Global parasite biodiversity is facing an extinction crisis, with up to 30% of species in each
major parasite group predicted to be extinct by 2070; a risk that only escalates when host coextinctions are considered. However, parasites are typecast as biological villains, despite most species posing no threat to human health or wildlife conservation. Unsurprisingly, parasites are the most neglected components of biodiversity management strategies, and are completely absent from conservation discussions, unlike their more charismatic free-living hosts.
IMPACT supports the integration of parasites into aquatic biodiversity monitoring directives and environmental decision making through determining the spatial-temporal status and long-term trends of European freshwater fish parasite biodiversity, establishing a molecular library, assessing eDNA techniques, and working with a range of stakeholders.
