Research Lines

Biodiversity, food webs and ecosystem processes

The main objective is to understand the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, particularly through the body size structure of aquatic organisms. We use size-based methods (e.g. body size spectrum), theoretical approaches and ecosystem ecology as a cross cutting approach to link changes in communities and food webs with changes in ecological functions. We are also interested on the effects of terrestrial subsides on lakes food webs.

Anthropogenic impacts on freshwater ecosystems

We study how the biological structure of freshwater ecosystems (particularly lacustrine systems) is impacted by anthropogenic factors such as nutrients, temperature, invasive species, water scarcity, salinization, pollutants, etc. We use complementary approaches (experiments, time series, space for time substitution approaches and theoretical models) and focus on different lacustrine ecosystems, such as lakes, ponds and coastal lagoons.

Conservation, management and restoration of aquatic ecosystem

This applied research line is focused on solving problems related with the conservation of Mediterranean aquatic ecosystems, especially those affecting the autochthonous species and degraded habitats. We use our knowledge on the structure and functioning of aquatic ecosystems to propose management plans and restoration actions, and to provide tools for conservation.

Visit our project SOS-Temporales: Mediterranean temporary ponds, biodiversity refuges that need protection.

Visit our EU project PONDERFUL (POND Ecosystems for Resilient Future Landscapes in a changing climate).

The researchers from the Mediterranean Rivers Study Center (CERM) are also part of GEA group. CERM is assigned to University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), and, at the same time, to Museo del Ter (Manlleu, Barcelona). The main activities of CERM are the research, land stewardship, ecological coservation and restoration of rivers and other freshwater environments, along with citizen awareness, environmental education and museology in natural science.