Presenter: Dr Mark Doubell (SARDI)

Since March 2025 South Australia has experienced a harmful algal bloom (HAB) of unprecedented size, duration and impact. The SARDI Oceanography Subprogram has actively been involved in the cross-government HAB response by supporting sampling to understand the ecology of the bloom, as well as producing weekly situational updates on the status and movement of the bloom using remote sensing and oceanographic (hindcast/nowcast/forecast) models. This presentation will provide an overview of the bloom, its impact and the operational oceanographic tools used to support HAB response to date. An overview of the early detection monitoring and forecasting research planned to improve capability to respond to and mitigate future HABs will be presented.

Biography:

Dr Mark Doubell is a biological Oceanographer with a research focus on understanding bio-physical couplings in plankton across spatial scales from millimetres to hundreds of kilometres. Since 2019 he has led the Oceanography Sub-program at the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI). He oversees a team of oceanographers and technicians that deliver applied multi-disciplinary scientific outcomes that support the sustainable use, development, and optimisation of South Australia’s marine resources.

Mark leads the delivery of data for multiple Facilities within the Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) including the newly established Estuarine and Coastal Moorings Facility as a part of the Coastal Research Infrastructure NCRIS initiative.