News

Researchers from the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) are releasing young European sturgeons into the Elbe. This extinct and strictly protected migratory fish is considered an umbrella species, meaning that many other riverine animal and plant species also benefit wherever its demanding requirements are met. 

In an article in Nature Microbiology, the authors – including researchers from IGB – discuss improvements for the exchange of microbiome data between institutions.

An international research team recommends a genetic approach for the obligatory measurements under the European Water Framework Directive (WFD). The article has been published in the journal Nature Water.

A comprehensive long-term study in artificially heated lakes in Poland has shown that increased water temperatures and nutrient enrichment significantly influence the composition and diversity of plankton organisms in lakes. These changes could have far-reaching implications for biodiversity and ecosystem functions. This study, led by the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), highlights the importance of considering temperature-nutrient interactions when predicting ecosystem responses to climate change. 

A research team with IGB has made significant progress in understanding the bacterial genus Fontibacterium, which is widespread in both freshwater and marine environments. In a recent publication in the journal Nature Microbiology, the scientists greatly expanded the phylogenetic tree of Fontibacterium, described two previously unknown species and analysed their ecology.

IGB has provided feedback on the planned EU ports strategy and emphasised that environmental aspects play a decisive role for resilient ports.

Some organisms can slow their development to withstand wind and weather. This strategy is found in plants, animals, and even microorganisms, both on land and in water.

Aquatic fungi are among the least researched groups of organisms on Earth. A video project reveals their hidden world.