Freshwater organisms enchanted visitors of Soča Fest

20130824 socafest2On Saturday, 24th August 2013, Lutra Institute joined SOČA FEST 2013. The event was organized by Kayak Club Soške elektrarne in the framework of the Soča River Day.

It joined sport, culture and fun, while educational part was provided with our stand. Aquaviva stand was presenting a tiny part of freshwater biodiversity from the immediate vicinity of the event. With the help of stereo microscope visitors got a chance to learn about smaller freshwater animals - invertebrates (amphipods, larvae of mayflies, stoneflies, black flies, chironomids and a water snail from genus of nerites) that are easily overlooked.

Children and adults were lost in wonder. At the same time they learned all these organisms play a role in freshwater food web and are an important part of freshwater ecosystem. Besides freshwater invertebrates our youngest visitors were taken over by our toys, otter and beaver, the two largest and most noticable freshwater inhabitants. On the other side adult visitors showed more interest in non-native and invasive species such as coypu and signal crayfish that can cause many problems not only for native species and biodiversity but also for human itself. We estimate that more than 100 visitors visited our stand, among them were also foreigners. Photos available in the gallery.