I am a hydrobiologist, limnologist and ichthyologist with more than 40 years of research experience in freshwater biodiversity, ecology and conservation, particularly in the ancient transboundary lakes Ohrid, Prespa and Dojran and their tributaries. My expertise includes fish taxonomy and population ecology, endemic and threatened freshwater fishes, aquatic habitat assessment, long-term ecological monitoring, invasive species impacts, hydromorphological change, and the design and evaluation of ecosystem restoration measures. My current research focuses on the ecological consequences of long-term water-level decline in Lake Prespa, loss of littoral and spawning habitats, disruption of lake–river connectivity, restoration of tributaries, conservation prioritisation of freshwater fishes, and monitoring and control of invasive species such as Lepomis gibbosus. I can contribute historical datasets, field sampling and study design, fish identification, population and habitat assessment, stakeholder engagement, interpretation of ecological thresholds, and development of practical restoration indicators. In collaboration with a molecular biology laboratory, I can also support eDNA monitoring, population genetics and establishment of DNA archives for endemic fishes.
We are developing a project on Lake Prespa as an emerging novel freshwater ecosystem shaped by long-term water-level decline, climate change, habitat loss, disrupted lake–river connectivity, eutrophication and invasive species. The project will investigate ecological thresholds and future trajectories, assess impacts on endemic fish communities and spawning habitats, and develop practical indicators and nature-based restoration pathways. Lake Ohrid and other ancient or climate-sensitive lakes may serve as comparative systems. Our team can contribute long-term ecological knowledge, historical datasets, fish and habitat monitoring, field sampling, eDNA and population-genetic analyses, invasive fish assessment, stakeholder engagement and restoration planning. We are looking for partners from financially participating countries with expertise in hydrology and climate modelling, remote sensing, ecological modelling, restoration ecology, environmental DNA/genomics, socio-economic analysis and participatory governance. We particularly seek a coordinating institution and partners working on comparable freshwater ecosystems to build a transnational, interdisciplinary and transferable project.
I plan to attend the BiodivFuture Information Webinar on 10 September 2026 and related Biodiversa+ brokerage events. I am also interested in upcoming European and regional conferences on freshwater biodiversity, ecosystem restoration, invasive species and ancient lakes, where I hope to meet potential consortium partners.