A group of seven German students from the University of Duisburg-Essen recently embarked on an educational expedition to the Czech Republic, specifically to Vodňany. The purpose of the trip was to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of various aspects related to freshwater ecosystems and the academic variations in research outside of Germany.
The itinerary began with a series of presentations by local experts on Monday. The topics covered a broad spectrum, commencing with a general introduction to the realm of biological invasions as a dynamic field of research. This segued into in-depth discussions about invasive crustaceans and fish species, along with the crucial role of trophic relationships in the context of invasive species. The students also had the opportunity to observe the behavior of aquatic animals and visit a sturgeon aquaculture facility at the Faculty hatchery. The day culminated in an electrofishing campaign along the Blanice River, offering a visual contrast between native and alien species.
On Tuesday, the group's focus shifted to the Třeboň pond area, where they gained insight into local aquaculture practices. The journey encompassed visits to ponds dedicated to carp cultivation, culminating in facilities dedicated to their storage and transport. A visit to the Červené blato bog was also an interesting experience. We thank employees of ENKI o.p.s. for their hospitality.
Wednesday brought a series of unique experiences. The students visited the hatchery of the National Park Šumava in Borová Lada, followed by a trek to a natural refuge of the noble crayfish. This location stood as one of the few remaining areas in the region where these crayfish could be found in significant numbers. Subsequently, the group examined the Křesanovský brook, witnessing the displacement of noble crayfish by the highly invasive signal crayfish. We visited the Pstruhařství Mlýny, a local commercial farm specializing in rainbow trout and sturgeon cultivation and processing. The day ended with a comprehensive talk on the biology and management of salmonid fish.
Thursday's program was dedicated to the river continuum concept, which sheds light on the changing environmental conditions of streams from their spring to their confluence, including the impacts on the ecology of the occurring organisms. Despite the intensive nature of the day, the students found great value in the experience. The journey concluded with a talk on the horizon scanning of non-native species, after which the students presented their seminar works.
In summary, the week-long excursion proved to be an exceptional opportunity for these students. They gained valuable insights into diverse aspects of freshwater ecosystems, witnessed the intricacies of invasive species dynamics, observed various aquaculture practices, and got familiar with the river continuum concept. Under the guidance of Dr. Phillip J. Haubrock and Assoc. Prof. Antonín Kouba, this journey stands as a testament to the importance of international educational exploration.
Written by: Dr. Phillip J. Haubrock
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