A review on the modelling of harmful algal blooms

Abstract

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are extreme biological events that can have devastating impacts on public health, marine ecosystems, fisheries and coastal economies. The role of mathematical models as predictive tools to facilitate mitigation of HABs has become increasingly important. These models are used to simulate bloom dynamics underlying observations, predict bloom occurrences as well as detecting and monitoring them. In this final year project report, the key drivers of HABs and the causes that trigger such phenomena were explored. A broad range of mathematical modelling techniques were subsequently reviewed and classified based on the major characteristic of their approach. Each class of mathematical models was illustrated using references to particular studies. Following that, the advantages and limitations of each model were drawn from these studies and analysed. Based on the comparison of these characteristics, the applicability of the different class of models were suggested when faced with different model situations. Lastly, areas of improvement were initiated for future work.