To mark the 30th anniversary of the Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology, on March 20 current research on Latvian waters was presented at the University of Latvia’s Academic Center for Natural Sciences.
83rd International Scientific Conference of the University of Latvia – section “Investigations and protection of water environment in Latvia”
On March 20, the Biology section of the 83rd International Scientific Conference of the University of Latvia “Investigations and protection of water environment in Latvia” took place at the Academic Center of Natural Sciences of the University of Latvia. The event started with an introductory speech by Agnija Skuja, senior researcher at the Department of Ecology of the Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Latvia. During the section “Research on Marine and Coastal Ecosystems”, we started by taking a look back at the achievements of LHEI, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the institute. Andris Andrušaitis and Anda Ikauniece spoke about the history of the institute and important milestones. Then we introduced current research topics:
- research assistant Indra Semjonova spoke about the protection of marine habitats in the Latvian EEZ;
- researcher Aurelija Armoškaite introduced the inclusion of Ecosystem Services in the analysis of cumulative impacts;
- research assistant Laura Batare presented the results of a study on the influence of environmental factors on the long-term dynamics of the number and size of cladocerans in the Gulf of Riga;
- research assistant Māra Kostanda talked about safe alternatives for processing soft-bottom benthic samples, maintaining data continuity and ensuring the health protection of researchers;
- researcher Marta Barone brought attention to microplastic pollution in Latvian aquatic ecosystems;
- research assistant Reinis Kostanda introduced listeners to underwater noise, the legal aspects and environmental impact;
- acting research assistant Marija Obrazcova presented results of a study on the ecological status of the Cēsis Castle Park pond before the introduction of floating islands as a purification method.
Led by researcher Ivars Putnis, the section on ichthyological research followed, where research conducted by Institute for Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR”, University of Latvia, Latvian State Forestry Institute “Silava” and the association “Makšķernieku klubs “Salackrasti”” were presented.
The section on LIFE GoodWater IP project research, inland water quality and management was led by Agnija Skuja, and the audience was introduced to the research results of Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU) Forest and Water Resources Research Laboratory, the Institute of Biology of the LU, Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (LVGMC), Nature Conservation Agency, and the Institute of Botany of Lithuanian Nature Research Centre.
Led by LHEI senior researcher Ingrīda Andersone, research from “BIOR”, LBTU, Estonian University of Life Sciences, SIA “Freshwater Solutions”, LU MDZF, LVĢMC, Daugavpils University Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, and Riga National Zoo were presented at a poster session.
The Biology subsection was organized by Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Latvia and the LIFE GoodWater IP project, with the participation of LHEI. The full program of the conference is available here.
