Societal Relevance
The academic and research staff of LATI cooperate with Czech fish farming enterprises and aquarists on the prevention and treatment of fish diseases, the development of new therapeutic approaches in aquaculture, and the evaluation of their effectiveness and pontential side effects. The goal is to develop treatment and technological procedures that minimize losses caused by various pathogens while promoting healthy and sustainable fish farming.
For fish farmers, the hydrochemistry unit at LATI provides analyses of basic water quality parameters. For fish farmers, members of fisheries associations, environmental department staff, police officers, and firefighters, it also produces and services the so-called Combi set for field water analyses. These Combi sets allow users to measure parameters such as oxygen content, pH, as well as determine ammonium ions, phosphates, and nitrites directly in the field. This enables rapid assessment of water quality and the prompt implementation of measures to maintain optimal conditions in fish farms.
Furthermore, the Laboratory of Aquatic Toxicology and Ichthyopathology cooperates with the Police of the Czech Republic, Czech fishing associations, and water authorities to investigate and identify the causes of accidental fish kills.
Last but not least, the laboratory staff regularly organize professional training courses, workshops, and conferences intended for:
- commercial and recreational fishermen,
- public administration bodies,
- students of fisheries,
- the wider professional community.
These events aim to familiarize participants with the latest advances in aquatic toxicology, the investigation of deaths of aquatic organisms, hydrochemistry, and the prevention and treatment of fish diseases.
One of the most important conferences organized by LATI is the toxicological conference “Toxicity and Biodegradability of Wastes and Substances Important in an Aquatic Environment.” The main focus of the conference is the assessment of the effects of xenobiotics and environmental factors on aquatic organisms, as well as the monitoring of contamination levels in aquatic ecosystems. An integral part of the conference is the Prof. RNDr. Vladimír Sládeček, DrSc. Award, which honors the best student contribution. In 2024, the conference held its 21st edition, which confirmed its long-standing tradition and significance in the field of aquatic toxicology.
