The LACOS project (Lakes, Carbon, Oxygen, Schools) and METAESTANY (the metabolism of the Pyrenean lakes as an indicator of global change), are led by the scientist Núria Catalán, an aquatic biogeochemist, currently affiliated with the Institute of Environmental Diagnosis and Research of the Water (IDAEA) of the Higher Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), together with the scientists Anna Lupon, Ada Pastor, Carolina Olid, Marc Ventura, Teresa Buchaca, Laure Gandois and Esperança Garcia.
This study will provide a better understanding of the functioning of high mountain lakes in order to make good decisions for their preservation and make them more resilient in the face of climate change.
To carry out the study, oxygen and CO2 sensors have been installed in two lakes in the Alt Pirineu Natural Park, one affected by the introduction of fish for fishing, which makes its green waters, and the other, already restored without fish, which makes its waters crystal clear again. We will compare how this impact and restoration affects the metabolism of the lakes, and we will begin to monitor if the restored one, of great scenic value and quite frequented, is suffering impacts related to this over-frequency.
One of the main objectives of the project is to share live science with the secondary schools of the Pyrenees, through the collection and analysis of data and the direct participation of students. With this involvement we want to raise awareness of the importance of conservation.
If you are a teaching center interested in joining the project, contact us here!
