Algae Identification and Harmful Algal Bloom Monitoring
Specialist phytoplankton identification and enumeration for freshwater, estuarine, and marine environments.
Our Services
MG Algal Labs provides specialist phytoplankton identification and enumeration services for routine monitoring, ecological assessments, algal bloom investigations and rehabilitation programs, delivering reliable biological data to support environmental management decisions.
Cyanobacteria ID & Counts
Identification and counts (enumeration) of cyanobacteria from freshwater, estuarine and marine samples, with or without biovolume assessment.
Dominant Taxa Assessment
Rapid microscopic assessment for harmful, nuisance or dominant taxa to support bloom investigations, one-off samples, and monitoring programs.
Marine ID & Counts
Identification and counts (enumeration) of marine samples, with presence/absence assessment of toxic species available where required.
Expertise in Action
The South Australian Citizen Science Awards were announced by the Department for Environment and Water on 8 September 2026, as part of National Science Week, celebrating projects making a meaningful environmental impact through community-led science.
We’re proud to announce that MG Algal Labs’ Carey Hannaford was part of the 2026 winning initiative, Phytoplankton of South Australia.
Following the harmful algal bloom that affected the South Australian coastline in 2025, Carey joined a statewide network of citizen scientists helping to monitor and better understand the event. Drawing on her extensive microscopy and microfossil identification experience, she worked alongside community volunteers, universities, government and industry to collect samples, identify phytoplankton and generate valuable data for bloom research.
A massive congratulations to Carey and the team, the wider volunteer network, and all the finalists and commendation recipients for helping shape a better future for Australia!
About us
Built on more than 40 years of taxonomic expertise
MG Algal Labs is the environmental arm of MGPalaeo, an Australian scientific consultancy established in 1983.
We bring more than four decades of experience in identifying and interpreting microscopic biological remains, including algae, dinoflagellates, spores, pollen, diatoms and other microfossils, from complex environmental and geological samples.
That background gives MG Algal Labs an unusually strong foundation in microscopy and taxonomy. Our phytoplankton services build upon the same core skills that have underpinned MGPalaeo’s work for decades: careful observation, accurate identification, rigorous quality control and scientifically defensible interpretation.
If you need expert support with phytoplankton monitoring, bloom investigations or program design, our team is here to help.
We Support a Range of Sectors
MG Algal Labs works alongside environmental consultancies, mining companies, water utilities and government agencies, providing specialist phytoplankton identification and enumeration services to support aquatic environmental monitoring programs. From routine water quality assessments to targeted investigations and long-term monitoring, we deliver reliable biological data to support informed environmental management decisions.
Water Utilities
Environmental Consulting
Aquaculture
Mining & Industry
Government
Research
