Manual on harmful marine microalgae

The term ‘harmful algae’ is not a scientific but a societal one, determined by the increasingly detrimental effect of these organisms on national economies. One aim of supporting research and capacity building on harmful algae is to help mitigate their negative effect on fisheries, aquaculture, human health, recreation areas, ecosystems, etc. Understanding the causes of harmful algal events and developing contingency plans has direct links with other major areas of scientific and societal concern, including eutrophication, integrated coastal area management, fisheries management, and transfer of non-indigenous marine species. These links are important in addressing the problem of harmful algae adequately and in a way that will allow society to understand and appreciate the results of scientific advances within the field.