Research

As part of the Joint Danube Survey 5 (JDS5), an extended environmental DNA (eDNA) survey will be conducted to assess biodiversity and ecological conditions along the Danube River. The project includes fish metabarcoding, ddPCR, macrophyte analysis, eRNA sampling, sentinel site monitoring, and the establishment of an eDNA archive. These molecular methods offer a comprehensive, integrative approach to riverine biomonitoring.The project is implemented in close cooperation with the Horizon Europe projects Danube4all and Danube Lifelines, supporting the advancement of innovative tools for large-scale aquatic ecosystem monitoring and restoration.

In the project "Water, Agriculture and Habitats", the options for rewetting wetlands are analyzed, taking into account ecological, social and economic aspects. For the test area "Pannonian Region", the aim is to process historical information that will subsequently be available as input for possible solutions and recommendations for action at regional level or for concrete rewetting and adaptation measures in test farms. In close cooperation with Land&Forst Betriebe Österreich and the Umweltdachverband, the Institute of Hydrobiology and Water Management at BOKU will scientifically investigate the historical situation with regard to wetlands in the study area "Pannonian Region" as part of work package 4 "Analysis of the initial situation". The focus is primarily on the analysis and characterisation of historical wetlands in the study area and the analysis of historical forms of use of these wetlands. The results are presented in the form of a report and a presentation.

Africa’s great rivers sustain diverse ecosystems, thriving fisheries, and millions of livelihoods. However, changing river flows and hydro-morphological alterations—driven by water abstraction and infrastructure development—are transforming these river systems, with profound consequences for biodiversity, fish productivity, and human well-being. This project investigates how anthropogenic changes impact aquatic ecosystems, fisheries, and food security across major river basins. We track spatial and temporal changes in large African rivers, combining remote sensing, ecological monitoring, and hydrological modeling to assess the effects of flow alterations and land use change on river-floodplain connectivity, fish production, and water quality. Additionally, we conduct basin- and floodplain-level hydro-morphological assessments to evaluate how modifications in river structure, sediment transport, and habitat availability influence biodiversity and ecosystem stability. Our research integrates large-scale biodiversity and fisheries assessments, using extensive datasets on fish presence, distribution patterns, and key threats to evaluate biodiversity status and conservation priorities at the regional level. Furthermore, we map hydropower and renewable energy infrastructure, and study how river flow alterations affect aquatic ecosystems. This project focuses on multiple lines of evidence to provide a comprehensive understanding of the changing dynamics of African rivers. Our findings will support sustainable water and fisheries management, conservation strategies, and policy decisions, ensuring that Africa’s rivers remain vital lifelines for biodiversity and human well-being in a rapidly changing environment.