Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/B502436/1
Alien (non-native) fish species and their potential to invade new freshwater systems via estuarine saline-bridges.
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Professor JA Brown, University of Exeter, Biosciences
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor RW Wilson, University of Exeter, Biosciences
- Grant held at:
- University of Exeter, Biosciences
- Science Area:
- Marine
- Freshwater
- Overall Classification:
- Freshwater
- ENRIs:
- Environmental Risks and Hazards
- Biodiversity
- Science Topics:
- Environmental Physiology
- Conservation Ecology
- Behavioural Ecology
- Abstract:
- There has been international agreement to minimise the impacts of alien (non-native) species in order to protect ecosystems and their natural biodiversity. To achieve this it is important to understand the spread (dispersal) of already introduced species. The proposed research builds on our published studies and specifically aims to determine the potential for three model non-native fish (pikeperch, sunbleak and topmouth gudgeon), that have damaging effects on freshwater ecosystems, to spread via saline bridges and invade new freshwater systems. We propose a multi-stranded approach involving laboratory studies and field studies of wild fish. In the laboratory will focus mainly on the ability of the target species to regulate body fluid volume and composition and their stress and behavioural responses to salinity. Field studies of pikeperch will track wild fish for up to 18 months to investigate their intrusions into saline waters. Our studies of wild pikeperch will capitalise on the permanent record of a fish's life history stored within the calcified otoliths of the inner ear. By measuring the trace levels of strontium (compared to the calcium content) of otoliths of pikeperch we aim to obtain a picture of the frequency and extent of saline intrusions that have occurred in wild fish.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/B502436/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Standard Grants Pre FEC
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Standard Grant
This grant award has a total value of £247,917
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Staff | Total - T&S | Total - Other Costs | Total - Equipment | Total - Indirect Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £115,425 | £8,067 | £61,001 | £10,328 | £53,095 |
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