Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology, Agency of Daugavpils University (LHEI)

Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology (LIAE) is a research institute, Agency of Daugavpils University, with an expertise in functioning and health of marine and aquatic ecosystems, cooperating actively with related institutions around the Baltic Sea and beyond. Since its establishment in 1995 LIAE has been conducting both basic and applied research in oceanography, marine chemistry, biology and ecotoxicology. LIAE is also responsible for implementation of national marine monitoring programme and the related reporting of data and provision of environmental assessments. LIAE is a holder of data base of long-term marine observations and measurements. The long-term data also allow provide eutrophication tendencies, trends and possible scenarios of nutrient enrichment in the sea necessary for management of water bodies. Currently LIAE is working actively on issues of maritime spatial planning, novel uses of marine resources and patterns of microplastic distribution in the aquatic environment. Besides, educational activities play an important role in LIAE's work schedule - hosting workshops for school students, participation in summer schools and camps for promoting the importance of marine life and health, regular social media posts on topics and issues in marine and freshwater environment.