Cyanobacteria are the oldest life form on our planet, responsible for the production of oxygen via photosynthesis, and through the process of symbiosis, have given rise to chloroplasts and mitochondria. They have evolved from single celled organisms to complex forms, including filaments and colonies. By their very nature they are highly adaptive, continuously exploiting ecological niches and in some circles even considered invasive.

Cyanobacteria are known to produce compounds that, while supporting their own survival, have been found to be toxic to various receptors within the plant and animal world, ranging from microscopic plants and animals to humans. Given the ever changing responses of our aquatic resources to short and long term perturbances (habitat and land use change, climate change) it is no wonder that we can look upon cyanobacteria as sentinel organisms when embarking upon our responsibilities as “Keepers of the Earth”.

To that end, the study of the cyanobacteria, whether they are playing a major or minor role in our ecosystems, presents fascinating opportunities and challenges.