Comparison of whole-genome assemblies of European river lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) and brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri)

We present haplotype-resolved whole-genome assemblies from one individual European river lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) and one individual brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri), usually regarded as sister species. The genome assembly of L. fluviatilis consists of pseudo-haplotype one, spanning 1073 Mb and pseudo-haplotype two, spanning 963 Mb. Likewise for the L. planeri specimen, the genome assembly spans 1049 Mb and 960 Mb for pseudo-haplotypes one and two, respectively. Both the L. fluviatilis pseudo-haplotypes have been scaffolded into 82 pseudo-chromosomes, with the same number for the L. planeri pseudo-haplotypes. All four pseudo-haplotype assemblies were annotated, identifying 21,479 and 16,973 genes in pseudo-haplotypes one and two for L. fluviatilis, and 24,961 and 21,668 genes in pseudo-haplotypes one and two for L. planeri. A comparison of the genomes of L. fluviatilis and L. planeri, alongside a separate chromosome level assembly of L. fluviatilis from the UK, indicates that they form a species complex, potentially representing distinct ecotypes. This is further supported by phylogenetic analyses of the three reference Lampetra genomes in addition to sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus)

Differential effects of freshwater browning across fish species: consequences for individual- to community-level fish traits in north temperate lakes

The browning of freshwater ecosystems is increasingly evident in temperate and northern regions, with widespread ramifications for lake physics, chemistry, and biology. Contrasting results on how freshwater browning may impact fish have been reported, but there has been no comprehensive examination of how browning may cause cascading effects on individual- to population- to community-level traits of freshwater fishes. We addressed this knowledge gap by summarizing the existing literature and conducting a series of original analyses to: (i) explore the effects of a brown water gradient on populations of eight economically important species of fish across 871 lakes; and (ii) examine how a brown water gradient may influence community trait compositions across 303 lakes. From our literature synthesis, we found that fish growth is often negatively associated with browner waters, despite browning generally showing no effect on fish foraging. We also demonstrated that browner waters had greater abundances of northern pike (Esox lucius) and walleye (Sander vitreus), but lower numbers of lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush), yellow perch (Perca flavescens), largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), smallmouth bass (M. dolomieu), and lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis). Moreover, we showed that fish communities were significantly more likely to contain species with larger eyes in browner lakes. Lastly, we examined relationships between various metrics of browning (i.e. dissolved organic carbon, Secchi transparency, water colour) and present a framework for how the effects of freshwater browning on fish may scale from individuals to populations to communities

Evaluating Environmental Effects of Zero-Discharge Events in a Regulated River in Northern Sweden Using Hydraulic Modelling

Increasing periods of zero-discharge and large fluctuations in discharge are expected in future hydropower operations due to changes in the electricity system, including greater reliance on solar and wind power, as well as increased variability in precipitation driven by climate change. In this study, several types of zero-flow periods were analyzed in a regulated northern river in Sweden. The results highlight different mitigation measures that may be suitable for reducing ecological impacts associated with hydropeaking. The study also evaluates potential improvements that could be achieved by implementing a mean annual low flow instead of zero flow. Overall, the findings demonstrate the value of conducting detailed river-specific analyses to identify effective ecological restoration measures in regulated river systems

Prevalence of Escherichia coli, Campylobacter spp. and Salmonella spp. in the East African Community: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis

Pathogenic Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp. are bacteria associated with foodborne diseases. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates the prevalence of these pathogens in foods sold across seven East African Community (EAC) countries and identifies key risk factors for contamination. A comprehensive search for peer-reviewed papers and grey literature was conducted in six databases (PubMed, CAB Direct, African Journals Online, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science), as well as 12 online repositories. The review encompassed studies published in English and French between January 2000 and June 2022, adhering to the 2020 guidelines for the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and MetaAnalyses. Eligible studies employed probabilistic sampling and reported the proportion of contaminated samples. Out of 4134 initial records, 53 studies met the inclusion criteria. Most were conducted in Kenya (n = 22) and Tanzania (n = 21), with no eligible studies found for Burundi and South Sudan. E. coli and Salmonella spp. were the most frequently studied pathogens, while Campylobacter spp. was less represented. Using a randomeffects model in Stata (R), pooled prevalence estimates were 41 % for E. coli (95 % CI: 34-52 %), 12 % for Salmonella spp. (95 % CI: 12-27 %), and 9 % for Campylobacter spp. (95 % CI: 7-32 %). Significant heterogeneity was observed and further explored through meta-regression and subgroup analyses. Contamination levels varied by food type, processing status, sample size, and country. Meat, especially poultry, showed the highest prevalence of bacterial contamination across all pathogens. Alarmingly, beverages were also highly contaminated, with E. coli detected in 66.3 % (95 % CI: 31-89 %) and Salmonella spp. in 11.8 % (95 % CI: 1-55 %) of samples. Key risk factors included poor hygiene practices, inadequate sanitation, high storage temperatures, and a lack of food safety training. These findings underscore the urgent need for improved food safety measures in the EAC region for improved public health and support trade advancement. The study also highlights critical gaps in surveillance, particularly for Campylobacter spp., pathogenic E. coli, and data from some EAC countries

Ce-impregnated acid functionalized mesoporous silica as catalyst for ethanol dehydration to ethylene

The catalytic performance of Ce-containing mesoporous silica, functionalized with phenylsulfonic and phenylsulfonic/phosphonic acid groups, was studied for the ethanol dehydration to ethylene reaction in the temperature range of 250 degrees C-500 degrees C. The SBA-15-type materials were prepared using a 'one-pot' hydrothermal method, and for comparison, the performance of a silica gel with grafted alkylsulfonic groups was also studied. The initial silica supports and Ce-containing catalysts were characterized by XRD, XPS, TEM, SEM/EDX, TGA, zeta potential measurements, etc. The characterization results showed that the morphology, structure, thermal and textural parameters of the catalysts remained largely unchanged following the impregnation of 0.1 M Ce3+ ions. The nature, amount, and availability of acid groups in the mesoporous framework were identified as key factors influencing the metal-impregnation process. According to DRIFT-IR spectroscopy, the functionalization with sulfonic groups binding Ce3+ ions led to the generation of Br & oslash;nsted (B) and Lewis (L) acid sites, respectively. Importantly, the thermal stability analysis revealed that the number of strong B-sites rapidly diminished during desorption up to 500 degrees C, resulting in a notable decrease in the B/L ratio after treatment at high temperatures. At the same time, ethanol conversion and selectivity towards ethylene were found to augment with increased reaction temperature to 500 degrees C. The SBA/PhSO3H/Ce catalyst demonstrated superior overall performance, characterized by high ethanol conversion (95 %) and the most favourable kinetic profile, including the lowest activation energy (48.2 kJ/mol) among all materials. In contrast, the Ce-containing SiO2SO3H/Ce catalyst exhibited the highest TON (5223.6 per hour), indicating superior intrinsic efficiency per active site. The reusability of the obtained catalysts in terms of stability and conversion was explained using a range of instrumental methods

The role of social, policy and economic forces in shaping forest restoration practices in Europe

Forest restoration in Europe has a complex history strongly influenced by various social, policy and economic factors. Understanding these influences is essential for shaping effective restoration strategies and avoiding past mistakes, particularly in light of meeting ambitious targets outlined in initiatives such as the EU Nature Restoration Regulation. Here we identify the key social, policy and economic drivers, barriers and enablers that have historically shaped forest restoration across Europe. We analyzed and synthesized detailed information from historical national narratives on forest restoration provided by experts from 18 European countries. Our work details how wars, changes in governance (centralization vs. decentralization) and forest tenure (privatization vs. nationalization), different policy instruments (regulatory, financial, persuasive and organizational), market fluctuations and sociodemographic changes (e.g., rural abandonment, changes in public opinion) have driven the development of forest restoration in Europe. The findings underscore the need to use inclusive and innovative governance mechanisms to reconcile diverging societal paradigms (e.g., rural vs. urban, conservation vs. forestry) partly reflected in incoherent forest-related policies, as well as to address the fragmentation resulting from forest privatization. Ensuring stable funding mechanisms (e.g., remuneration systems for forest ecosystem services) alongside favorable regulatory frameworks will also be key for successful large-scale forest restoration efforts. Policy recommendations are made to ensure the effective implementation of the EU Nature Restoration Regulation, including a hybrid governance model that balances strong national regulatory frameworks with local adaptability to diverse socioecological contexts, integrating socioeconomic metrics, strengthening public engagement, and leveraging market-based and green tax incentives

In the eye of the reindeer

Semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) are central to Sámi reindeer husbandry in Fennoscandia. Infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC) is a painful and multifactorial eye disease in reindeer, associated with reduced welfare and practical challenges for herders. Knowledge is limited regarding the occurrence of IKC, associated pathogens, risk factors, and how ocular disease is perceived and managed in reindeer husbandry. This thesis aimed to investigate microorganisms and risk factors associated with IKC in reindeer, as well as herders’ perceptions and management of the disease. It is based on four studies: a questionnaire survey, a field study of conjunctival swab samples from reindeer with and without clinical signs, a virological study of parapoxvirus red deer, and an interview study exploring herders’ experiences of ocular disease. The results showed that IKC was commonly observed at herd level in Norway and Sweden, particularly during autumn and winter. Feeding in enclosures, especially during the challenging herding year 2019/2020, was associated with outbreaks, and calves were most frequently affected. Multiple pathogens were detected, including cervid herpesvirus 2 (CvHV2), Chlamydia spp., Mycoplasma spp., Moraxella bovoculi, poxviruses, and several opportunistic bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were associated with clinical signs of IKC. Chlamydia spp. was associated with conjunctivitis and cervidpoxvirus with periocular lesions. Parapoxvirus red deer was detected for the first time in reindeer, showing evidence of host adaptation and cross-species transmission. Ocular disease was primarily perceived as a herd-level threat, and management was strongly influenced by contextual factors such as labour, logistics, and access to veterinary support. Disease management was described as labourintensive and emotionally demanding, highlighting the need for improved communication, preparedness, and trust between herders, veterinarians, and other stakeholders

Male Agonistic Behavior on Atlantic Cod Spawning Grounds

The mating system of the iconic Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) has been described as a lek, a mating system where male-male agonistic interactions are expected. However, observing such behaviors directly in marine environments is challenging. So far, the evidence supporting the importance of agonistic interactions between males is mainly derived from laboratory studies with fish kept in close confinement, possibly elevating the observed levels and their perceived importance. In natural aquatic systems, agonistic interactions may be inferred from acoustic telemetry transmitters fitted with accelerometers, given that they are associated with high activity levels. A large telemetry dataset on Atlantic cod was collected during (i) a field study at two Western Norway spawning grounds from 2019 to 2024 and (ii) a close confinement net-pen study in 2019-2020. A total of 154 sexed mature Atlantic cod were tagged with acoustic transmitters fitted with accelerometers and depth sensors, yielding similar to 1.5 million accelerometer detections for subsequent activity analyses. In the net-pens, male cod showed much higher activity levels than females. Overall activity levels were reduced in the field, but male activity levels remained higher than those of females during the spawning period. A prominent feature of coastal cod spawning along the Norwegian coast is that males tend to dwell deeper than females. We therefore explored whether depth influenced activity patterns of males and females. This was indeed the case with males being more active than females at fish depths > 20 m and no sex-difference in activity levels closer to the surface (< 20 m depth). No sex difference in activity levels was found outside the spawning period. Our data suggest that male-male agonistic interactions, inferred from activity levels, are present on natural spawning grounds for Atlantic cod, albeit at reduced levels compared to levels exhibited in net-pen confinement. We hypothesize that the heightened activity levels of males compared to females when occupying deeper waters are related to their overall deeper distribution and territorial and agonistic behavior at these depths, agreeing with the lek description of the cod mating system

Indikatorrapportering för “Hållbart nyttjande av fisk- och skaldjursbestånd i kust och hav”

Institutionen för akvatiska resurser (SLU Aqua) har på uppdrag av Havs- och vattenmyndigheten, utformat en indikator, Hållbart nyttjande av fisk- och skaldjursbestånd i kust och hav, för uppföljning av miljökvalitetsmålet ”Hav i balans samt levande kust och skärgård”. Indikatorn visar den övergripande statusen för svenska fisk- och skaldjursbestånd längs kusterna och i haven, och baseras på de årliga analyserna av enskilda fiskbestånds status i Fiskbarometern (SLU Fiskbarometern 2026). Indikatorn anger om bestånden fiskas hållbart eller ej, vilket i och med denna rapport nu har gjorts för åren 2015-2025.I denna rapport presenteras en bedömning av indikatorns status för bedömningsåret 2025 med data till och med 2024. Metoden för bedömningarna av nationellt förvaltade fisk- och skaldjursbestånd uppdaterades under 2022, vilket har medfört att indikatorn över andelen hållbara bestånd inte längre är fullt jämförbar mellan samtliga år i tidsserien. I en jämförelse i indikatorrapporten för bedömningsåret 2022 mellan den äldre och den uppdaterade metoden var dock skillnaderna i indikatorns status generellt små. I föreliggande rapport baseras indikatorn på den nya metoden och omfattar således endast resultat för bedömningsåren 2022-2025.Av de totalt 76 redovisade kust- och havslevande bestånden i Fiskbarometern kunde en bedömning göras för 67 bestånd. Av de 76 redovisade bestånden klassades 31 (40,8%) som ”hållbart nyttjande”, vilket är något lägre än bedömningsåret 2024 då andelen var 41,5% (32 av 77 bestånd). Indikatorns status var högst i Bottenviken med 50,0% av de redovisade bestånden klassade som ”hållbart nyttjande”, följt av Västerhavet (40,0%), Östersjön (25,0%) och Bottenhavet (12,5%) Motsvarande för bedömningsåret 2024 för Bottenviken, Västerhavet, Östersjön och Bottenhavet var 40,0%, 46,7%, 25,0%, respektive 7,1%.Sammantaget över alla bedömningsenheter har endast en marginell förändring av indikatorns status skett för 2025 jämfört med 2024. Tre bestånd har gått från ”hållbart nyttjande” till ”ej hållbart nyttjande” (bergskädda Microstomus kitt i Nordsjön, Skagerrak och Kattegatt, tobis Ammodytes marinus i Nordsjön och Skagerrak: ICES fångstområde 3r, och vitlinglyra Trisopterus esmarkii i Nordsjön). Två bestånd har gått från ”ej hållbart nyttjande” till ”hållbart nyttjande” (braxen Abramis brama i Ålands hav och skarpsill Sprattus sprattus i Nordsjön, Skagerrak och Kattegatt). Dessutom har ett bestånd av abborre tillkommit (Ålands hav), vilket bedömts som ”hållbart nyttjande”.En högre andel bestånd med så kallad analytisk beståndsuppskattning (MSY- konceptet) ger en högre tillförlitlighet i den sammantagna bedömningen av de bestånd som redovisas i indikatorn. Sammantaget för alla fyra bedömningsenheter 2025 var andelen bestånd med analytisk beståndsuppskattning 27,6% (21 av 76 bestånd). Tillförlitligheten var högst i Västerhavet där andelen bestånd bedömda enligt MSY- konceptet var 37,8%, följt av Östersjön (25,0%), Bottenhavet (14,3%) och Bottenviken (10,0%). Andelen av de totala officiella svenska kommersiella landningarna av fisk och skaldjur som indikatorn omfattar ligger över 99%

Intressegrupper och gåsförvaltningen

Dagens jordbrukslandskap och ett varmare klimat gynnar betande gäss, som är mer talrika än någonsin. Gässens påverkan på grödor och ekosystem skapar ibland konflikter och samhällskostnader. I forskningsprojektet Från fält till flyttväg: förvaltning av gäss i det nya jordbrukslandskapet har ny kunskap tagits fram till stöd för den ofta komplexa förvaltningen av gäss. I forskningsprojektet har flera arter av gäss studerats, med lite extra fokus på grågås, för att förstå de förändringar som sker och hur de påverkar förvaltningen av gäss. I en serie om fem faktablad sammanfattas projektets forskningsresultat. Projektet är ett samarbete mellan Högskolan Kristianstad och Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet och har finansierats av Naturvårdsverket via Viltvårdsfonden, Svenska Jägareförbundet samt Marie-Claire Cronstedts Stiftelse