IMPACT aims to support the integration of parasites into aquatic biodiversity monitoring directives and environmental decision making. Specifically, IMPACT will determine the spatial-temporal status and long-term trends of European freshwater fish parasite biodiversity; establish a specimen and molecular barcode reference library to future-proof the identification of freshwater fish parasites; evaluate eDNA as an integrative tool for assessing fish parasite diversity in aquatic biodiversity monitoring; and gain knowledge about stakeholders’ perceptions of parasites and their role in environmental governance. 

As a result, IMPACT will break down key barriers to the inclusion of parasites in transnational biodiversity and ecosystem change monitoring by co-developing a framework together with stakeholders to facilitate the inclusion of parasites in national and international biodiversity management and conservation strategies.

Website