Reviving Fish Parasitology in Lithuania

Reviving fish parasitology in Lithuania: assessing the current helminth diversity in fish and the impact of non-native fish in Lithuanian freshwaters (FISHPAR)

Project value: 150 000 €

Project funder: Lithuanian Research Council

Project duration: 36 months

Project timeline: 01 APR 2022 - 31 MAR 2026

Principle investigator: Olena Kudlai

Project implementors: Rasa Binkienė, Vytautas Rakauskas, Nathan Jay Baker

Brief outline:

This project aims to revive fish parasitology in Lithuania by mapping out the diversity and impact of helminth parasites in local freshwater fish. With invasive fish species potentially bringing along new parasites, this study will examine how these parasites affect native fish populations and ecosystems. Using modern molecular and ecological techniques, we will create the first comprehensive database on Lithuanian fish parasites since the 1980s, providing essential insights for managing invasive species, protecting native fish, and training future scientists.

Project strategy:

1. What is the current range of helminth parasites found in both native and non-native fish in Lithuanian freshwaters, and how has the parasite community in native fish changed over the past 30 years?

2. Have any helminths been introduced to Lithuanian freshwaters along with non-native fish species, and what role do these parasites play in the ecosystem?

3. Have non-native fish picked up any new helminths in Lithuanian waters, and how do these parasites contribute to the spread of infections?

   
   

Keywords:

fish parasitology | Lithuanian freshwater ecosystems | fish helminths | invasive fish species | parasite biodiversity | native fish health | aquatic parasite communities | ecosystem impact | fish parasite diversity | helminth parasites | fish ecosystem health | invasive species management | freshwater parasites | parasite spillover | parasite spillback | non-native fish parasites | aquatic biodiversity conservation | fish parasitology research | Lithuanian ecosystems | parasite-host dynamics

#FishParasitology #AquaticEcosystems #InvasiveSpecies #FreshwaterEcology #HelminthParasites #BiodiversityResearch #EcosystemHealth #FishConservation #NativeSpecies #ParasiteDiversity #EnvironmentalScience #WildlifeManagement #EcologicalImpact #AquaticInvasives #FishParasites #WaterHealth #EcosystemBalance #ParasiteEcology #SustainableEcosystems #EnvironmentalProtection

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