News

In a new Leopoldina statement with IGB participation, researchers recommend the restoration of peatlands and floodplains.

Prolonged rainfall and storm events have caused rivers to burst their banks in parts of Germany. How can we better prepare for such extreme events, and what measures benefit both people and nature? We take a look at the state of the country’s rivers and floodplains and why it is worth rethinking flood protection.

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.

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.

A new IGB manual makes knowledge about the construction methods and authorisation requirements for Vertical Wetlands publicly available to interested parties.

At around 380 kilometres, the Spree is not one of Germany’s longest rivers, but it is one of its most famous. As the capital’s river, it is representative of water bodies in Germany and around the world that are under increasing pressure. While private and commercial interests in its water resources continue to grow, it is also clear that there will be significantly less water available in the future. What needs to be done to counteract this is the subject of controversial debate.