Introducing the New CIEEM Freshwater Ecology SIG!

We’re very excited to be bringing you CIEEM’s latest addition to is growing inventory of Special Interest Groups, the Freshwater Ecology SIG! If you’re interested in the conservation and ecology of freshwater ecosystems and habitats, from ponds to lakes, rivers to marshes, then this is the special interest group for you. You can join the groups mailing list and be the first to hear about upcoming events and activities through the My CIEEM area of the website, by updating personal preferences (tick the Freshwater ecology box).

This topic of ecology transcends geographical boundaries, and to quote the River Trust “0% of all rivers in England and Wales are in good overall health”, while in Ireland “almost half of rivers have unsatisfactory water quality levels and there was a decline in water quality in 230 rivers recorded in 2020.” Freshwater ecosystems are being critically threatened by pollution (increasing eutrophication), habitat degradation, the introduction of invasive species and climate change.

This SIG will be working collaboratively with CIEEM geographic section Member Networks and external groups, to run events that crucially, bring together ecologists and environmental mangers interested in freshwater ecology, and unite their experiences, expertise and enthusiasm to reverse the decline in the state of freshwater habitats. The SIG seeks to improve skills and knowledge around supporting these freshwater habitats, finding and sharing an evidence base to influence policy, and identify areas of science that can be further developed in freshwater ecology.

As built in to the SIG’s terms of reference, the group aspires to bring together ecologists and environmental managers interested in freshwater ecology, and unite their experiences, expertise and enthusiasm to reverse the decline in the state of freshwater habitats.

It’s core objective is also to provide opportunities for networking, sharing case studies and experiences building a strong evidence base which can be called upon when investigating issues and hot topics impacting freshwater habitats. We are really excited to see the outcomes of this new SIG and we at the CIEEM office would like to express our thanks to the volunteers who contributed their time towards the set up and launch of the group!