IGB advances basic research in freshwater science within five research departments (Ecohydrology and Biogeochemistry; Community and Ecosystem Ecology; Plankton and Microbial Ecology; Fish Biology, Fisheries and Aquaculture; Evolutionary and Integrative Ecology) and integrates the knowledge across departments through cross-cutting research domains:
The aim is to better understand the coupling between aquatic biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, using a broad range of model organisms (bacteria to fish), communities (lakes, rivers) and spatial scales (microcosm experiments to global patterns).
- Freshwater boundaries and linkages
Freshwaters play a key role in the larger landscape, they are connected with the land, interact with groundwater and regulate the global flux of nutrients and carbon dioxide. We study the processes and factors controlling the stability of aquatic ecosystems and their function for the matter cycle in the landscape.
- Human-aquatic ecosystem interactions
Most freshwaters are coupled human-ecological ecosystems. We study the role of multiple stressors on aquatic systems. For example we investigate the impact of artificial light pollution or the influence of recreational fishing on freshwater and riparian ecosystems and develop blue aquaculture systems. Furthermore, the unique long-term monitoring and research program at Lakes Mueggel and Stechlin, and the Spree and Tagliamento River is pivotal for understanding and predicting global change impacts on freshwater ecosystems.
