Shannon Lafferty


        Photo of Shannon Lafferty in graduation gown.

Marine Support Scientist - Toxic Phytoplankton Monitoring Programme

Developing my interest and expertise in toxin-producing and fish-killing phytoplankton species around Scottish coastal waters. I assist the continued monitoring and reporting of potentially harmful phytoplankton to ensure commercially harvested shellfish are safe for consumption before they reach the market. 

Contact details:
  • shannon.lafferty@sams.ac.uk
  • +44 (0) +44 1631 559 215


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