The science of saline lakes: the need for a multidisciplinary approach

Abstract

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Saline lakes, found on all continents, have been a focus of research since 1979 when an international association of salt lake researchers was formed. In 1994, the International Society for Salt Lake Research (ISSLR) was established to connect individuals interested in inland saline waters, promote their interests, and educate the public about the scientific use, management, and conservation of salt lakes. ISSLR holds triennial conferences, providing a platform for global researchers to network. The 14th International Conference on Salt Lake Research took place online in October 2021, hosted in Murcia, Spain, by ISSLR and the Institute of Saltscapes and Salt Heritage (IPAISAL), a Spanish NGO dedicated to researching and disseminating the values of saltscapes. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the conference saw 203 scientists from ten countries participating, along with representatives from local NGOs. The conference covered a wide range of topics, from geology to heritage, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of ISSLR. It also marked the first time the conference went virtual, presenting logistical challenges but increasing global participation. While participants missed out on physical field trips and local experiences, the online format allowed more delegates to attend. The conference papers covered diverse areas, including geological and chemical processes in saline lakes, water level fluctuations, the impact of migrating birds on Artemia populations, actinobacterial diversity, zooplankton responses to changing lake conditions, and the use of environmental DNA metabarcoding to explore hidden diversity. Studies also addressed the effect of salinity on freshwater ecosystems and the role of NGOs in saline lake conservation.

The interdisciplinary nature of ISSLR and the research presented at the conference demonstrate the importance of scientific collaboration and knowledge exchange for the conservation and management of saline lakes worldwide. The next ISSLR conference is planned for 2024 in Turkey, continuing the tradition of fostering multidisciplinary discussions in the field.

User Puedes sacar 5 palabras clave? Saline lakes, found on all continents, have been a focus of research since 1979 when an international association of salt lake researchers was formed. In 1994, the International Society for Salt Lake Research (ISSLR) was established to connect individuals interested in inland saline waters, promote their interests, and educate the public about the scientific use, management, and conservation of salt lakes. ISSLR holds triennial conferences, providing a platform for global researchers to network.

The 14th International Conference on Salt Lake Research took place online in October 2021, hosted in Murcia, Spain, by ISSLR and the Institute of Saltscapes and Salt Heritage (IPAISAL), a Spanish NGO dedicated to researching and disseminating the values of saltscapes. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the conference saw 203 scientists from ten countries participating, along with representatives from local NGOs.

The conference covered a wide range of topics, from geology to heritage, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of ISSLR. It also marked the first time the conference went virtual, presenting logistical challenges but increasing global participation. While participants missed out on physical field trips and local experiences, the online format allowed more delegates to attend.

The conference papers covered diverse areas, including geological and chemical processes in saline lakes, water level fluctuations, the impact of migrating birds on Artemia populations, actinobacterial diversity, zooplankton responses to changing lake conditions, and the use of environmental DNA metabarcoding to explore hidden diversity. Studies also addressed the effect of salinity on freshwater ecosystems and the role of NGOs in saline lake conservation.

The interdisciplinary nature of ISSLR and the research presented at the conference demonstrate the importance of scientific collaboration and knowledge exchange for the conservation and management of saline lakes worldwide. The next ISSLR conference is planned for 2024 in Turkey, continuing the tradition of fostering multidisciplinary discussions in the field.