Regular Sessions

RS-01. Freshwater fish ecology, conservation and management

Freshwater ecosystems are home to a wide variety of fish species that play key roles in maintaining ecosystem health and biodiversity. However, these species face increasing threats due to habitat degradation, pollution, overfishing, and climate change. This session seeks to explore the latest research on fish ecology in inland waters, examining how these species interact with their environments, adapt to changing conditions, and contribute to ecosystem services. It will also highlight the challenges and opportunities associated with the conservation and management of freshwater fish populations. Topics may include fish population dynamics, conservation strategies for endangered species, restoration efforts for degraded aquatic habitats, sustainable fisheries management, and the impacts of environmental change on freshwater fish communities. A particular focus will be set on the conservation of migratory species such as eels.

RS-02. Multiple stressors in freshwater ecosystems

Freshwater ecosystems are subject to a growing number of pressures and associated stressors that simultaneously affect their ecological health and functioning. These pressures include pollution, invasive species, climate change, habitat fragmentation, and overexploitation of natural resources. This session aims to bring together research focused on understanding the combined effects of multiple stressors on freshwater environments. Emphasis will be placed on how these stressors interact and amplify each other, leading to complex ecological outcomes that may not be predictable from the individual effects of each stressor alone. Topics of interest include the impact of nutrient pollution and climate change on water quality, and the cumulative effects of land-use changes on freshwater biodiversity.

RS-03. Integrating international policies to support achievement of environmental quality objectives

Freshwater ecosystems are often governed by a complex web of policies and regulations that can vary widely across borders, regions, and sectors. This session will focus on improving the integration and connectivity between international and national policies to help meet environmental quality objectives related to freshwater conservation and management. By examining existing frameworks, challenges in policy alignment, and best practices for cross-border cooperation, this session aims to inform strategies to promote coordinated national and international efforts that protect and restore freshwater resources globally. Topics include national and international water law, transboundary water management, policy coherence, the EU Nature Restoration Law, and the role of global environmental agreements in supporting local freshwater initiatives.

RS-05. Freshwater ecosystems in urbanized catchments

Urbanisation has profound effects on freshwater ecosystems, altering water quality, hydrology, and biodiversity. This session focuses on understanding how urbanisation and related issues can impact both lentic and lotic freshwater ecosystems. Topics include the role of urban planning and green and blue infrastructure in mitigating negative impacts of urbanisation, management of urban waterways, the influence of stormwater and wastewater on aquatic ecosystems, and the potential for urban catchments to support biodiversity. The goal is to share innovative approaches to restoring, creating and maintaining freshwater ecosystems in urban settings.

RS-06. Advances in data analysis: Critical technologies to support freshwater science

The rapid advancement of data analysis techniques and technologies offers exciting new possibilities for freshwater science. This session will explore the latest developments in data collation, processing, and analysis methods that are transforming our capacity to study and understand freshwater ecosystems. Topics include the use of remote sensing, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and big data to improve monitoring, modeling, and decision-making. The session will also highlight how these tools are being used to address complex environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and water quality deterioration.

RS-07. Freshwaters in a changing climate

Climate change poses significant threats to freshwater ecosystems, with altered precipitation patterns, temperature shifts, and extreme weather events influencing water availability, quality, and biodiversity. This session will examine the effects of climate change on freshwater environments and discuss adaptation and mitigation strategies for protecting aquatic ecosystems. Key topics may include the impact of warming on freshwater species, changes in hydrological cycles, and the development of climate-resilient water management practices.

RS-08. Freshwater quality: Tackling the challenge of pollution

Pollution remains one of the most pressing challenges facing freshwater ecosystems worldwide. This session will focus on the sources, impacts, and management of pollutants in freshwater environments. Topics will include the effects of heavy metals, plastics, pharmaceuticals and emerging contaminants on freshwater organisms and ecosystem health. The session will also explore innovative technologies, policy approaches, and restoration strategies aimed at improving water quality and mitigating the long-term effects of freshwater pollution.

RS-10. Advances in genetics and molecular ecology

Genetic and other molecular approaches have become essential for studying the biodiversity, evolution, and conservation of freshwater organisms. This session will highlight cutting-edge research in the genetics and molecular ecology of freshwater species, from fish to invertebrates and plants. Topics may include population genetics, phylogenetics, genetic adaptation to environmental stressors, and the application of molecular technologies in conservation and management efforts. The session will also explore how genetic and other molecular insights can inform restoration practices, conservation planning, and the management of invasive species.

RS-11. Beneath the surface: The science and management of groundwater systems

Groundwater habitats are a crucial but often overlooked component of the water cycle, providing a significant proportion of freshwater resources and supporting biodiversity. This session will explore the biotic and abiotic structure, and management of groundwater systems, including the impacts of over-extraction, contamination, and climate change. Topics will include groundwater-surface water interactions, ecological processes, groundwater biota, sustainable groundwater management practices, the role of groundwater in maintaining ecosystem services, and strategies for monitoring and protecting these hidden resources.

RS-12. Ecotoxicology: Ecological responses to chemical stress in freshwaters

Chemical pollutants, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemicals, pose serious risks to the health of freshwater organisms and ecosystems. This session will examine biological responses to chemical stressors in freshwaters, focusing on how these contaminants affect aquatic organisms and ecosystem processes. Topics may include bioaccumulation, chemical toxicity, biomarkers of exposure, and the long-term effects of chemical pollutants on freshwater biodiversity and ecosystem processes. The session will also address regulatory frameworks and risk assessment methods for managing chemical pollution.

RS-14. Small water bodies: From assessment to impact mitigation

Small water bodies, such as ponds and small streams and lakes, play critical ecological roles but often receive less attention in research and management. This session will explore the importance of small water bodies as freshwater ecosystems, including their biodiversity, nutrient cycling, and role in climate regulation. It will also cover methodologies for assessing their ecological status and discuss strategies for mitigating the impacts of pollution, habitat loss, and invasive species on these smaller aquatic systems.

RS-15. Wetland ecology and management

Wetlands are among the most productive and biodiverse ecosystems on the planet, providing essential ecosystem services such as water filtration, carbon sequestration, and habitat for wildlife. This session will focus on the ecology of freshwater wetlands, including their biodiversity, the dynamics of wetland vegetation, hydrology, and biogeochemical processes. Topics will also address wetland conservation and restoration, the impacts of climate change and land-use changes on wetlands, and strategies for managing wetland ecosystems to support their ecological and societal functions.

RS-16. Last-ditch efforts? The science and management of artificial waterbodies

Artificial water bodies, such as reservoirs, ponds, troughs, ditches and constructed wetlands, have become increasingly important for water storage, flood control, and recreation, and also support biodiversity, including rare species. However, these systems often differ from natural freshwater ecosystems and pose unique management challenges. This session will explore the science and management of artificial waterbodies, addressing their ecological dynamics, water quality management, and role in supporting biodiversity. Topics will also include interactions between artificial water bodies and surrounding ecosystems, and the potential for improving their ecological value.

RS-18. Invasive species in freshwater ecosystems

Invasive species are one of the leading threats to biodiversity in freshwater ecosystems. This session will address the biology, ecology, and management of invasive species in freshwater environments. Topics may include the impacts of invasive species on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and water quality. The session will also discuss methods for controlling or eradicating invasive species and explore the role of early detection, risk assessment of non-native species for invasiveness, and rapid response systems in mitigating their spread.

RS-19. Linking hydromorphology and ecology

Hydromorphology, the study of water flow, structure and physical characteristics of aquatic habitats, plays a key role in shaping the ecology of freshwater systems. This session will explore the relationship between hydromorphological conditions (e.g., flow regimes, sediment transport, habitat complexity) and freshwater biodiversity and water quality. Topics will include how hydromorphological changes affect species distributions, ecosystem functioning, and water quality, as well as approaches for integrating hydromorphology into ecological assessments and management strategies.

RS-20. Sediment and benthic ecology

Sediment and benthic habitats are foundational components of freshwater ecosystems, influencing water quality, nutrient cycling, and biodiversity. This session will focus on the ecology of sediments and benthic organisms, including the role of benthic communities in ecosystem functioning, sediment dynamics, and the impacts of anthropogenic pressures such as pollution and climate change. The session will also explore techniques for assessing sediment quality and benthic health, and strategies for managing and restoring benthic habitats.

RS-21. Plankton ecology

Plankton, including both phytoplankton and zooplankton, are key components of freshwater food webs and play important roles in nutrient cycling and energy flow. This session will focus on the ecology of freshwater plankton, including their dynamics, interactions with other biotic groups and trophic levels, and response to anthropogenic pressures such as nutrient enrichment and climate change. Topics will also include the use of plankton as bioindicators of water quality and the role of plankton in supporting food webs.

RS-22. Aquatic and riparian vegetation

Aquatic plants play vital roles in freshwater ecosystems, providing habitat, stabilising sediments, and contributing to nutrient cycling. This session will explore the ecology of aquatic vegetation, including the diversity, distribution, and ecological functions of submerged, floating, and emergent plants. Topics will include the effects of human pressures (e.g., eutrophication, invasive species) on aquatic vegetation, the restoration of aquatic plant communities, and the management of aquatic vegetation in both natural and artificial waterbodies. This session will also consider the importance, disturbances, and resilience of riparian vegetation.

RS-23. Reconnecting fragmented river networks

River networks across and beyond Europe are fragmented by artificial barriers, compromising ecosystem processes from fish migration to sediment transport and nutrient cycling. Recognizing these human impacts, many ambitious projects are underway to restore river network connectivity, thus supporting biodiversity and catchment-scale ecosystem functioning. This session aims to share solutions and tools to inform the assessment, restoration and management of river connectivity at multiple spatial scales.

Special Sessions

SS-01 - Emerging aquatic insects in terrestrial landscape

Convenors:

Dr Bergerot Benjamin, University of Rennes, France

Dr Piscart Christophe, The National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), France

Streams are traditionally viewed as receptacles rather than sources of energy with regard to nutrient and energy cycles. For a long time, terrestrial–aquatic interactions have focused on studying the impact of terrestrial ecosystems on aquatic ecosystems, but more and more studies are highlighting the role of aquatic environments on terrestrial ecosystems. Strong interactions between species can affect entire ecosystems and underline the importance of landscape-scale processes in driving local interaction, specifically in the context of aquatic–terrestrial interaction. Through the prism of emerging aquatic insects, this special session aims to present recent advances in the links between aquatic and terrestrial environments, the ecosystem services provided by these insects and ways of improving their protection.

SS-02 - Science and management of non-perennial rivers and streams

Convenors:

Prof. Dr Rachel Stubbington, Nottingham Trent University, UK

Dr Mathis Messager, INRAE, France

Non-perennial streams—also termed ephemeral, intermittent or temporary rivers and streams—are those which sometimes dry out. These dynamic ecosystems already dominate river networks and are increasing in space and time due to global change. This session welcomes contributions focusing specifically on non-perennial stream science and/or management, including in the disciplines of biogeochemistry, ecology, hydrology and social sciences. By bringing together international researchers from around the world to share the latest advances in non-perennial stream science and management, this session will promote actions that support the biodiversity and functioning of these ecosystems as they adapt to global change.

SS-03 - Freshwater biodiversity - status, advances & future priorities

Convenors:

Prof. Dr Mary Kelly-Quinn, University College Dublin, Ireland

Prof. Dr Iwan Jones, Queen Mary University, UK

Assoc. Prof. Dr Dani Boix, Institute of Aquatic Ecology, University of Girona, Spain

Prof. Dr Diego Fontaneto, Italian National Research Council, Verbania Pallanza, Italy

This session provides an opportunity to present the state of knowledge on freshwater biodiversity, trends, threats and in particular key knowledge gaps. While the session is open to research on all aspects of freshwater biodiversity, we would like to pay particular attention to invertebrates for which work to date has identified substantial knowledge gaps. In this regard, the session will present the key findings of a position paper on freshwater invertebrates, an initiative of the European Federation of Freshwater Sciences.

SS-04 - Restoring freshwater ecosystems for landscape resilience

Convenors:

Dr Sebastian Birk, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany

Prof. Dr Laurence Carvalho, Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Norway

Freshwater ecosystems are integral to landscape-scale restoration, offering crucial services like hydrological regulation, biodiversity support, and climate resilience. In the context of scaling up ecosystem recovery across Europe, overcoming fragmented governance and short-term project cycles is essential. Freshwater restoration can reconnect habitats and revitalise natural processes across landscapes, enhancing their resilience to future shocks. Nature-based Solutions provide innovative approaches to addressing biodiversity and climate challenges, embedded in the European Green Deal and Nature Restoration Regulation. This session will explore the opportunities and barriers in transforming freshwater restoration through innovation across disciplines (technical, governance, financing, policy) and mainstreaming these innovations in basin management and sectoral strategies to sustain resilient, biodiversity-rich freshwater environments.

SS-06 - Novel approaches to assess the success of freshwater ecosystem restoration

Convenors:

Dr Jérémy Piffady, INRAE – UR Riverly, France

Dr Mario Brauns, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Germany

Prof. Dr Stefan Stoll, University of Applied Sciences Trier – Environmental Campus Birkenfeld, Germany

In the past, the evaluation of river restoration success has strongly focused on the response of biodiversity metrics, even though projects most often had more diverse goals. In this session, we expand this limited approach and explore functional ecological responses and societal perceptions of restoration projects, both of which are influenced by various contextual factors. Developing this integrative approach could support the multifunctional character of many effective restoration projects. This session invites scientists from across disciplines to share their recent findings on assessing the outcomes of river restoration and how these can be applied to improve restoration practices.

SS-07 - Defining ecological boundaries and tipping points: Establishing ‘safe operating spaces’ for freshwater resilience and sustainability

Convenors:

Dr Katarina Ana Cetinic, Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Norway

Silvia Artuso, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Austria

Jennie Steyaert, Utrecht University (UU), Netherlands

Freshwater ecosystems are increasingly susceptible to crossing critical ecological thresholds due to anthropogenic pressures. Exceeding these tipping points can cause irreversible transformations, threatening biodiversity, water security, and ecosystem services. This session invites researchers to discuss the concept of "safe operating spaces" as a framework for defining ecological limits for sustainable freshwater ecosystems. Participants will explore research on tipping points, early warning tools, modelling approaches, and adaptive strategies. Discussions will focus on integrating scientific findings into governance and planning and examining how climate change and human activities affect boundaries. The session aims to enhance understanding of sustainable freshwater management and resilience.

SS-09 - Greenhouse gas (GHG) exchanges and biogeochemical processes in inland and coastal waters: Knowledge for a climate-resilient future

Convenors:

Prof. Dr Antonio Camacho, University of Valencia, Spain

Prof. Dr Daniel von Schiller, University of Barcelona, Spain

Prof. Dr Shubiao Wu, Aarhus University, Denmark

Dr Liisa Ukonmaanaho, Natural Resources Institute Finland, Finland

Dr Vanessa Ferreira, IDENER.AI - Chemistry Division, Spain

Inland waters are biogeochemical hotspots, particularly relevant for greenhouse gas (GHG) regulation exchanges with the atmosphere. This special session aims to cover all aspects of biogeochemical processes in inland waters and link them to the restoration of essential ecosystem features, which can be key for climate change mitigation strategies. By encompassing carbon sequestration, GHG regulation, resilience against extreme weather events, and biodiversity support, inland waters may contribute to a climate-resilient future. Recognising the urgent need to safeguard wetland ecosystems, four EU-funded Horizon projects – AlfaWetlands, RESTORE4CS, REWET and WetHorizons – have forged collaborative partnerships involving over 40 entities across Europe and promote this special session. Together, they are dedicated to the study of wetlands biogeochemistry and to promote restoration of wetlands enhancing their medium to long-term mitigation capabilities. In this session, the interested scientists will outline their initiatives aimed at increasing the knowledge of biogeochemistry of inland waters, and particularly accelerating wetland restoration, encompassing natural wetlands, peatlands, mineral coastal wetlands, and floodplains.

SS-11 - Advancing research on plastic pollution: Impacts, transport, and management in freshwater ecosystems

Convenors:

Dr Luca Gallitelli, Roma Tre University, Italy

Plastic pollution represents a pressing global challenge, with significant impacts on freshwater ecosystems. From rivers to lakes, wetlands, and ponds, plastics accumulate and degrade, posing threats to biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human livelihoods. This session seeks to advance interdisciplinary research on the transport, fate, and ecological impacts of macro/micro/nanoplastics within freshwater systems. By addressing interactions between plastics and pollutants, the session will illuminate the complex dynamics of plastic pollution. It will also highlight emerging detection technologies and innovative management strategies to inform policy development and conservation efforts. Contributions spanning experimental studies, fieldwork, modelling, and policy analysis are encouraged.

SS-13 - Impacts of freshwater salinisation on aquatic ecosystem structure, function and biodiversity

Convenors:

Prof. Dr Meryem Beklioğlu, Ecosystem Research and Implementation Centre and Biological Sciences Department, Middle East Technical University, Türkiye

Dr Miguel Canedo-Argüelles, SHE2 group (Surface Hydrology, Ecology and Erosion), Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA, CSIC, Spain

The global trend of freshwater ecosystem salinisation driven by anthropogenic activities (e.g., agriculture, water and resource extraction, road de-icer application, and climate change) has emerged as a critical global challenge. Freshwater salinisation has the potential to significantly alter the structure and functioning of aquatic communities, as well as the ecosystem services or nature’s contributions to people. Despite increasing scientific attention to this issue, as it poses substantial ecological and socio-economic threats, our understanding of freshwater salinisation remains limited. Also, although disasters of salinisation (e.g. the Oder River, death of thousands of flamingoes in Lake Tuz) have served as a wake-up call, freshwater salinisation is still poorly regulated and managed. We, therefore, invite contributions exploring the causes of freshwater salinisation, the responses of biota and ecosystem dynamics to salinity (both in isolation and in combination with other drivers), and potential strategies for managing these impacts effectively. We will also welcome contributions from non-academic organisations addressing policy-making, since recent studies and reports have emphasised the need to develop specific regulations.

SS-15 - Aquatic fungi and microorganisms in a changing world

Convenors:

Dr Kristel Panksep, University of Tartu, Estonia

Victoria Prins, University of Tartu, Estonia

Aquatic fungi are diverse and critical components of freshwater ecosystems. Increased understanding of how these fungi respond or adapt to environmental changes and challenges, including impacts on physiology, biodiversity, and functioning, is urgently needed and also necessary to advance emerging monitoring and conservation actions for aquatic fungi. We aim at bringing together academic and practitioner experts targeting freshwater fungi from across disciplines (ecology, biomonitoring, conservation, biodiversity, etc.) and approaches (omics, field/lab studies, modeling, etc.) to highlight the most up to date research, methodological, and conceptual developments, and to coordinate future initiatives to advance the field.