1. To document the frequency, intensity, duration and spatial occurrence of Rhizosolenia cf. chunii blooms in Port Phillip Bay from 1987 to 1995.

2. To investigate the environmental factors that influence the onset, development and timing of Rhizosolenia cf. chunii blooms in Port Phillip Bay.

3. To recommend coastal management and growing/ harvesting strategies to reduce the adverse impact of Rhizosolenia cf. chunii blooms on the marketability of cultured mussels and southern scallops from Port Phillip Bay and Pacific oysters from adjacent salt ponds.