A national monitoring programme
The programme has operated since the 1980s and contributes phytoplankton evidence to Water Framework Directive water-quality studies. It is one of the few programmes worldwide to carry ISO 17025 Quality accreditation.
How monitoring works
Sampling
Local Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority sea fishery officers or other assigned personnel collect samples from designated sampling areas.
Laboratory analysis
Samples go to regional laboratories in Castletownbere or Galway, where highly trained staff identify and analyse phytoplankton.
Reporting
We report the presence of harmful or toxic phytoplankton species on the Marine Institute website.
Further information
Contact Rafael Salas for further information about phytoplankton monitoring. For general enquiries, email institute.mail@marine.ie. Fax: (+)353 (0)9 138 7201.