in
anoxic diatomaceous ooze settled metres thick on the seabed. Intense microbial
reduction occurs in these sediments, with subsequent regular release of methane
carrying toxic hydrogen sulphide into the overlying water column. Combined effects
of the sulphide and associated hypoxia result in mortalities of fish and invertebrates.
In South Africa episodic anoxic events following decay of massive phytoplankton
blooms have in recent years caused losses of thousands of tonnes of rock lobster,
resulting in devastating losses to this valuable fishery (Matthews and Pitcher 1996).
2
WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES
The workshop objectives were as follows:

Theoretical
classrooms
on
taxonomic
features
of
marine
harmful
phytoplankton
3

Practical classrooms on light microscopy (LM) identification

LM techniques and observations

Phytoplankton cultivation techniques

Serial dilution technique

Sampling techniques and strategies
WORKSHOP OUTPUTS
a) An A0 poster on the worked covered during the workshop period with
regards to potentially toxic species and harmful effects. The poster was
drafted by participants during the workshop.
b) This was followed by a comprehensive guide comprising on potentially
harmful microalgal species in the Benguela, developed by the
workshop participants with the assistance of national and international
microalgae experts. On each species sheet we will provide:
EV/HAB/07/01

Species name

Photographs
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9

Map showing species distribution in the Benguela region

Description

Toxicity (potential)

Written by

Citation

Reference (local)
(See Annex 4 proposed layout of a typical Identification sheet)
c) Trained phytoplankton personnel who will be capable to identify
harmful algae in the Benguela current region.
d) A regional phytoplankton working group to provide a core for future
training in the region
e) A regional phytoplankton database housing information that can be
used for the State of the Environment Information System (SEIS)
Project e.g. indicators for water quality, water mass movement and
other relevant projects.
f) A resource and reference database of HABs for tertiary education
which can be utilized and contributed to, by postgraduate studies.
4
COURSE CONTENT
The workshop was held at the Alte Brücke Conference Center, Swakopmund,
Namibia, hosted by the Namibian Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources on
behalf of the BCLME project listed above. A participant list is attached as Annex 1.
The course outline of the workshop is appended as Annex 2. Following introductory
remarks, the meeting began with a series of presentations on the biology of harmful
algae, lectures and demonstration of marine harmful species, the first few days
concentrating on cultured species coming from Denmark. These were followed by
presentations on historic and present status of harmful species found in South Africa,
Namibia, and Angola. These talks have been added as Annex 3. Due to e-mail
problems only presentations for Namibia were given showing an offshore
perspective off Namibia and the Namibian Mariculture perspective. The course
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concentrated on preserved samples brought with participants from the different
countries to encourage participants to identify and find harmful species as listed and
are presented in Table 1.
Table 1. Toxic phytoplankton species found in preserved samples from the
participating countries.
Species
Human syndromes
*Alexandrium catenella ?
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP)
*Alexandrium sp. 1
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP)
*Alexandrium sp.2
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP)
Dinophysis fortii
Diarrheic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP)
Dinophysis acuminata
Diarrheic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP)
Dinophysis acuta
Diarrheic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP)
Dinophysis rotundata
Diarrheic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP)
Dinophysis caudate (after the course)
Diarrheic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP)
Lingulodinium polyedrum
Yessotoxin (YTX) /PSP
Pseudo-nitzschia spp.
Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP)
*Species to confirm by expert Jacob Larson.
During the course the A0 Poster was discussed as well as the best presentation
format for an ID guide on harmful algae. It was agreed that for the start, only toxic
species will be considered. Consensus was also reached on an identification filing
system which is shown in Annex 4 as our first example. This allows for updating as
new species are found, or to include species which had been overlooked.
Prior to the workshop, participants were mailed an outline of the project as well as a
CD to familiarize them with the different harmful algae possibly found in the BCLME
region. Each participant was given copies of two widely-used phytoplankton
identification manuals:
(i) the MANUAL ON HARMFUL MARINE MICROALGAE
(eds Hallegraeff, Anderson D.M and A.D Cembella) and (ii) IDENTIFYING MARINE
PHYTOPLANKTON (eds C.R. Thomas), provided by the IOC for each region.
Further reference literature was provided on CD to each participant.
Certificates were awarded to the participants at the end of the course (Annex 5). A
EV/HAB/07/01
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second CD was given to each participant on lectures given during the workshop as
well as the latest list of Marine Harmful Algae from the IOC.
Lectures presented covered the following topics:
5

Introduction to HABs

Introduction to Algal Toxins

Marine Flagellates

Raphidophytes

Haptophytes

Introduction to dinoflagellates

Dinophysis spesies

Pyrodeniums

Prorocentrums

Gonyaulacales

Benthic dinoflagellates

Unarmed Dinoflagellates

Dinoflagellate tabulation

Pseudo-nitzshia species

Cultures

Sampling strategies

Monitoring and Management

Critical identification
ASSESSMENT OF THE WORKSHOP
The language medium used was English. In order to cater for Angolan participants
who were not fluent in English, a translator was provided. This greatly assisted
exchange of information.
A questionnaire (Annex 6) was provided to the participants at the end of the course.
Generally participants felt that the lectures were of superb quality and that reading
material provided with the CD helped them to understand the work properly. Some
felt that because the course was catering for a broad range of expertise amongst
EV/HAB/07/01
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participants, the time was adequately used, whereas others felt that the course could
have been completed in a shorter time.
Because most of the participants were at the entering level in this field, the workshop
provided a window of opportunity and knowledge for most of them.
PROBLEMS
Microscopes were ordered four months in advance from Zeiss Microscopes (Pty) Ltd
in Johannesburg. This company agreed to provide and deliver the microscopes to
Swakopmund for the workshop. Unfortunately the microscopes arrived only three
days before the end of the workshop. Participants had to share microscopes for the
first two days whilst waiting for microscopes provided by the University of Namibia
(UNAM).
Most of the phytoplankton cultures brought with Jacob Larsen died because flights
were delayed due to unfavorable weather conditions in Europe during this time.
6
6.1
ACTIVITIES AND THE WAY FORWARD
SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa has a longer time series of toxic events and possible species
responsible for these events, and therefore already has information ready to be
added into the identification sheets. Dr. Grant Pitcher’s group at MCM has informed
us that they are keen to contribute to the initiatives proposed in this workshop. The
University of the Witwatersrand has been culturing and identifying some
phytoplankton species for South Africa and Namibia. The University has electron
microscope facilities, and has assisted, especially in the Pseudo-nitzschia group for
the past few years and they too will contribute to the identification sheets.
6.2
NAMIBIA
Namibia has an active offshore oceanographic monitoring program going for the past
six years and among others toxic species has been documented in their program.
Although Mariculture has been underway for quite some time in Namibia, a
mariculture monitoring program including phytoplankton, toxin and microbiology
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analyses has run since 2004, for which phytoplankton has been documented for
toxic marine phytoplankton species. Experts from the USA, Spain and Ireland have
helped to develop this program (see BCLME Reports EV/HAB/02/01, EV/
HAB/02/02a, EV/HAB/Shellsan).
The Namibian government has supported the monitoring programs and has
purchased a Zeiss microscope as well as ordered three more microscopes to
expand and increase the frequency of sampling. The Government has ordered a
small incubator to start some cultures of species which may then be studied further.
6.3
ANGOLA
The Angolan participants have agreed to take samples on a weekly or every second
week from the jetty at INAP in Luanda Bay. The IOC will provide a 20µm net for
them and NatMirc will provide sampling bottles. Samples will be stored and send to
NatMirc who will analyze the sample and provide a diversity list of species found
including the toxic species found.
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7
REFERENCES
ANDERSON, P. S., ANDERSON, D. M., MCMAHON, T., FERNÁNDEZ-TEJEDOR, M.,
CURRIE, B., LOUW, D., and I. RANGEL 2004 - A synthesis of requirements of various
sectors of governments and industry relating to microalgal toxins and other sanitary issues.
Second report, BCLME project EV HAB/02/01: Harmonization of Regulations for Microalgal
Toxins for Application in Countries bordering the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem
ANDERSON, P.S., CURRIE, B., LOUW, D., ANDERSON, D.M., FERNÁNDEZ -TEJEDOR,
M., RANGEL, I. and ELLITSON, P. 2005 - Feasibility study for cost-effective monitoring in
Namibia and Angola. Second report, BCLME project EV HAB/02/02a: Development of an
Operational Capacity for Monitoring of Harmful Algal Blooms in Countries Bordering the
Northern part of the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem: Phase 2 – Design.
CURRIE, B., ANDERSON, D. M., ANDERSON, P. S., LOUW, D., FERNÁNDEZ-TEJEDOR,
M., DA SLIVA, A. and I. RANGEL 2004 - Review and assessment of existing policies and
approaches regarding Harmful Algal Bloom management, marine water quality, and shellfish
sanitation in Angola, Namibia and South Africa.
First report, BCLME project EV
HAB/02/01:Harmonization of Regulations for Microalgal Toxins for Application in Countries
Bordering the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem
FERNÁNDEZ-TEJEDOR, M., LOUW, D.C., ANDERSON, D.M., RANGEL, I., CURRIE, B.
and P. ANDERSON 2004: Review of existing information on Harmful Algal Blooms in
Angola, including past and present monitoring of phytoplankton. First report, BCLME project
EV HAB/02/02a: Development of an Operational Capacity for Monitoring of Harmful Algal
Blooms in Countries Bordering the Northern part of the Benguela Current Large Marine
Ecosystem: Phase 1 – Design
HALLEGRAEFF. G.M, ANDERSON D.M AND A.D CEMBELLA (EDS). 2004Manual on Harmful Marine Microalgae. Paris, Unesco
THOMAS, C.R. (ED). 1997- Identifying Marine Phytoplankton. New York, Academic
Press
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Annex 1
LIST OF ATTENDEES
Names
Affiliation
E-MAIL
City
Country
1
Juliana Cristina Nascimento Muai
INIP
Instituto Nacional de Investigacao Pesqueira
jumuai@hotmail.com
Luanda
Angola
2
Paulo André da Sousa Coelho
INIP
Instituto Nacional de Investigacao Pesqueira
paulocoelho233@yahoo.com.br
Luanda
Angola
3
Dr. Jacob Larsen
IOC
University of Copenhagen
jacobl@bi.ku.dk
Copenhagen
Denmark
4
Elana Wright
MCM
Marine & Coastal Management
elana@deat.gov.za
Cape Town
South Africa
5
Anna-Lucia Mukumangeni
MFMR
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources
amukumangeni@mfmr.gov.na
Swakopmund
Namibia
6
Bronwen Currie
MFMR
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources
bcurrie@mfmr.gov.na
Swakopmund
Namibia
7
Charlotte-Ann Uys
MFMR
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources
cuys@mfmr.gov.na
Swakopmund
Namibia
8
Chibola Chikwililwa
MFMR
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources
cchikwililwa@mfmr.gov.na
Swakopmund
Namibia
9
Deon Louw
MFMR
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources
dclouw@mfmr.gov.na
Swakopmund
Namibia
10
Erasmus Kakonya
MFMR
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources
ekakonya@mfmr.gov.na
Swakopmund
Namibia
11
Gosberth Hamutenya
MFMR
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources
ghamutenya@mfmr.gov.na
Luderitz
Namibia
12
Jan J. Gei-Khaub
MFMR
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources
jgeikhaub@mfmr.gov.na
Swakopmund
Namibia
13
Twalinohamba Akawa
MFMR
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources
takawa@mfmr.gov.na
Swakopmund
Namibia
14
Maria Filomena Almeida Oliveira livramento
UAN
University of Luanda
filomenalivramento@hotmail.com
Luanda
Angola
15
Martin Tjipute
UNAM
University of Namibia
mtjipute@unam.na
Henties Bay
Namibia
16
Philippa Wing
WITS
University of the Witwatersrand
pippawing@gmail.com
Johannesburg
South Africa
17
Trevor Bell
WITS
University of the Witwatersrand
bell@gecko.biol.wits.ac.za
Johannesburg
South Africa
Annex 2
COURSE OUTLINE
Regional Training Course on Harmful Algae
Swakopmund, Namibia, 23 January – 1 February 2007
Morning 8.30-12.30
Tuesday,
23 Jan
Welcome address.
Lecture: Biology of harmful algae
Lecture
and
microscope
demonstration:
raphidophytes
Afternoon 14-16
harmful
Lecture
and
microscope
demonstration:
harmful
haptophytes;
Lecture and microscope demonstration: unarmoured
dinoflagellates
Wed,
24 Jan
Introduction by the participants, 15 min.
Lecture and demonstration of culture work
Thursday
25 Jan
Lecture and microscope demonstration: Dinophysis
Lecture and microscope demonstration:
Prorocentrum
Friday,
26 Jan
Introduction dinoflagellate identification
Lecture and microscope demonstration:
Pyrodinium and benthic dinoflagellates
Prorocentrum
Saturday
27 Jan
Free
Sunday,
28 Jan
Excursion
Monday,
29 Jan
Lecture and microscope demonstration: Alexandrium
Lecture and microscope demonstration: Pseudo-nitzschia
Tuesday,
30 Jan
Lecture: Sampling techniques and strategies
Microscopy of own material
Lecture: Summary of counting techniques
Wed
31 Jan
Lecture: Critical species identification
Microscopy of own material
Discussion of id-guide for the Benguela waters,
Microscopy of own material
Thursday
1 Feb
Discussion of id-guide for the Benguela waters, continued
Microscopy of own material
Final discussions of id-guide and future collaboration,
Evaluation and course certificates
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Annex 3
PARTICIPANT’S PRESENTATIONS
Harmful Algal Blooms along the Namibian coast (J. Gei-khaub()
Harmful Algal Blooms – The Namibian Perspective (D. Louw)
CDs of these presentations are available from D. Louw (MFMR)
Annex 4
IDENTIFICATION SHEET (EXAMPLE)
BCLME HAB Species Identification Series
Dinophysis accuminata (……………..) Claparède et Lachmann
Photographs of species found in
regional Marine waters
Figure 1.
Synonyms:



D. lachmannii Paulsen
D. borealis Paulsen
D. boehmii Paulsen
Taxonomic Note: (Described by local experts)
Shape:

•
•
•
Cells and shapes varies
dorso-ventral depth of epitheca
½ to one third of hypotheca
oval in lateral view
Most Distinctive Features:
Size:
Length (µm)
Width (µm)
•
30-40 µm
40-50 µm
Referances
Toxin:

potential producer of OA and DTX-toxins
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Written by: XXXX
Citation: XXXX
Site
Reported Distribution
Referance
Angola
-10
Luanda Bay
Namibe
-15
Namibia
Swakopmund
Walvis Bay
Toscanine
-20
South Africa
-25
Lambers Bay
Cape Town
-30
15
20
25
30
References: (Local if possible)
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Annex 5
COURSE CERTIFICATE
Course Certificate
XXXXXXXX
attended the
BCLME-BENEFIT-IOC Regional Training Course on Harmful Algae
Swakopmund, Namibia * 22 January – 2 February 2007
Bronwen Currie
Jacob Larsen
Deon Louw
Chief Biologist
Associate Professor
Scientist
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XXXXXXXXXX
attended the
BCLME-BENEFIT-IOC Regional Training Course on Harmful Algae
Swakopmund, Namibia * 22 January – 2 February 2007
Course contents
The course included 90 hours of teaching, divided into two parts each consisting of 45 hours
of teaching. The first part of the course was a self-study teaching programme while the
second part was a practical workshop in species identification.
Part I – Self-study teaching programme
This part consisted of 8 modules each with a short introductory text and with a list
of suggested additional reading. A number of books and articles were made
available in the course CD-rom.
Part II – Workshop on species identification
The workshop focussed on identification of harmful algal species, with particular
reference to the ‘IOC Taxonomic Reference List on Toxic Plankton Algae’. The use
of electron microscopy was introduced, but practical exercises not included. During
the workshop, the following species were demonstrated either as cultures or as
preserved material.
Haptophyceae: Chrysochromulina spp. Prymnesium spp.
Raphidophyceae: Chattonella antiqua, C. subsalsa, Fibrocapsa japonica, Haramonas dimorpha,
Heterosigma akashiwo, Olisthodiscus luteus.
Dinophyceae: Prorecentrales: Prorocentrum concavum, P. cordatum, P. emarginatum, P. gracile, P.
lima, P. micans, P. rhathymum.
Dinophysiales: Dinophysis acuta, D. acuminata, D. caudata, D. fortii, D. miles, D. mitra, D.
norvegica, D. rotundata, D. tripos.
Gonyaulacales: Alexandrium minutum, A. catenella, A. ostenfeldii, A. pseudogonyaulax, A.
tamarense, Coolia monotis, Gambierdiscus toxicus, Lingulodinium polyedrum, Protoceratium
reticulatum, Ostreopsis spp. Pyrodinium bahamense var. compressum Bacillariophyceae: Pseudonitzschia australis, P. calliantha, P. delicatissima, P. fraudulenta, P. multiseries, P. pungens, P.
seriata.
Cyanobacteria: Trichodesmium sp.
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Annex 6
QUESTIONNAIRE
HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS WORKSHOP AND DISTANCE
LEARNING COURSE FOR THE BCLME REGION
QUESTIONNAIRE FOR ASSESSMENT BY TRAINEES
The purpose of this questionnaire is to collect information for overall assessment of the
training course and to improve future training and related activities.
Please check the boxes as appropriate and write your comments and suggestions as
follows:
1 (poor) 2
3
4
5 (excellent)
QUESTIONS
1. Were the objectives of the Course well specified?
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
Have they been successfully met?
Comments:
2. Did you find the structure of the e-learning modules logical and user-friendly?
1
2
3
4
5
Comments:
3. Were there any parts of the e-learning course that were too difficult or not clear; if
so, how should it be improved?
1
2
3
4
5
Comments:
4. How would you overall rate the e-learning part of the course?
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1
2
3
4
5
Comments:
5. Were the lectures and practical exercises adequate to meet the objective?
1
2
3
4
5
Comments:
6. Do you think the level of the course was too advanced, adequate, or too low?
Too advanced ........... Adequate .............. Too low...............
Comments: (did the standard of the course meet your expectations ?)
7. Was the duration of the course adequate?
Too short ........ Adequate......... Too long.........
Comments:
8. Was the course useful to you? Did you learn anything that is new to you?
1
2
3
4
5
Comments (if so, what?)
9. Do you feel a need for modification of the course programme? Other comments
and/or suggestions:
Yes ........... No..............
Comments: (if yes, please indicate what you think is needed, what additional areas should
be covered?)
10. How do you rate this course overall?
1
2
3
4
5
Name: (if you wish)...........................................
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