15 Nov. 2012 - Manuel Lopez-Lima

Ecology, conservation and genetics of European freshwater mussels: challenges and opportunities

Presenta: Manuel Lopez-Lima (CIMAR-­‐LA/CIIMAR and ICBAS,Porto, Portugal)

Freshwater ecosystems are at risk and invertebrates are particularly vulnerable. However, this situation is not recognized since major conservation efforts are directed to vertebrate species (particularly deserve conservation attention. Although some attention is been given to the situation in North America (particularly on unionid species) Europe still does not give too much attention to this faunistic group. Therefore in Europe there is an urgent need for a more integrated and holistic conservation approach on these taxa. Specific areas of research are required from taxonomy and systematics, through biological research (with emphasis on ecological aspects and life history traits) to more effective applied conservation and propagation strategies. This lecture presents the distribution and conservation status of freshwater bivalves in Europe and the research efforts of our team in the ecology and biology of freshwater mussels from densities and distribution through growth and host fish interactions to phylogeny and genetic diversity. The integration of all these data is regard interested groups, from local communities to governmental and European agencies for successful implementation

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