Research of biology and breeding of crayfish
The field work includes monitoring of native and non-native crayfish species within the Czech Republic territory. The monitoring forms a part of projects funded by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport of the Czech Republic and also by individual ordering parties (administrations of national parks and protected nature reserves, environmental departments).

       

Genetic diversity of crayfish
With the respect to long-term crayfish monitoring in our country, we are concerned with genetic diversity of particular populations of noble crayfish (Astacus astacus) using microsatellite markers. These markers can reveal a lot about the origin of particular individuals and whole populations as well. Whether they were established with specimens from one source (population) or the original stock was a mixture of different specimens from several sources. Another important message coming from this research is the effect of limited original stock on genetic diversity of later progeny.
One of our other topics is phylogenetic study of narrow-claw crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus) species complex. We evaluate the relationships among populations within the area of species distribution as well as among different morphotypes using set of mitochondrial and nuclear markers. The results can clarify history of recent species distribution.

We study ethology, reproduction biology, adaptability and tolerance towards various factors of environment and intra- as well as interspecific interactions of native and non-native crayfish species.

   

Development and innovation of continuous water quality monitoring system using fish and crayfish as bioindicators
We perform development of water quality monitoring system using bioindicators - fish and crayfish. System combines the activity of crayfish heart scanned by special sensor with the analyses of crayfish movements recorded by video camera.

The research of river fish species reproduction is made in cooperation with other laboratories, especially with Laboratory of intensive aquaculture. Our laboratory is focused especially on alternative (nature-friendly) methods of spawning and nutrition of fish riverine species, currently mainly barbel (Barbus barbus) and vimba (Vimba vimba).

  

Applied hydrobiology
We engage in monitoring of communities of invertebrates in both stagnant and flowing waters, where a very important part is also the assessment of impact of various types of (not only) fish farming especially on these communities.

 

  
Biological invasionsWe are interested in various aspects of biological invasions among the already known, but also newly-threatening alien species in freshwater ecosystems (direct interactions, competition for food and shelter, changes of these relationships depending on biotic and abiotic factors, etc.). Tolerance and adaptability of both native and non-native species to the factors such as winter and summer temperature extremes or conditions of severe droughts are evaluated.  

For educational purposes, obtained results are also spread via DVD entitled Biology, Protection and Breeding of Crayfish (both Czech and English version available) and four certified methodologies (in Czech only).