Toxic algae cross borders, so solutions must cross borders too

Seafood around the world can be affected by toxic and harmful algae. Shellfish, for example, when exposed to HABs can accumulate toxins in their organs and subsequently humans upon consumption. Many places could benefit from enhanced monitoring and early warning systems to help avoid the potentially harmful consequences of algal blooms. With the goal of building early warning capacity, twenty-six stakeholders from ministries, municipalities, official laboratories, and oyster and desalination industries convened in Swakopmund, Namibia from 28^th October to 1st November to participate in the IOC UNESCO Scientific Meeting on Data Needs and Code of Practice for Establishing an Early Warning System (EWS) for Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in Namibia, which was supported through funding from the Government of Norway (NORAD).

Following a Stakeholder Needs Assessment Workshopthat was held in 2022, there has been positive progress in Namibia towards an Early Warning System for Harmful Algal Blooms, such as the establishment of HAB trigger alerts based on phytoplankton densities. The follow-up 5-day meeting was aiming at enabling further progression and capacity enhancement of a HAB Early Warning System in Namibia. Constructive and informative discussions were held on diverse topics including the co-development of a revised stakeholder adapted and focused phytoplankton bulletin, which will provide useful early warning information to facilitate the science-based decision-making for different stakeholders, including harvesting, optimizing monitoring strategies, and providing information to increase awareness of public health concern.

Victor Libuku from the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources commented, "EWS for HABs will be pivotal in ensuring a coordinated response to the harmful effects of Algae Blooms by Government Ministries, Offices and Agencies as well as private sector. This EWS will help us respond to Public Health risks, shellfish production and desalinated water production risk in a proactive manner against the Harmful Effects of Algae Blooms. We remain cognizant that harmonization of Policy and Legislation will be critical in ensuring smooth collaboration as well as coordination of activities under different Ministries Offices and Agencies"

Building on the progress since the first meeting, the group discussed key next steps. Goals moving forward included the implementation of a stakeholder and scientific committee group, and the development of a Code of Practice modeled after those used in other countries. Improving HAB literacy was also raised as an important topic. It's especially relevant within remote regional and indigenous communities, ensuring awareness of the health risk and associated human illnesses from the consumption of wild shellfish contaminated with marine biotoxins.

This initiative contributes to Africa's priority objectives in Ocean Science, specifically regarding Ocean and Human Health, Strengthening Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems and Community Resilience. The meeting wrapped up with optimism about collaborations going forward.

"The Early Warning System for Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) was educative and sustainable solution for the prevention of food outbreaks, it is significant for protection of public health." -Jesaya N Andreas, Environmental Health Practitioner of Municipality of Walvis Bay

For more information about IOC's International Harmful Algal Bloom Programme click here