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To survive as a species, aquatic organisms have developed a wide variety of strategies. Millions of years ago, sturgeons used their bony shells to fend off predators and relocate their habitats, sulphur mollies survive in toxic, almost oxygen-free water, and fish stocks in the River Oder are gradually recovering from the 2022 disaster. However, there are limits to the resilience of organisms, and these can be seen even in the tiniest single-celled creatures.

IGB researchers gave feedback in the EU consultation on the GreenData4All initaitive.

The World Meteorological Organisation's (WMO) latest report on the state of the world's climate shows that global warming is accelerating, with a particularly sharp increase in 2024 – and with far-reaching and in some cases irreversible consequences for our inland waters. Rising temperatures and changing water levels are driving new ecological dynamics: oxygen-free zones are expanding in lakes, the composition of species communities is changing and animals are adapting their behaviour – often struggling to obtain sufficient food.

Amphibians are terrestrial animals, but can only reproduce in water. They prefer to live in and around ponds. However, this habitat is becoming increasingly rare – in Germany, more than half of all ponds have disappeared in the last century. If you want to protect amphibians, you should preserve, improve or create new ponds. But what does an amphibian pond look like where many species feel at home?

IGB researchers gave feedback on the planned European Water Resilience Strategy and underlined the relevance of freshwater ecosystems.

A team with Dagmar Frisch has tested a simple and inexpensive method for detecting damaged DNA in permanent eggs of water fleas. This method could also be used for other natural bioarchives.

Global change poses immense challenges to our society. To better understand and address these challenges, IGB has launched a new, visionary programme area. This initiative represents an important strategic development within an extraordinary item of expenditure.

A new study led by the University of British Columbia (UBC), with contributions from IGB, has revealed alarming results: climate change could lead to an increase in bacterial and fungal infections in cold-blooded animals such as corals, insects and fish.