Odra

The meeting aimed to exchange experiences of scientists and experts dealing with toxic algal blooms. The international workshop brought together numerous Polish and German scientists, dozens of representatives of government and local administrations and a group of experts from both countries. Participants were familiarised with the most important information presented in the reports on the situation on the Oder River produced by the Polish and German teams. They also discussed ongoing monitoring activities on the River and possible causes of mass algal blooms. The experts presented, among other things, data on the extent of the observations and water samples taken and discussed preventive measures already implemented and planned for the future.

Furthermore, experts from both countries discussed the characterisation of the golden algae species and the causes of the Prymnesium parvum bloom. As the participants in the debate emphasised, it is impossible to state a single reason or source for the occurrence of this species and its bloom, as it is a very complex process.

The experts agreed that sharing observations or results of ongoing research is essential. Polish scientists informed about the work currently underway to isolate as many algal strains as possible to understand the species better. The researchers' observations indicate that the causes of algal blooms vary in different countries. Therefore, it is imperative to study the case of the bloom and to observe it continuously.

Representatives of the scientific teams from Poland and Germany involved in investigating the phenomenon stressed the need for further close cooperation to implement the most effective methods to reduce mass blooms of golden algae.