I support the delivery of the regulatory monitoring programme for biotoxin-producing phytoplankton, conducted by SAMS on behalf of Food Standards Scotland. Water samples from up to 40 classified shellfish growing sites are processed to identify and enumerate toxic phytoplankton species each week.  

Phytoplankton toxins can accumulate in bivalve molluscs, which leads to human illness if the shellfish are consumed. Monitoring the development of phytoplankton blooms can act as an early warning system for toxic events. 

Qualifications

2019 BSc (Hons) Marine Science, SAMS-UHI

Employment history

2020-Present Marine Support Scientist, SAMS

2019-2020 Education Project Officer, The GRAB Trust