Testable models of aquatic systems: A NERC special topic for integrating experiments and modelling

A major part of the support for fundamental research on aquatic ecosystems continues to be provided by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). Funds are released for ”thematic” studies in a selected special topic or programme. ”Testable Models of Aquatic Ecosystems” was a Special Topic of the NERC, initiated in 1995, the aim of which was to promote ecological modelling by making new links between experimental aquatic biologists and state-of-the-art modellers. The Topic covered both marine and freshwater systems. This paper summarises projects on aspects of the responses of individual organisms to the effects of environmental variability, on the assembly, permanence and resilience of communities, and on aspects of spatial models. The authors conclude that the NERC Special Topic has been highly successful in promoting the development and application of models, most particularly through the interplay between experimental ecologists and formal modellers.

Recent progress in the identification and determination of freshwater phytoplankton in the natural environment

The biomass of the phytoplankton and its composition is one of the most important factors in water quality control. Determination of the phytoplankton assemblage is usually done by microscopic analysis (Utermöhl's method). Quantitative estimations of the biovolume, by cell counting and cell size measurements, are time-consuming and normally are not done in routine water quality control. Several alternatives have been tried: computer-based image analysis, spectral fluorescence signatures, flow cytometry and pigment fingerprinting aided by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The latter method is based on the fact that each major algal group of taxa contains a specific carotenoid which can be used for identification and relative quantification of the taxa in the total assemblage. This article gives a brief comparative introduction to the different techniques available and presents some recent results obtained by HPLC-based pigment fingerprinting, applied to three lakes of different trophic status. The results show that this technique yields reliable results from different lake types and is a powerful tool for studying the distribution pattern of the phytoplankton community in relation to water depth. However, some restrictions should be taken into account for the interpretation of routine data.

Annual Report of the East African Agricultural and Fisheries Research Council, 1961

In June, 1961, discussions were held in London to consider the future of the East Africa High Commission Services. It was agreed that the functions of the East Africa High Commission, with the exception of Defence, should be transfered to the East African Common Services Organization, which was subsequently established on 9th December, 1961, on the achievement of independence by Tanganyika. The Common Services Organization is controlled by an Authority, consisting of the principal elected Minister in each of the East African territories, which is responsible for the overall policy and direction of the Organization. The Authority is assisted by four Ministerial Committees, of which one is responsible for the Social and Research Services of the Organization

Annual Report of the East African Agricultural and Fisheries Research Council 1958

The annual report present activities carried out by the different organizations that make up the East African Agricultural & Fisheries Research Council which covers reports from the following Organisations: I. Report of the East African Agriculture and Forestry Research Organization 2. Report of the East African Fishery Research Organization 3. Report of the East African Marine Fisheries Research Organization 4. Report of the East African Trypanosomiasis Research Organization 5. Report of the East African Veterinary Research Organization The activities reported are for the period 1958

Annual Report of the East African Agricultural and Fisheries Research Council 1954-55

The annual report present activities carried out by the different organizations that make up the East African Agricultural & Fisheries Research Council which included: 1. Report of the East African Agriculture & Forestry Research Organization 2. Report of the East African Veterinary Research Organization 3. Report of the East African Fishery Research Organization 4. Report of the East African Marine Fisheries Research Organization The activities reported are for the period 1954-55.

Annual Report of the East African Agricultural and Fisheries Research Council 1955-56

The annual report present activities carried out by the different organizations that make up the East African Agricultural & Fisheries Research Council which included: 1. Report of the East African Agriculture & Forestry Research Organization 2. Report of the East African Veterinary Research Organization 3. Report of the East African Fishery Research Organization 4. Report of the East African Marine Fisheries Research Organization and 5. Report of the East African Trypanosomiasis Research Organisation. The activities reported are for the period 1955-56.

Annual Report of the East African Agricultural and Fisheries Research Council 1956-57

The annual report present activities carried out by the different organizations that make up the East African Agricultural & Fisheries Research Council which covers reports from the following Organisations: I. Report of the East African Agriculture and Forestry Research Organization 2. Report of the East African Fishery Research Organization 3. Report of the East African Marine Fisheries Research Organization 4. Report of the East African Trypanosomiasis Research Organization and 5. Report of the East African Veterinary Research Organization The activities reported are for the period 1956-57