Algae Identification and Harmful Algal Bloom Monitoring
Cyanobacteria and phytoplankton identification and counts for freshwater, estuarine and marine samples, with 24- and 48-hour priority turnaround.
Our Services
MG Algal Labs provides specialist phytoplankton identification and enumeration services for routine monitoring, ecological assessments, harmful algal bloom investigations and rehabilitation programs across Australia.
This includes proficiency in the identification of Harmful Marine Microalgae as recognized by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO.
Full phytoplankton ID & Counts
Specialist ID and counts of freshwater phytoplankton communities, supporting water quality assessments and harmful algal bloom (HAB) monitoring programs.
Cyanobacteria ID & Counts
Specialist ID and counts of cyanobacteria, including bloom-forming taxa relevant to harmful algal bloom investigations and water quality management.
Dominant Taxa Assessment
Rapid assessment of dominant phytoplankton and cyanobacteria taxa to support routine monitoring, bloom detection and ecological interpretation.
Marine ID & Counts
Specialist identification and enumeration of marine phytoplankton, including potentially harmful bloom-forming species relevant to harmful algal bloom (HAB) monitoring.
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.
A count is only as good as the identification behind it, and separating potentially toxic cyanobacteria from harmless look-alikes takes trained taxonomists. We bring more than four decades of experience in microscopy and taxonomy, covering algae, dinoflagellates, diatoms and other microfossils, from complex environmental and geological samples.
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 across Australia. 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
Based in Perth, Western Australia, providing services nationally.