Departments

The main subject of aquatic ecology is fish and the habitat of flowing waters.
Flood control and the use of hydropower have significantly altered our rivers over long stretches.  With the aim of improving the ecological condition of water bodies in Austria, water bodies are monitored, concepts for management are developed and experts are consulted in water law procedures.

Austrian lakes have been exposed to diverse human use, which has led to changes in water quality, but also in fish species communities. The department for limnology identifies these changes and monitors long-term ecological alterations due to climate change

Without research and knowledge transfer into practice there can be no progress in aquaculture. Our tasks are practice-relevant aquaculture research tailored to Austrian needs, the transfer of practice-relevant research data to producer companies, and consulting and training. We deal with the rearing of different fish species from egg to fingerling size and with aquaculture research.

Waldviertel Ecological Station is the youngest department of the Institute, situated in Lower Austria and surrounded by ponds. Our emphases are aquaculture in carp ponds and recirculation aquaculture systems, as well as implementing the EU Water Framework Directive.

Our training courses are conducted in the spirit of competence-oriented adult education. Our educational program promotes the careful and sustainable use of natural resources. The participants are trained to become competent professionals with independent action. We are a team in which flexibility, friendliness and humor play an important role.