The Australia and New Zealand Cyanobacteria Workshop has become an integral event on the global water calendar. Held every two years, this event showcases new research advancements and provides a forum for water supply managers, health officials, ecologists, modellers, toxicologists and research experts in cyanobacterial identification and management to meet and discuss all things cyanobacteria.

Join us for the 9th Australia and New Zealand Cyanobacteria Workshop
on the 23rd & 24th September 2025.
Our cyanobacteria workshops have become an integral event on the global water calendar. This year’s Workshop will was a two-day, in-person event hosted at the CSIRO Marine Laboratories in Hobart, Tasmania, showcasing new research advancements and providing a forum for water supply managers, health officials, ecologists, modellers, toxicologists and research experts in cyanobacterial identification and management to meet and discuss all things cyanobacteria.
This year’s workshop will feature:
- Research talks from leading scientists and water industry experts.
- 5-minute challenge talks where participants explain a problem.
- 5-minute student talks showcasing emerging research.
- An elicitation workshop to identify industry research needs.
- A special demonstration of Phytoxigene by Diagnostic Technology.
The call for abstracts is opening soon
The call for abstracts for the 9th ANZ Cyanobacteria Workshop will open in May.
2025 Organising Committee
Anusuya Willis | CSIRO, TAS (Co-chair)
Arash Zamyadi | Monash University, TAS (Co-chair)
Liz Symes | Water NSW, NSW
Luke Zappia | Water Corporation, WA
Andrew Taylor | Hydro Tasmania, TAS
Jennifer Hemer | NRM South, TAS
Mark Andersson | Water Research Australia, SA
Jo Ohlmeyer | Water Research Australia, SA
2025 Scientific Committee
Michele Buford | Griffith University, QLD
Rita Henderson | UNSW, NSW
Nick Crosbie | Melbourne Water, VIC
Arash Zamyadi | Monash University, VIC
Liz Symes | Water NSW, NSW

Event History
Australian water sources, both natural and man-made, are regularly afflicted by cyanobacteria (blue-green algal) blooms, with the first known official report dating back to the 1800s.
Over the last two centuries, Australia has developed a vastly experienced and knowledgeable community of water supply managers, health officials, ecologists, modellers, toxicologists and other researchers in cyanobacterial identification and management.
In 2009 following particularly severe algal blooms along 1,000 kms of the Murray River, the First National Cyanobacteria Workshop was held in Parramatta, New South Wales.
Since the first iteration, the workshop has expanded to include New Zealand as well as Australia and has become an integral event on the global water calendar. The Australia and New Zealand Cyanobacteria Workshop is now held every second year providing a much-needed platform for researchers and managers in the health and water sectors; allowing them to meet, discuss current knowledge and share new findings and combine their expertise for national benefit.