BACKGROUND AND HISTORY

The ICES-IOC Working Group on Harmful Algal Bloom Dynamics has recorded harmful events related with harmful microalgae on a regular basis since 1987, at the time when the group’s name was Working Group on the Effects of Exceptional Algal Blooms on Mariculture and Marine Fisheries. Since then, a National Report form has been implemented by national representatives in order to organize, on an annual basis, data on harmful algae events in different countries.

Increasing interest in data analysis led to a proposal in 1997 to create a computer data base of these events: the Harmful Algae Event Data Base (HAE-DAT). This proposal considered the recent advances in computer software that allow fast and easy flow of information (Internet) and powerful data analysis. The main purpose of creating HAE-DAT is to develop a structure for data storage that allows easy integration of data, efficient search tools, and the possibility of conducting powerful data analysis.

Several steps have been proposed to develop HAE-DAT. As a first step, an analysis of National Reports was conducted to understand the nature of the information included. Although information was clearly divided in different areas, it was demonstrated that the subdivision of information had to be more detailed. For that purpose a new Harmful Event Data Input Form has been proposed to improve the flow of information as well as to allow data analysis.

This new format has been designed to respond to the interests of managers and scientists working in the different areas related with harmful algae. It is also intended to facilitate the task of professionals reporting the events. The information requested will be introduced in "boxes" that are clearly defined. In addition, it is possible to complement the report with additional information in the form of text, files (Graphs, maps, ...) and web-links. The use of this new format may require careful analysis at the beginning, but it is estimated that after a quick adaptation to the new format, future data input may be improved.