LIAE – a member of International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES)
LIAE has maintained a long-term association with ICES. LIAE Researchers are having active roles in several ICES expert groups, i.e., Working Group on Zooplankton Ecology (WGZE), Working Group on Integrated Morphological and Molecular Taxonomy (WGIMT), Working Group on Introduction and Transfers of Marine Organisms (WGIMTO) and Working Group on Integrated Assessments of the Baltic Sea (WGIAB).
WGZE focuses on advancing our understanding of zooplankton ecology and their importance in marine ecosystems, thereby contributing to the broader goals of marine conservation and sustainable use of ocean resources. The primary objectives of WGZE include taxonomy, monitoring and assessment, ecosystem interactions, methodology development, data sharing and collaboration, as well as policy and management advice.
The WGIMT plays a vital role in advancing the field of taxonomy by leveraging both traditional and cutting-edge techniques, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of marine life and aiding in the effective management of marine ecosystems. Key objectives are method development and standardization, training and capacity building, and advancing systematics by resolving taxonomic ambiguities and describing new species through integrated approaches.
WGITMO aims to safeguarding marine ecosystems by addressing the challenges posed by non-native species, supporting the sustainable use of marine resources, and protecting biodiversity through informed management and policy measures. Its main activities are monitoring introduction, risk assessment, developing guidelines, policy support, and raising public awareness about non-indigenous species and associated threats.
WGIAB is exploring approaches to conduct integrated ecosystem assessments to support sustainable management of the Baltic Sea. Its main objectives and activities are ecosystem assessment, multi-disciplinary approach, monitoring and data analysis, human impact studies, modelling and scenario analysis, and management advice.