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Multidisciplinary Analysis of Diadromous Fish in
a Globally Changing Environment |
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1_Introduction 1.1_Rationnal, context 1.2 _Key scientific issues 2 _Scientific
support 2.1_State of the art 2.2 _Partnership 2.3_Readiness 3_ Joint
program of activities 3.1_Common research activities 3.2 _Integration
activities 3.3_Transfer activities |
Expression
of Interest Network of Excellence (FP6.2002)
This EOI has been prepared by:
French Institute of Agricultural and Environmental
Engineering Research (Cemagref), Inland Aquatic Living Resources Unit,
France Leibniz Institute for Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries Berlin (IGB),Germany Centro de Estudos de Ciencia Animal CECA-ICETA University of Porto, Portugal Centre for Ecology and Hydrology CEH, Scotland UK Institute of Evolutionary and Ecological Sciences, Section Integrative
Zoology, University of Leiden, The Netherlands National Museum of Natural History MNHN, Paris, France Swedish University of Agriculture, Department of Aquaculture, Umea, Sweden Netherlands Institute for Fisheries Research, The Netherlands Veszprem University, Department of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Hungary Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Norway Cooperative Technological Research Team "Management
and restoration of rivers for diadromous fish" (Cemagref – Fisheries
Head Council – Electricite de France EDF - National Polytechnic Institute
of Toulouse), France University of Southern Denmark, Institute of Biology,
Denmark Krasnodar Research Institute of Fisheries, Russia
1
Introduction need and
relevance
The
human population is concentrated in the coastal fringe of the continents,
often in coastal plains and around rivers, with impact on natural ecosystems
coming to a maximum where natural systems such as rivers run into the
sea. Natural resources in river, estuaries and coastal areas are a prime
target for exploitation. Direct (exploitation) and indirect (habitat
modification, pollution, etc.) human impact often threaten migrating
fish stocks or risk the extinction of species. Studying the interaction
between these natural systems and human impact involves aspect of ecosystem
management, of nature conservation and of natural resource management. This
proposal aims to bring together experts and users to ensure sustained
management of diadromous fish species in Europe, particularly in respect of climatic change. This
will require both academic and applied research in order to fully understand
species distribution status and behaviour as well as their sensitivities
to, and relationship with environmental factors and human activities.
The aim is also to implement measures for the protection of these valuable
and threatened fish. This network will contribute to the WFD implementation.
1.1
Rationale, context
Diadromous
fish species are widely spread throughout Europe. Throughout their life
cycle they utilise both freshwater and marine habitats from small streams
to the open ocean. They depend on a variety of food webs in these different
ecosystems, within which, these fish provide interlinking flows of energy
and biological material. These characteristics make them extremely vulnerable
towards the effects of environmental changes and the consequent alterations
in habitat interactions. Fourteen
species of diadromous fish occur in western Europe from Finland to Greece.
Three of them are catadromous (European eel, thin-lipped mullet, flounder)
and 11 are anadromous (Marine Lamprey, River lamprey, European sturgeon,
Adriatic sturgeon, Atlantic salmon, Sea trout, Arctic Charr, Smelt,
Houting, Allis shad, Twaite shad). Presently, most are endangered or
vulnerable, mainly because of human activities (habitat degradation,
barriers to migration, overfishing). Their distribution areas are decreasing
and becoming more disparate. Historically,
these species have shown a capability to survive global changes (e.g.
post glaciation repopulation of rivers) due to their marine phase and
that a few individuals stray to exploit new areas. However, although
it is important to understand the limits and mechanisms of this capability,
it is more important to preserve and enhance species status by ensuring
that there is sufficient knowledge of the effects and responses of current
environmental and human factors on diadromous fish and their habitats.
These
fish share many fundamental ecological characteristics and requirement.
They are sympatric in many rivers and since the destruction of their
habitats affects them all, although in a varying degree, they would
benefit of the same improvements. They could also be sustainably exploited
by the same fisheries.. In
the context of human impacts on these resources (e.g. commercial and
recreational fisheries) and on their habitats (e.g. gravel extraction,
pollution, damming, hydraulic modifications) and climate warming, we
propose that FP6 offers the opportunity for a large scale integrated
study of all aspects concerning the welfare and interest of diadromous
fish issues over their whole migration range (fly-way management), covering
all species in most of their mutually isolated river systems. This primary
aim includes the identification of general patterns in habitat choice,
population expansion, limitations of range, overall adaptations to diverse
habitats within one species and interactions between species (especially in
lotic and coastal waters). Thus leading on to identifying a critical
habitat characteristics and how they function. This
broad view requires the establishment of inter-disciplinary studies
to build a sound scientific basis dedicated to the conservation biology
and management of diadromous species.
1.2
Key scientific issues
Research
would involve scientists from the following disciplines to interact
on the given topics: -
ethology (triggers for behavioural patters, density effects) -
physiology (osmoregulation, metamorphosis, growth, reproduction) -
genetics (exchanges between populations, effects of selection on genetic
heterogeneity (upon stocking), functional genomics (i.e. adaptability
linked to genetic characteristics), genetical patterns in colonisation) -
microchemistry (fidelity to native areas, movements between marine and
freshwater) -
molecular biology (effects of pheromones on migration and homing, induction
of gamete development, interaction of pollutants) -
ecology (identification of strategies, interactions and limitations
of diadromy, habitat choice, habitat dependance) -
biogeography (ranges and the critical impact of environmental factors) -
hydrology (effects of flow patterns on migration fidelity (mechanistically),
impact on homing, hydrological properties of critical anthropology (human
activities, history, management) -
population dynamics -
anthropology (human activities, historical interactions with diadromous
fish populations, exploitation and impact of anthropogenic activities
on stocks) fisheries
sciences (alternative means of exploitation, development of sustainable
management) economy
of small and medium size enterprises SME in rural environment sociology,
the interaction between SME'S nationally and internationally. The communication
between large-scale-oriented society and old-fashioned SME's. Modelling
(virtual basin to test ecological hypothesis and management scenarios,
decision making for restoration purposes, calculation of carrying capacity
and optimal restoration strategies) Engineering
(to improve migration by fishways design, for both upstream and downstream
movements and to restore degraded habitats)
2
Scientific support
There
are at least 200 European scientists in over 50 laboratories who conduct
research on diadromous species of fish and could take part in this NEX.
At present this community is mainly structured by species (e.g. Atlantic
Salmon and European Eel ICES-EIFAC working groups; recent specific symposia
about: Shads (F, 2000), Sturgeon (Sp, 2000; G, 2002), Eel (Dk, 2001;
F, 2002). Most of the current research projects focus on single species
in single environment (i.e. freshwater, brackishwater or marine water).
While few of these laboratories have diadromous fish as their principal
concern, many scientist have expertise on more than one diadromous species.
We estimate that 80% of European teams dealing with diadromous fish
could take part in this network and would constitute a research community
equivalent to those of North America.
2.1
State of the art
Management
to date has been run on a local or regional scale only and has aimed
at local objectives, or followed a laissez-faire
approach. In contrast to the fragmented distribution and management,
most of the resources have shown a steep decline during the past decades Additionally, the markets have become globalised.
Consequently, international management is of the utmost urgency. Several
European projects that deal with diadromous fish have been carried out
or are in progress and include laboratories involved in this proposition.
One FP5 program focused on eel maturation process (EELREP), another
addresses eel colonisation stages and their fisheries (glass eel monitoring).
Two EU Life programs were conducted on European sturgeon conservation.
Two other proposals to study the colonisation stages of eel (COMIGE
and EELLife) were submitted but not selected.
2.2
Partnership
This
NEX will be a framework to bring together scientists with complementary
expertise and knowledge to focus on the conservation biology and management
of diadromous fish. The following laboratories could constitute the
main framework of this NEX. Table
1. List of institutes, Fields
of competency,. N: number of scientists and PhD students involved in
the NEX
Several
labs without particular competency on diadromous species but with high
level of expertise in a discipline essential for the network will constitute
a second circle of partners.
Several
groups of end users of this network have been identified: management
bodies at varying scale fishermen, energy producers, ports, dams owner,
nature protection associations. We will propose them to participate
and financially contribute to this network.
2.3
Readiness
This
network will result from the fusion of several communities, which are
partially structured in international group (e.g. EIFAC-ICES salmon
group) and who have worked together to build this proposals. Teams of
the communities have regular relationships as they submit together to
several EU programs. They organised symposiums or workshop frequently
and are also experienced in networking (e.g. E forum dedicated
to eel anguilla@rivo.dlo.nl
).
3
Joint program of activities
3.1
Common research activities
The
above network of scientific knowledge and expertise will have the capability
to address complex questions such as:
-
the importance of human activities and the environment on the distribution
areas of diadromous fish -
the role and historical evolution of assemblages of diadromous fish
species -
strategies to maintain these assemblages -
the effect of stocking on wild population -
strategies to reintroduce extinct populations -
exchange between marine and freshwater environments -
the development of technological tools (e.g. models, versatile fishways) The
first group of studies will focus on the functional mechanisms that
explains the current status and distribution of populations of diadromous
fish. In some well studied areas, extensive data bases already exist
(on: hydrology, drainage basins, fisheries, human activities, etc. )
that would enhance study and analysis of diadromous fish: biogeography,
ecology, population genetics, physiology, ethology, as well as historic
analysis of human activities (fisheries, chanelisation, damming, etc.)
and the effects of global warming. Research
will be promoted on the homing and straying capabilities of these species
which are mechanisms involved in their possible ability to adapt to
global change. The level of human impacts which could lead to the extinction of diadromous populations will be established. This will be addressed by comparing the differences in current and historical assemblages using chronicles of human activities to explain changes of status. Links will be established with the evolution of freshwater ecosystems. By this approach the sensitivity of the different species to human activities will be established. Furthermore, understanding of human impacts will also be improved by studying examples of recolonisation of waters by species which had previously become extinct there (e.g. shad). Modelling of metapopulations in virtual drainage basins could improve understanding of how diadromous species colonise them, species interactions and how human activities could impact upon them. This will be addressed using models that simulate natural behaviour and movements to strengthen and stimulate exchanges between disciplinary fields (e.g. ethology, fisheries management, etc.). Scenarios of simulated climatic change will also be employed to predict impacts on fish status and changes in distribution. Research
will also focus on several types of drainage basin systems, taking account
of: their latitude, , fisheries, number of diadromous species and their
status. This would include basins or areas that correspond to the present
limit of distribution for some species and where changes in fish status
are more likely due to expected climate variations. For example in the
following basins : Arno, Ebro, Tagus, Gironde, , Rhine, Elbe and Severn
where several specific studies have been conducted and these could constitute
particularly interesting locations to focus studies and logistic commitments.
The
above program will provide powerful ecological tools for the benefit
of European diadromous fish species by identifying and quantifying environmental
benchmark, anthropological impacts and preventive and remedial management
options.
3.2
Integration activities
The NEX will co-ordinate the research programmes
of the labs of the network. Development of common research strategies
will involve either identifying common themes (analytical research,
non-applied sciences) or concentrating on common processes (application
and integratation). It will promote and support exchange of scientists,
PhD or post doctoral fellows between teams dealing with different species
in different conditions. Internal calls for proposals will enable young
scientists to develop their own expertise in labs of the network (e.g.
3 years of research).Sharing of experimental facilities and tools will
be a vital aspect. Most of the experimental equipment used for ethological,
ecological or physiological studies (e.g. rearing facilities, mesocosms,
fishtraps) can be used for several species. Sharing of coastal research
vessels could be cost efficient and would probably enable studies otherwise
unaffordable. A simulator (virtual drainage basin and virtual diadromous
fish) will be build to test ecological hypothesis and management scenarios.
This basin will be as versatile as possible. The network will also help
as a medium to exchange information with end users.
3.3
Transfer activities
A common course for graduate student will be implemented
on the network web site. Workshops dedicated to management will be organised
in cooperation with stake holders (management bodies for river basin,
board of fisheries, etc.) to present results and discuss their consequences
for management and equipment. The network will integrate the offer of
expertise to answer to national and international needs. Today there
have been no symposia to consider diadromous fish species throughout
Europe. It is important that such a meeting is held soon to address
the imminent threats to these fish and to promote action to sustain
them and secure their future existence. Proceedings of this symposium
will constitute a reference document which will be published on the
net.
3.4
Network management
The scientific leaders of the institutes involved
will form the monitoring board which will propose actions. A management
board representing the heads of the participant institutes as well as
stake holders (fishermen's organisations, hydroelectricity producers,
harbour association, NGOs, ...) and financial supporters will validate
the orientations of the NEX, it could be helped by a Scientific Advisory
Board including non EU high level scientists. The network will be managed
by a project deputy and a small management cell. E communications
(forum, website) will be use as the main media for the management of
the network.
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Copyright Diadfish.org - Philippe Camoin - 09/2009
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