Hello everyone, my name is Monika, and today I’d like to share my IVY experience and introduce our Interreg project—Šumava Fish Jewels. This project connects the Bavarian and Czech National Parks and surrounding areas and focuses on studying native brown trout populations and their parasites using environmental molecular methods. The aim is to identify and protect the original brown trout populations, which are crucial to the aquatic ecosystem. They are not only a key component of the food chain but also play an essential role in the life cycle of other aquatic species, such as the endangered river pearl mussel.
My opportunity to volunteer with Interreg came unexpectedly. Engaging with fish parasites has been a significant part of my activities but I spent most of my time in the lab. Therefore, I was excited to gain fieldwork experience, connect with new people (public, stakeholders, local politicians. media, etc.), and explore fresh perspectives that could enrich my life.
My experience began in August at the Římov Reservoir, where I trained in field techniques for fish sampling in the Bohemian Forest. I also participated in important meetings with my mentor, Petr, where we discussed key topics about the Bohemian Forest and recent developments in Czech fisheries management. I was happy to meet new colleagues from the Institute of Hydrobiology BC CAS, with whom I will be working closely during my IVY experience.
In September, we finally had the chance to sample fish (mainly the project flagship species brown trout), water, and sediment in the Bavarian side of the Bohemian Forest. Surrounded by beautiful nature, I gained practical skills in collecting samples of trout, sediment, and water for parasite detection. Processing these sediment and water samples, as well as analyzing the data, is something I look forward to completing in the upcoming months, likely in December and January.
Nevertheless, working as an IVY volunteer involves more than just hard work. Through outreach activities, I’ve met many new people, including colleagues and the public. I’ve gained experience answering questions not only about biology but also about aquaculture, and nature protection and enjoyed engaging in discussions about different perspectives in this field.
For anyone considering IVY volunteering, I recommend seeking projects that align with their experience or personal interests. For me, working directly with trout populations and fieldwork was a refreshing contrast to the lab, where I had been typically focused on fish parasites. My advice is to embrace each part of the experience, as interacting with diverse perspectives from both colleagues and community members expanded my understanding of aquaculture and ecology. This opportunity has taught me both scientific skills and the value of sharing knowledge across cultures. Though this experience has inspired me, it has also motivated me to pursue a career focused on sustainable aquaculture and environmental protection. I’m excited to keep contributing to ecological initiatives and expand my involvement in international environmental projects.
– Monika, IVY Project Partner at Biology Centre CAS – Biologické centrum AV ČR, for the Interreg Bayern-Czechia project Sumava Fish Jewels.
