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Project Code [2010-PhD-WQ-18]

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Project title

The Influence of Parasites on Dinoflagellate Bloom Dynamics

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG)

Lead Applicant

Robin Raine

Project Abstract

The sustainability of shellfish aquaculture in Europe has been under threat due to the presence in the sea of toxin containing phytoplankton. The significant economic losses to aquaculture caused by the contamination of shellfish with algal biotoxins have demanded predictive models that can forecast harmful algal blooms. Whilst the onset of these events can in some cases be predicted with accuracy their duration is still highly uncertain One of the causes of the termination of harmful algal blooms is parasite infection yet virtually nothing is known of the dynamics of or even diversity of this group of organisms. This project will specifically research the relationship between the duration of harmful blooms of targeted species and their parasite infection.

Grant Approved

�24,000.00

Research Hub

Healthy Environment

Research Theme

Impacts on Aquatic Ecosystems & Human Health (including Drinking Water)

Start Date

01/12/2010

Initial Projected Completion Date

30/11/2013