Announcements

rom June 11 to 16, the Estonian University of Life Sciences will host lake researchers from more than 20 countries at the 11th Shallow Lakes Conference. The main topic of the conference is the state of shallow lakes in a changing world. 

Shallow lakes play an important role in carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, and supplying food, water, and recreational opportunities for humans. However, shallow lakes are sensitive to storms, changing rainfall patterns, and increasing temperatures or pollution. 

The conference organizer, senior researcher Priit Zingel from the Estonian University of Life Sciences, Hydrobiology and Fisheries Department, said that, to understand climate and other changes, it is necessary to collect data that covers time periods longer than just a few years. "The university has such long-term data for Lake Võrtsjärv; for example, phytoplankton in Lake Võrtsjärv has been studied for over 100 years. The contribution of Estonian scientists to global lake science is highly valued because such unique data sets help us understand the ecological processes taking place in lakes," Zingel described regarding Estonian scientists' contributions to shallow lake research. 

Over 100 lake researchers from around the world will attend the conference. Presentations will cover a wide range of topical issues. For example, Professor George S. Bullerjahn from the United States will give a presentation on harmful blue-green algae blooms in shallow lakes. Professor Erik Jeppesen from Denmark will talk about the role of nitrogen in Danish lakes. This topic is important because understanding nitrogen cycling is essential for improving water quality in lakes. Professor Adalberto Luis Val from Brazil will talk about the Amazon, where decreasing intensity of rainfall due to climate change threatens the future of fisheries, which are the cornerstone of many local communities. 

This year's conference will mesh environmental sustainability topics with environmental folklore. Estonian Literary Museum researcher, Reet Hiiemäe, will give a keynote address on environmental folklore as a consequence of local sustainability. Hiiemäe will describe how people interacted with lakes in the past and whether there are historical attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge that can help provide solutions for contemporary issues facing lakes today. 

In addition to intensive presentations and discussions, the conference program includes excursions to visit Lake Võrtsjärv and the Limnology Center, Lake Peipsi, Soomaa, or sailing on the Emajõgi River. 

The 11th International Shallow Lakes Conference will take place at the Estonian National Museum in Tartu. Check out the conference program on the conference website. The conference language is English. However, there will also be a Water Day for Estonian-speakers. 

This project has received funding from the European Union European Regional Developement Fund and from Enterprice Estonia, European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 951963 (TREICLAKE) and ASTRA Project “Value-chain based bio-economy" as well as from the City of Tartu.

Further information:
Priit Zingel
Senior Researcher from the Estonian University of Life Sciences
priit.zingel@emu.ee