(Dept. 2) Community and Ecosystem Ecology

Inland waters support exceptional biodiversity, are characterised by intense metabolism of matter, and provide important ecosystem services. However, freshwater ecosystems face high and increasing pressures from multiple stressors. The Department of Community and Ecosystem Ecology conducts research in both standing and running waters studying the response of freshwater communities and ecosystems to global change. Ultimately, we aim to advance our mechanistic understanding of the structure and functioning of inland waters as a basis for their sustainable management. Specifically, we focus on:

  • Response of freshwater communities and diversity to changing environments
  • Interactions between freshwater communities, their environment and ecosystem functioning
  • Spatial and temporal freshwater biodiversity patterns
  • Sustainable management of freshwater communities and ecosystems

We develop and analyse the long-term monitoring data of Lake Müggelsee and Spree as well as from other inland waters and their catchments, employ spatially explicit statistical and deterministic modelling approaches, and conduct lab and field experiments. Our department additionally encompasses research on the global effects of climate change and biodiversity and develops new theoretical concepts on that.

Department members

Selected publications

Journal_of_Environmental_Management
May 2025
Journal of Environmental Management. - 386(2025), Art. 125663

Towards transformative change for biodiversity: What can we learn from case studies in Germany?

Vera Schreiner; Marion Mehring; Janina Kleemann; Jennifer Hauck; Stefan Knauß; Christian Poßer; Christian Schleyer; Thomas Potthast; Karsten Grunewald; Christine Fürst; Jennifer Müller; Christian Albert; Monika Egerer; Dagmar Haase; Sonja C. Jähnig; Josef Kaiser; Tanja GM. Sanders; Pia Sommer; Thilo Wellmann; Peter Keil; Heidi Wittmer

The authors analysed 22 case studies of biodiversity-enhancing societal processes and projects in Germany to identify barriers and success factors, as well as features that support transformative change towards sustainability and the mainstreaming of biodiversity. They identified 16 features that support transformative change for biodiversity, many relevant beyond Germany. 

Methods in Ecology and Evolution
March 2025
Methods in Ecology and Evolution. - 16(2025)4, 775-785

A population Monte Carlo model for underwater acoustic telemetry positioning in reflective environments

James Adam Campbell; Samuel Joseph Shry; Petter Lundberg; Olle Calles; Franz Hölker

In study areas near acoustically reflective surfaces, reflected transmissions may cause large detection outliers that reduce the accuracy of telemetry positioning. A novel time-of-arrival model is presented. This allows for positioning of aquatic animal in acoustically challenging study areas. It provides good measures of positioning uncertainty and is useful for fine-scale telemetry.

January 2025
Limnology and Oceanography. - XX(2025)XX, XX-XX

Ontogenetic shifts by juvenile fishes highlight the need for habitat heterogeneity and connectivity in river restoration

Twan Stoffers; Anthonie D. Buijse; Jan Jaap Poos; Johan A. J. Verreth; Leopold A. J. Nagelkerke

The authors analysed the habitat use of larval and juvenile fishes in the lower river Rhine. More than 60 per cent of the fish species switched between five different habitat types during their development, which should be available both in the river and connected floodplains. However, human intervention has drastically altered and homogenised the European river landscapes. 

January 2025
WIREs Water. - 12(2025)1, Art. e70003

Guiding Aquatic Reptile (Chelonian and Crocodylian) Conservation in the Face of Growing Light Pollution: Lessons From Experience

Megha Khanduri; Franz Hölker; Ruchika Sah; Syed Ainul Hussain; Ruchi Badola; Ulrika Candolin

The paper reviews existing knowledge on how aquatic reptiles, especially freshwater crocodilians and turtles, respond to light pollution and discusses existing mitigation strategies. Learning from measures that have proven effective for related taxa, such as sea turtles, could be useful in setting up initial measures to protect freshwater reptiles against light pollution.

January 2025
Limnology and Oceanography Letters. - XX(2025)XX, XX-XX

Tried and true vs. shiny and new: Method switching in long-term aquatic datasets

Catriona L. C. Jones; Kelsey J. Solomon; Emily R. Arsenault; Katlin D. Edwards; Atefah Hosseini; Hadis Miraly; Alexander W. Mott; Karla Münzner; Igor Ogashawara; Carly R. Olson; Meredith E. Seeley; John C. Tracey

There is a shortage of discourse regarding the best practices in switching methods for long-term data collection in aquatic ecosystems. In this paper, factors that contribute to the successes and failures of method switches are discussed. The authors present three case studies that demonstrate successful method switching and then outline best practices for maintaining data integrity.