DOI: 10.3897/arphapreprints.e183515

Authors: Antonio Hoguane

Abstract: African estuaries are critical ecosystems that serve as vital interfaces between terrestrial and marine environments, playing indispensable roles in regional and global sustainability. Africa possess the second largest river in the world, the Congo river. This review article synthesizes expert perspectives on the multifaceted importance of these dynamic systems, highlighting their ecological, economic, and social contributions. We explore their significance as biodiversity hotspots, nurseries for commercially important species, natural filters for pollutants, and buffers against climate change impacts. Furthermore, the article examines the threats facing African estuaries, including pollution, habitat degradation, overexploitation, and climate change, and discusses the implications for human well-being and ecosystem resilience. By integrating current research and expert insights, we underscore the urgent need for integrated management strategies and conservation efforts to safeguard these invaluable natural assets for present and future generations.

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DOI: 10.3897/arphapreprints.e182452

Authors: Emad Al-Helaly

Abstract: This study utilizes multi-temporal remote sensing images and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyze and document significant land cover changes in the Bahr Al-Najaf depression, Najaf Governorate, Iraq, over a 23-year period (2002–2025)1.A systematic methodology was employed, featuring the use of Landsat series (TM, ETM+, OLI/TIRS). Following rigorous preprocessing for radiometric and geometric consistency 3, the images were subjected to supervised classification using the robust Random Forest algorithm4. The primary land cover classes analyzed include shallow water, deep water, dry soil, wet soil, and buildings. The post-classification comparison method was applied across multiple time intervals (e.g., 2002 vs. 2015, 2023 vs. 2025) to quantify the dynamics of change. The results were validated with field visits to document classification accuracy and identify water sources.The findings reveal a highly dynamic environment, marked by severe fluctuations in water bodies. The study documents periods of significant drought and water scarcity, particularly noting the near-disappearance of shallow water and increased dry land presence by 2015. This decline is attributed to reduced rainfall, excessive groundwater depletion from random drilling, and high evaporation rates exacerbated by temperatures reaching 500 C. Conversely, the analysis also notes an expansion in water area between 2003 and 2023, considered the largest in decades. Furthermore, there has been an evident increase in anthropogenic changes, specifically the growth of built-up areas (buildings), driven by agricultural and tourism projects, which has led to waterlogging, deterioration of vegetation cover, and potential conflict with efforts to establish the area as a nature reserve. Continuous monitoring is essential for controlling the fate of this biologically and ecologically vital area.

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DOI: 10.3897/arphapreprints.e177889

Authors: Serena Rasconi, Ana Gavrilović

Abstract: Abstracts of talks presented at ParAqua Grantees Conference held in Zagreb (Croatia), 1-2 September 2025

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DOI: 10.3897/arphapreprints.e167392

Authors: Anita Franco, Katie Smyth, Michael Elliott

Abstract: Marine biodiversity is adversely affected by many human activities and their pressures. As such, there is the need for a cause-consequence-response method to objectively address the risks associated with those adverse changes. Such a method is the ISO-accredited Bow-tie technique as an objective and structured approach giving the causes, preventative control measures, mitigation and compensation measures and consequences of changes to biodiversity. Here, the Bow-tie method underpinned by the cause-consequence-response DAPSI(W)R(M) framework was used and adapted to help managers map out risks to biodiversity requiring management of the human activities and their relevant pressures, in specific case study areas (termed Broad Belt Transects, BBTs). Instead of using restrictive proprietary software, a more-flexible template framework was developed in Microsoft PowerPoint to allow a broad user base. This employed standardised lists of elements (and further adapted during the application process) allowing the development of unique, but standardised and directly comparable Bow-ties for all BBTs. The methods of developing the template and standardised lists are described together with the techniques used to help quantify this usually qualitative approach. The successful application of the Bow-tie method in case studies from the European seas shows the adaptability of this approach in ways wider than the original policy-driven risk-assessment use. Although designed for European seas, the approach and standardised lists are sufficiently generic for adoption in wider areas worldwide.

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DOI: 10.3897/arphapreprints.e167014

Authors: Dorota Kołbuk, Julie Bremner, Ashley Cahillane, Valentina Di Gennaro, Tasman Crowe

Abstract: In this study we apply the bow-tie risk analysis framework to map the causes and consequences of decline or loss of five key Irish Sea ecosystem components: intertidal sandflats and mudflats, burrowing fauna including Dublin Bay prawn Nephrops norvegicus, blue mussel Mytilus edulis, commercially harvested fish, and wintering waterbirds. Main activities exerting multiple pressures on the Irish Sea ecosystem include energy production from offshore wind farms, tourism and leisure, fishing, transport, agriculture, urban and industrial uses, and waste treatment and disposal. All of them can contribute to decline in condition or loss of critical habitats and biota, leading to significant ecological, economic and sociocultural consequences. Understanding these consequences is essential for designing appropriate management responses. The bow-tie approach allows to identify management risks and highlights the most impactful control points for intervention to prevent or mitigate adverse biodiversity events.

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DOI: 10.3897/arphapreprints.e148125

Authors: Serena Rasconi, Laura Garzoli, Ana Gavrilović

Abstract: Abstracts of talks presented at ParAqua Conference held in Dubrovnik (Croatia), 16-17 April 2024

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DOI: 10.3897/arphapreprints.e144181

Authors: Manfred Asiedu, Gideon Twieku, Rhoda Lims

Abstract: We propose to explore an eco-friendly and sustainable approach to malaria control by employing fish as biological agents to reduce mosquito populations. Given the rising challenges of insecticide resistance and the environmental concerns associated with chemical interventions, this project investigates the effectiveness of fish species in consuming mosquito larvae, thereby lowering the prevalence of malaria vectors. Through a combination of laboratory experiments, ecological assessments, and community engagement in malaria-endemic regions, the project will identify optimal fish species for this purpose, assess their impact on local ecosystems, and gauge community perspectives on adopting fish-based malaria control methods. Key objectives include evaluating predation efficiency, determining ecological compatibility, quantifying the reduction in malaria transmission, and fostering local involvement to enhance sustainability. This innovative approach has the potential to provide a scalable, environmentally conscious solution for malaria management, contributing to global public health efforts and advancing sustainable disease control strategies.

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DOI: 10.3897/arphapreprints.e128109

Authors: Anne Lyche Solheim, Benoît O. L. Demars, Jannicke Moe, Sophie Mentzel, Jan-Erik Thrane, Jes Rasmussen, Benno Dillinger, Seppo Hellsten, Minna Kuoppala, Juha Riihimäki, Richard Johnson, Jens Fölster, Marit Mjelde

Abstract: This report provides a showcase of three essential biodiversity variables (EBVs) related to the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) and possible synergies with other EU policies. The report consists of two major parts: the species level EBV on macrophyte species in Nordic lakes and the community condition EBVs for phytoplankton in lakes and benthic invertebrates in rivers based on their deviation from reference conditions measured by Ecological Quality Ratios (EQR-values). The macrophytes species modelling predicts species distribution for two species (Isoetes lacustris and Potamogeton lucens) selected from a dataset of more than 2000 lakes and close to 100 single species. The model is based on observations of each species occurrence and abiotic co-variates (alkalinity, temperature, phosphorus-concentration) from the same lakes identifying the niche for each species. The outputs of the model show all lakes where each of the species potentially can occur. The model is also used to predict impacts of nutrient pollution on the species distribution of each species, showing a clear reduction in their distribution range. The community condition EBVs are based on data reported annually by countries to the European level (EEA). The data are used to assess community condition and trends, showing a recent improvement of condition for water bodies that were in poor or bad condition in 2015, thereby demonstrating the positive effect of mitigation measure to nutrient and organic pollution. Interactive dashboards showing maps and timeseries are developed and fully accessible. Initial analysis of land-use effects shows a negative impact on the condition in areas with > 30% agriculture and > 10% urban areas.

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DOI: 10.3897/arphapreprints.e99679

Authors: Elena Velado-Alonso, Ignasi Bartomeus, Kira Keini, Suresh Chithathur, Anna Sapundzhieva, Alexandra Korcheva, David Kleijn

Abstract: Communication and dissemination are key elements to maximise SHOWCASE project impact and ensure long‐term effects. For that, an effective communication strategy is essential to convey the principles and best practices to integrate biodiversity in farm management to favour farmers’ livelihoods while promoting conservation in agricultural landscapes. Current discourses around biodiversity, nature conservation and farming are contradictory with each other and not always engaging for SHOWCASE stakeholders. Thus, an inspirational narrative has been developed in the first months of the project by WP4 “Communicating the benefits of agrobiodiversity through multistakeholder knowledge exchange”, task 4.1. SHOWCASE narrative explains in an effective manner 1) why people care about biodiversity; 2) what we can do, and; 3) how we can do it better.

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DOI: 10.3897/arphapreprints.e94590

Authors: Serena Rasconi, Hans-Peter Grossart, Alena Gsell, Bastiaan Willem Ibelings, Dedmer van de Waal, Ramsy Agha, Ariola Bacu, Maija Balode, Meryem Beklioğlu, Maja Berden Zrimec, Florina Botez, Tom Butler, Slawomir Cerbin, Angela Cortina, Michael Cunliffe, Thijs Frenken, Esther Garcés, Laura Gjyli, Yonatan Golan, Tiago Guerra, Ayis Iacovides, Antonio Idà, Maiko Kagami, Veljo Kisand, Jovica Leshoski, Pini Marco, Natasa Mazalica, Takeshi Miki, Maria Iasmina Moza, Sigrid Neuhauser, Deniz Özkundakci, Kristel Panksep, Suzana Patcheva, Branka Pestoric, Maya Petrova Stoyneva, Diogo Pinto, Juergen Polle, Carmen Postolache, Joaquín Pozo Dengra, Albert Reñé, Pavel Rychtecky, Dirk S. Schmeller, Bettina Scholz, Géza Selmeczy, Télesphore Sime-Ngando, Kálmán Tapolczai, Orhideja Tasevska, Ivana Trbojevic, Blagoy Uzunov, Silke Van den Wyngaert, Ellen van Donk, Marieke Vanthoor, Elizabeta Veljanoska Sarafiloska, Susie Wood, Petr Znachor

Abstract: Zoosporic parasites (i.e. fungi and fungi-like aquatic microorganisms) constitute important drivers of natural populations, causing severe host mortality. Economic impacts of parasitic diseases are notable in the microalgae biotech industry, affecting production of food ingredients, biofuels, pharma- and nutraceuticals.While scientific research on this topic is gaining traction by increasing studies elucidating the functional role of zoosporic parasites in natural ecosystems, we are currently lacking integrated and interdisciplinary efforts for effectively detecting and controlling parasites in the microalgae industry. To fill this gap we propose to establish an innovative, dynamic European network connecting scientists, industries and stakeholders to optimize information exchange, equalize access to resources and to develop a joint research agenda. ParAqua aims at compiling and making available all information on the occurrence of zoosporic parasites and their relationship with hosts, elucidate drivers and evaluate impacts of parasitism in natural and man-made aquatic environments. We aim to implement new tools for monitoring and prevention of infections, and to create protocols and a Decision Support Tool for detecting and controlling parasites in the microalgae biotech production. Applied knowledge on zoosporic parasites can feed back from industry to ecology, and we therefore will explore whether the developed tools can be applied for monitoring lakes and reservoirs. Short-Term Scientific Missions and Training Schools will be organised specifically for early stage scientists and managers – with a specific focus on ITC – with the aim to share and integrate both scientific and applied expertise and increase exchange between basic and applied researchers and stakeholders.

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