Profiles
Sarah Ugalde
Sarah Ugalde
Junior Research Fellow (Shellfish Aquaculture)
IMAS Taroona , Off-Campus
+61 3 6226 1750 (phone)
Dr Sarah Ugalde is a dynamic generalist representative of the next generation of scientists, being trained in forestry, Antarctic, and marine sciences. Her research supports interdisciplinary and international projects and experiences, with particular focus on where science meets industry, communication and training, and policy. As part of her appointments with the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, she has tackled two of the most recent and biggest challenges facing the Tasmanian shellfish industry – paralytic shellfish toxins produced by harmful algal blooms and the Pacific Oyster Mortality syndrome (POMS) virus, which both have the potential to devastate the shellfish industry. Her research focused on farm management strategies, environmental change, application and training of new and innovative technologies and approaches, and product regulation. Sarah has built and maintained a bridge between science and industry, directly interacting with shellfish growers, representatives and regulators by co-ordinating, performing joint research and data collection, and providing information and training workshops. Sarah’s interaction with industry led to her election as the first woman to hold a position as a Director for Oysters Tasmania, as well as multiple other boards, committees, and executive positions.
Biography
- Research Fellow (Shellfish Aquaculture), IMAS, 2016 - present
- Research Assistant (Algal Culturing Manager), IMAS, 2013 – 2017
- Lecturer, Ocean University of China and Central China Normal University, 2016
- Technical Officer, IMAS, 2014
- Team Leader (Ningaloo Reef Turtle Program), Department of Environment and Conservation, 2010 2011
- Research Assistant / Laboratory Technician, Forestry CRC, 2007 – 2009
- Field Research Technician (Arboreal Marsupials and Habitat Fragmentation), Australian National University, 2005 - 2007
Career summary
Qualifications
PhD | Antarctic sea ice algae: Primary production and carbon allocation | University of Tasmania | Australia | 2015 |
GradDip(1st Class Hons) | Investigating the effects of abiotic stress in Eucalyptus globulus susceptibility to biotic damaging agents - studies of leaf anatomy and chemistry | University of Tasmania | Australia | 2007 |
Memberships
Professional practice
- Oysters Tasmania, 2017 – present
- Australian Marine Science Association (Tasmania), 2016 – present
- Science and Technology Australia, 2016 – present
- Golden Key International Honours Society, 2017 - present
- Association for Polar Early Careers Scientists, Oceania Chapter, 2012 – present
- Bottom of the Earth Society, 2010 - present
Administrative expertise
- Document management, review, and editing
- Event and project co-ordination / management
- Public speaking and networking
- Meeting planning, scheduling, and reporting
- Supervising and teamwork
- Problem solving and self-motivation
- Data management and work processing
Teaching
Aquatic botany; Microalgae; Algal toxins; Harmful algal blooms; Antarctica; Sea ice; Marine biology; Leadership and career development; Academic culture; Bioinformatics; Speaking English
Teaching expertise
- Student supervision, training, and mentoring
- Postgraduate lecturer and unit design (Advanced Phytoplankton Methods)
- Undergraduate guest lecturer (Introduction to Antarctic Studies and Aquatic Botany)
- Undergraduate practical demonstrator (Aquatic Botany)
- Overseas lecturing
View more on Ms Sarah Ugalde in WARP
Expertise
- Seafood science and technology
- Aquatic microbiology
- Marine toxins
- Community structure
- Marine ecology and biodiversity
- Antarctica and sea ice ecology
- Shellfish physiology
Collaboration
Dr. Sarah Ugalde works closely with multiple national and international collaborators on various projects, mostly relating to seafood safety and aquaculture, and has co-ordinated projects across Belgium, China, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, and United Kingdom, and the United States. She also works on national policy projects requiring strong government and industry collaborations and networks.
Current projects
- Advanced understanding of Pacific oyster mortality syndrome (POMS) to guide farm management decisions in Tasmania (CRC-P)
- Restoration of native oyster reefs in Tasmania (CRC-P)
- Improved understanding of Tasmanian harmful algal blooms and biotoxin events to support seafood risk management (FRDC)
- Validation of rapid test kits for the identification of paralytic shellfish toxins in bivalve molluscs (PASE)
- Improved market access for oysters through implementation of rapid screening tools for biotoxins (PASE)
Fields of Research
- Marine and estuarine ecology (incl. marine ichthyology) (310305)
- Aquaculture (300501)
- Fisheries sciences (300599)
Research Objectives
- Fisheries - aquaculture (100299)
- Aquaculture oysters (100204)
- Control of pests, diseases and exotic species in marine environments (180503)
Publications
Turnbull AR, Tan JYC, Ugalde SC, 4 others (2017). Single-Laboratory Validation of the Neogen™ Qualitative Lateral Flow Immunoassay for the Detection of Paralytic Shellfish Toxins in Mussels and Oysters. J. AOAC Int. In Press.
Dorantes-Aranda JJ, Tan JYC, Hallegraeff GM, Campbell K, Ugalde SC, 18 others (2017). Detection of Paralytic Shellfish Toxins in Mussels and Oysters using the Qualitative Neogen™ Lateral Flow Immunoassay: Collaborative Study. J. AOAC Int. In Press.
Dorantes-Aranda JJ, Campbell K, Bradbury A, Elliott CT, Harwood T, Murray SA, Ugalde SC,3 others (2017). Comparative performance of four immunological test kits for the detection of Paralytic Shellfish Toxins in Tasmanian shellfish. Toxicon. 125:110-119.
McMinn A, Muller MN, Martin A, Ugalde SC, Lee S, Ryan KG (2017). Effects of changing pH and CO2 concentration on a late summer surface sea ice community. ICES Journal of Marine Science. In press
Ugalde SC, Westwood KJ, van den Enden R, McMinn A, Meiners KM (2016). Physico-biogeochemistry and primary productivity of East Antarctic pack ice. Deep Sea Research II. 131:123-139.
Ugalde SC, Martin A, Meiners KM, McMinn A, Ryan KG (2014). Extracellular organic carbon dynamics during a bottom ice algal bloom (Antarctica). Aquatic Microbial Ecology. 73(3):195 - 210.
Ugalde SC, Meiners KM, Davidson AT, Westwood KJ, McMinn A (2013). Photosynthetic carbon allocation of an Antarctic sea ice diatom (Fragilariopsis cylindrus). Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology. 446:228-235.
Total publications
15
Journal Article
(10 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Giang CT, Ugalde S, In VV, Thuy TT, Muu TT, et al., 'Effect of different culture methods on growth and survival of the snout otter clam, Lutraria philippinarum, in Bai Tu Long Bay, Vietnam', Aquaculture Journal, 3, (1) pp. 32-42. ISSN 2673-9496 (2023) [Refereed Article] | |
| 2021 | Schrobback P, Rolfe J, Rust S, Ugalde S, 'Challenges and opportunities of aquaculture supply chains: case study of oysters in Australia', Ocean and Coastal Management, 215 Article 105966. ISSN 0964-5691 (2021) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2021.105966 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 1Web of Science - 1 Co-authors: Rust S | |
| 2018 | Dorantes Aranda JJ, Tan JYC, Hallegraeff GM, Campbell K, Ugalde SC, et al., 'Detection of paralytic shellfish toxins in mussels and oysters using the qualitative neogen lateral-flow immunoassay: an interlaboratory study', Journal of AOAC International, 101, (2) Article 170221. ISSN 1060-3271 (2018) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.5740/jaoacint.17-0221 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 9Web of Science - 9 Co-authors: Dorantes Aranda JJ; Hallegraeff GM; Turnbull AR | |
| 2018 | Turnbull AR, Tan JYC, Ugalde SC, Hallegraeff GM, Campbell K, et al., 'Single-laboratory validation of the neogen qualitative lateral flow immunoassay for the detection of paralytic shellfish toxins in mussels and oysters', Journal of AOAC International, 101, (2) Article 170135. ISSN 1060-3271 (2018) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.5740/jaoacint.17-0135 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 9Web of Science - 7 Co-authors: Turnbull AR; Hallegraeff GM; Dorantes Aranda JJ | |
| 2018 | Ugalde SC, Preston J, Ogier E, Crawford C, 'Analysis of farm management strategies following herpesvirus (OsHV-1) disease outbreaks in Pacific oysters in Tasmania, Australia', Aquaculture, 495 pp. 179-186. ISSN 0044-8486 (2018) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2018.05.019 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 18Web of Science - 19 Co-authors: Ogier E; Crawford C | |
| 2017 | Dorantes Aranda JJ, Campbell K, Bradbury A, Elliott CT, Harwood DT, et al., 'Comparative performance of four immunological test kits for the detection of Paralytic Shellfish Toxins in Tasmanian shellfish', Toxicon, 125 pp. 110-119. ISSN 0041-0101 (2017) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2016.11.262 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 17Web of Science - 16 Co-authors: Dorantes Aranda JJ; Hallegraeff GM | |
| 2017 | McMinn A, Muller MN, Martin A, Ugalde SC, Lee S, et al., 'Effects of CO2 concentration on a late summer surface sea ice community', Marine Biology, 164, (4) Article 87. ISSN 0025-3162 (2017) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1007/s00227-017-3102-4 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 9Web of Science - 9 Co-authors: McMinn A; Muller MN; Martin A; Lee S; Castrisios K | |
| 2016 | Ugalde SC, Westwood KJ, van den Enden R, McMinn A, Meiners KM, 'Characteristics and primary productivity of East Antarctic pack ice during the winter-spring transition', Deep-Sea Research II, 131 pp. 123-139. ISSN 0967-0645 (2016) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.dsr2.2015.12.013 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 17Web of Science - 17 Co-authors: McMinn A; Meiners KM | |
| 2014 | Ugalde SC, Martin A, Meiners K, McMinn A, Ryan KG, 'Extracellular organic carbon dynamics during a bottom-ice algal bloom (Antarctica)', Aquatic Microbial Ecology, 73, (3) pp. 195-210. ISSN 0948-3055 (2014) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.3354/ame01717 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 3Web of Science - 3 Co-authors: Martin A; Meiners K; McMinn A | |
| 2013 | Ugalde SC, Meiners K, Davidson A, Westwood KJ, McMinn A, 'Photosynthetic carbon allocation of an Antarctic sea ice diatom (Fragilariopsis cylindrus)', Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 446 pp. 228-235. ISSN 0022-0981 (2013) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.jembe.2013.05.022 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 5Web of Science - 5 Co-authors: Meiners K; Davidson A; Westwood KJ; McMinn A |
Conference Publication
(1 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Hallegraeff G, Bolch C, Condie S, Dorantes Aranda JJ, Murray S, et al., 'Unprecedented Alexandrium blooms in a previously low biotoxin risk area of Tasmania, Australia', Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Harmful Algae 2016, 09-14 October 2016, Florianopolis, Brazil, pp. 38-41. ISBN 9788799082766 (2017) [Refereed Conference Paper] Co-authors: Hallegraeff G; Bolch C; Dorantes Aranda JJ; Turnbull A |
Contract Report, Consultant's Report
(2 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Beecroft R, Bodrossy L, Brasier M, Brown C, Cossu R, et al., 'Monitoring and assessing offshore/high energy production structures. A report from the Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre', Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, Australia, 4.20.001 (2020) [Contract Report] Co-authors: Beecroft R; Bodrossy L; Brasier M; Brown C; Cossu R; Foo D; Lacharite M; Lea M-A; Ross J; Semmens J; Strain E; White C | |
| 2020 | Turnbull A, Ugalde S, 'Independent report on Seafarms Vibrio cholerae detection, April 2020', Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, October (2020) [Consultants Report] Co-authors: Turnbull A |
Other Public Output
(2 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Turnbull A, Dorantes-Aranda JJ, Malhi N, Jolley J, Seger A, et al., 'Proficiency testing of growers using the Neogen rapid Paralytic Shellfish Toxin test kits', South Australian Research and Development Institute; PIRSA, South Australia, June (2018) [Government or Industry Research] Co-authors: Turnbull A; Dorantes-Aranda JJ; Seger A | |
| 2017 | Hallegraeff G, Bolch C, Bradbury A, Campbell K, Condie SA, et al., 'Improved understanding of Tasmanian harmful algal blooms and biotoxin events to support seafood risk management', Fisheries Research & Development Corporation, 2014/032, pp. 1-132. (2017) [Government or Industry Research] Co-authors: Hallegraeff G; Bolch C; Dorantes J; Turnbull A |
Grants & Funding
Funding Summary
Number of grants
8
Total funding
Projects
- Description
- Globally, Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) and artificial reefs are increasingly used tools to enhancefisheries - particularly recreational fisheries. Over the last decade there has been greater use of these toolsin Australia. In recent years, FADs have been increasingly deployed including in Commonwealth waters forthe purpose of enhancing recreational fisheries managed by state governments. There are concerns that therecent rapid deployment of FADs, particularly in Commonwealth waters have negatively impacted theoperations of some Commonwealth fisheries such as the East Coast Tuna and Billfish Fishery. There arealso marine safety concerns which extends beyond just commercial fishing vessels. There is a need to betterunderstand the regulatory environment for FADs and artificial reefs to ensure that benefits can be realisedwhile impacts avoided or mitigated. The regulatory environment for the deployment of FADs (and artificialreefs) in Commonwealth waters is potentially different from that when they are deployed in state waters. Italso extends beyond fisheries legislation and includes the Environment Protection and BiodiversityConservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act 1999), the Sea and Submerged Lands Act 1973, and the Navigation Act2012. The administration of these Acts and associated subordinate legislation crosses several governmentagencies. In relation to the EPBC Act 1999, the Commonwealth marine area is a Matter of NationalEnvironmental Significance (MNES). There is however little specific guidance as to whether FADs potentiallyimpact MNES and how any impacts can be mitigated. In addition to better understand the complex regulatoryenvironment, there is a need to develop more effective and fit for purpose engagement strategies with allstakeholders. There is a need for national project as it is an issue which is now cross jurisdictional.
- Funding
- Fisheries Research & Development Corporation ($226,750)
- Scheme
- Grant
- Administered By
- Bond University
- Research Team
- McPhee D; Sullivan A; Smith D; Fielding J; Ugalde SC
- Period
- 2022 - 2023
- Description
- An Election Commitment 'Taking Recreational Fishing and Boating to the Next Level' has provided $1.0M over the next two years to install artificial reefs in Tasmania. There is also an addition $450K for the installation and management of Fish Aggregation Devices (FADs) that will provide a new range of fishing options for recreational and sport fishers (total $1.45M). his commitment aligns with the strategic direction of recreational sea fishing, 'Towards a 10 Year Vision for Recreational Sea Fishing in Tasmania', where Outcome 3 'Making it easier for people to go fishing' identifies infrastructure projects that can enhance fishing opportunities a priority, such as installing artificial reefs and FADs. Marine and Safety Authority Tasmania (MAST) has been tasked with implementing this Election Commitment on behalf of the Government, and Marine Solutions has completed feasibility assessments, including site selection, for the installation of both the artificial reefs and FADs: www.mast.tas.gov.au/artificial-reefs-and-fish-aggregation-devices-fads-in-tasmania. Marine Solutions is currently seeking government permits for two artificial reefs and five FADs in Tasmania, and installation will likely be open for tender in early 2021. It is expected that installation at all sites will be completed towards the end of next financial year (2021). Upon completion, all equipment ownership and ongoing management will be transferred to Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE). Currently, there is no pathway to determine the direct and in-direct benefits these resources may have for the recreational fishery and other multi-sector users. This includes the role these resources play for Tasmania's unique fish fauna, and their specific habitat and nursery requirements. It is vital that we invest into measuring these contributions to, ultimately, determine value and potential "success". Information can be used for ongoing management to ensure long-term benefits are maximised. This project is endorsed by RecFAC & will be carried out in collaboration with the recreational fishery (TARFish), MAST and DPIPWE.
- Funding
- Fisheries Research & Development Corporation ($369,000)
- Scheme
- Grant
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Ugalde SC; Marshell AL; Semmens JM; Frilink S; Gallichan J; Pearn R
- Period
- 2022 - 2023
- Description
- Surveying four species of rock lobsters around the Australian coast line for heavy metals of public health and market access significance
- Funding
- Fisheries Research & Development Corporation ($1,000,000)
- Scheme
- Grant
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Turnbull AR; Ugalde SC; Seger A; Fitzgibbon Q
- Year
- 2021
- Description
- There is an emerging edible oyster industry in Northern Australia. The development of this industry involves Aboriginal communities, industry and governments working towards improvements in productions systems, biosecurity and capacity development. Initial volumes produced by this developing industry are likely to be small scale, targeting local markets, however there is significant potential to expand overtime to service the broader Australian and international marketsObjectives:1Perform an assessment of food safety concerns and associated risks in tropical Australia2Provide recommendations on appropriate harvest area classification systems (based on water and/or meat results) and monitoring and risk management protocols for oyster farming in tropical Australian environmental and remote contexts3Develop models for shellfish food safety programs in tropical Australian conditions
- Funding
- Fisheries Research & Development Corporation ($147,000)
- Scheme
- Grant-Annual Open Call Round
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Ugalde SC; Turnbull AR; Baker P; Osborne M; McCoubrey DJ
- Period
- 2021 - 2022
- Description
- 1. Review the microbiological results associated with V. cholerae detections in raw prawns in May and June 2020 and environmental samples in July 2020. Provide a report of the incident in the context of Australian and international food safety risk management.2. Provide recommendations for future risk management activities to strengthen the current successful food safety management at Seafarms, with a focus on SeaFarms' product quality expectations for positive product release.
- Funding
- Seafarms Group Ltd Australia ($6,706)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Turnbull AR; Ugalde SC
- Year
- 2020
- Description
- The course, Sustainable Aquaculture, will be delivered by staff at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), University of Tasmania, who are based across the three campuses; Taroona, Salamanca, and Launceston. The course will benefit from the expertise of many staff at UTAS and other collaborative Tasmanian organisations involved in the field of aquaculture and fisheries.
- Funding
- Australia Awards in Indonesia ($232,687)
- Scheme
- Sustainable Aquaculture Short Term Award
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Gardner C; Ugalde SC; Dwi Jayanti A
- Year
- 2020
- Description
- Bivalve aquaculture has proven highly successful in Vietnam. Species are easy to farm and require low-level skills, training, and technology to produce healthy and conditioned animals that are nutrient-packed and ready for the local markets and tourists. Previous ACIAR investment in Vietnam has supported the establishment and rapid growth of the edible oyster industry, which is now thriving, and demonstrates just how important this industry now is as a reliable and nutrient-packed food source.Marine bivalves are molluscs that have two outer shells (valves) such as mussels, clams and oysters. These sequester carbon in their shells as calcium carbonate and may be used to mitigate the effects of climate change. Although the role of bivalves in the carbon cycle has attracted interest, the carbon footprint remains unclear. There exists an opportunity to rapidly advance and sophisticate oyster aquaculture in Vietnam by exploring the full economic potential that has environmental, social, and sustainability benefits. This SRA proposes to examine the role of Portuguese oyster (Crassostrea angulata) aquaculture in the carbon cycle and rates of carbon sequestration in northern Vietnam (RIA1). By doing so, the potential value for oyster carbon farming and contribution to carbon off-set schemes can be fully evaluated. In addition, this SRA will work closely with communities and local businesses to evaluate the current and potential supply chain and build capacity around product development that utilises residual carbon-trapping oyster shells and other value-adding by-products. This proposal will be tailored to capture the unexplored socio-economic gains that are beneficial for rural and regional communities of Vietnam, and the cultural significance of this valuable marine industry.
- Funding
- Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research ($198,567)
- Scheme
- Grant-Research and Development
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Ugalde SC
- Year
- 2020
- Description
- The project outputs are focused on ensuring implementation and adoption of state-of-the-art rapid toxin/species detection for PST toxins in Australian seafood.
- Funding
- Fisheries Research & Development Corporation ($600,000)
- Scheme
- Grant-Annual Open Call Round
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Hallegraeff GM; Bolch CJS; Campbell K; Condie S; Harwood T; Murray S; Turnbull A; Ugalde SC
- Period
- 2014 - 2017