The freshwater group combines basic and applied research with a focus on human impacts on the habitats of brackish and freshwater species. We want to provide environmental authorities and politicians with knowledge so decisions can be made on a scientific basis.

A major part of our activity is to map migratory behaviour of salmonid fish using telemetry in order to detect how individual fish are affected by various factors such as river and lake regulations, physical disturbances in the coastal zone and open netpen salmonid aqua culture. We also investigate fish genetics, fish parasites and analyze stabile isotopes to get a better understanding of fish movements.

We contribute to the development of models that shows the probability for introduction and spread of alien species and participate in the revision of national lists for alien and red listed species. The freshwater group is involved in several projects focusing on benthic invertebrates and zooplankton, especially connected to effects of river and lake regulations and rotenone treatments, but also mapping of species in different freshwater environments.

Currently our focus is on the following species and groups: salmon, trout, arctic char, zooplankton, rotifers, mayflies, stoneflies, caddis flies, noble cray fish, river pearl mussel and water plants.