Log in
The zebra mussel is one of the world's most economically and ecologically important pests, but existing control approaches cause significant deleterious environmental effects. Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a `BioBullet' against zebra mussels, which encapsulates toxins in a harmless edible coat, enabling efficient, targeted product delivery and dramatically reducing environmental pollution. [text removed for publication] Further successful formulations are being developed by the researchers and the company for fouling in shrimp farms and enhancing shellfish aquaculture.
The zebra mussel is one of the world's most damaging invasive species, but existing control approaches cause significant environmental damage. Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed the patented `BioBullet', which encapsulates a toxic active ingredient in a harmless edible coating, enabling efficient, targeted product delivery and dramatically reducing environmental pollution. [text removed for publication]
Conservation of migratory bird species is an inherently international endeavour, because the fate of these species depends upon the actions of nations throughout their migratory ranges.
Research into migratory wading bird populations by Jennifer Gill and colleagues at UEA has had the following impacts:
Irish, UK and European policy and legislation intended to mitigate the ecological damage and economic costs of invasive alien species (IAS) has been influenced by our inter-governmental Invasive Species Ireland project. Legislation was enacted through the Wildlife Order (NI) 1985 (as amended) and the EC (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2010. Our assessments on the `Killer Shrimp' Dikerogammarus villosus contributed to the EU strategy on IAS. Our Controlling Invasive Riparian Species project removed invasive plants from over 600 km of riverbank in Ireland and Scotland, restoring native biodiversity, and is cited as a best practice case study in the IAS Strategy for Northern Ireland.
The effects of accidental salmon farm escapes, intentional releases of non-native salmon and trout, and stocking of fertile farm-reared trout, on the genetic makeup, fitness and long-term viability of wild populations has been a matter of increasing concern over the past two decades. Ferguson and Prodöhl's group demonstrated that offspring of farmed, first and second generation hybrid and backcrossed salmon and trout showed reduced survival compared with wild native fish, and that repeated escape/introduction events can cause a reduction in the biological fitness of vulnerable wild populations leading to reductions in numbers and potentially to their extinction. These findings led directly to changes in regulations and guidelines by relevant major stakeholders including the Environment Agency (England & Wales), Wild Trout Trust, North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation, World Wildlife Fund, and governments in Europe and North America.
The Large Blue butterfly, formerly extinct in the UK, was successfully reintroduced over two decades to sites in south-west England. New research at the University of Oxford has greatly improved its conservation status and identified key factors that determine the ability of this extreme specialist to survive, especially in the context of climate change. Since 2008 this has led directly to new, larger and more stable populations, to significant expansion of the butterfly's range into cooler regions, and to new `races' with greater environmental tolerance. The research has thus contributed directly to the positive upgrading of this species' global conservation status.