The Marine Institute, Ireland in collaboration with the IOC Science and Communication Centre for Harmful Algae, Denmark will conduct a proficiency test on marine phytoplankton abundance and composition amongst laboratories. The intercomparison and proficiency test is open for participation for all relevant laboratories globally. This test will be broken down into two main areas and each participant will be asked to return results for each. The two areas are: Identification – in the form of a “Taxonomic Quiz”, This test will be set up on the OceanTeacher e-Learning Platform. Participants will need to log on with a username and password and answer the questions online. Enumeration and identification – a number of preserved seawater samples spiked with phytoplankton cultured material or/and natural field samples will be sent to each laboratory. The number and type of samples has not been decided yet and will be adapted to be relevant to the participants. This year, we were planning on introducing Biovolume measurements as a measure of biomass in the samples to complement the measurements we already take on abundance and composition of marine microalgae in the samples, but first we would like to ask the potential participants whether this new measurement is something their laboratory would be interested in doing and whether it is relevant to their activities. Programme Schedule Friday, 5th May 2017 Deadline for Registration Tuesday, 2nd June 2017 Samples sent to analysts Friday, 14th July 2017 Deadline for submission of results to lead laboratory October-December 2017 Intercalibration Report (December 2017) and Workshop (October-November 2017) Registration Package The fee for the proficiency test is 600 Euros per participant This fee covers sample preparation, verification, packing and shipping. Preparation of an online taxonomy HABs quiz. Intercomparison study design, transfer and data analysis of results, statistical analysis, overall data processing, preparation of a final report and a statement of performance certificate. Once registration has closed, participants will receive: Samples couriered to individual analysts in each laboratory A Phytoplankton taxonomy quiz in ‘OceanTeacher e-Learning Platform’ will be accessed online Relevant set of protocols and instructions Electronic summary report of laboratories performance in the intercomparison exercise Confidential statement of performance certificate Invitation to a training/wash-up workshop where participants will be presented with a draft report and have the opportunity to share experiences, discuss general results and make suggestions for future work. The workshop will have a practical element and guest speakers are invited to present their work during these sessions. Course materials at the workshop Please note that registration does not cover flights to and from the workshop, accommodation or meals during the workshop Registration and Payment If you wish to register for this intercomparison exercise, then you must contact our administrator in the Marine Institute finola.bradley@marine.ie The administrator will need your laboratory name and address, number of analysts, Analysts’ full name and e-mail addresses. The Marine Institute will invoice the participating laboratories within a month of registration. Payment can be made by bank transfer, bank draft or cheque. Please ensure that your payment includes all bank charges incurred for transferring fees. The Marine Institute will not be liable for these charges and will aim to recover costs incurred from participants.

If you are interested in participating, please contact our administrator Finola Bradley (finola.bradley@marine.ie)