News

Study in Science shows: High nutrient levels and rising temperatures increase the decomposition rates of organic matter in freshwaters. This can lead to increased CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. Freely accessible maps show the differences for more than 500 stream ecosystems worldwide.

A study published in Nature Reviews Earth & Environment and co-authored by IGB illustrates the extent of light pollution and highlights technological gaps in nighttime Earth observation that may lead to underestimation of light pollution. A night-time Earth observation mission would also be useful in other contexts, such as monitoring crises, wars and natural disasters.

Researchers from the Global Lake Ecosystem Observatory Network have now reviewed the factors that cause algal blooms to subside, the challenges in combating them, and how to deal with current and ongoing effects of climate change.

In a recent EU consultation, the IGB provided feedback on the use of so-called Renure fertilisers and recommended that the current nitrate limits should be strictly followed and that renure fertilisers should not benefit from any exemptions.

This study in Nature Climate Change shows how interactions between climate change and urbanisation affect biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics. The authors point out that the interactions between these two drivers of global change can have far-reaching effects, and how this knowledge can inform urban planning.

In thestudy, published in Nature Food, the research team estimates that recreational fishing in lakes and rivers accounts for more than eleven per cent of the annually reported catches in inland fisheries worldwide. The analyzed total consumption value of harvested fish is around 10 billion US dollars per year. Due to climate change and direct human impacts on freshwater ecosystems, the productivity of important fish species such as trout and salmon is declining, affecting the nutritional services offered by rivers and lakes.

Together with Dr Jörn Gessner from IGB and the Director of the Lower Oder Valley National Park, Dirk Treichel, Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke today released 600 sturgeons into the Oder River near Criewen. The new home of the young fish is a special habitat, as the Oder is the last major river in Germany where sturgeon and other animals can migrate unhindered over long distances. Since 2006, it has been a priority area for the reintroduction of the Baltic sturgeon.

Oxygen is essential for most aquatic organisms. Chemical and biological processes, such as the ability to self-purify, are also dependent on oxygen. However, environmental changes and rising water temperatures are altering the oxygen content of lakes, ponds and pools. Oxygen concentrations in the deep layers of lakes are decreasing worldwide. In addition, oxygen depletion can lead to an increased release of greenhouse gases. IGB researchers are investigating the extent and consequences of this. In the process, they are also questioning some theories about the laws of lake ecology.