FutureLakes at ASLO SIL 2026: Advancing Science for Lake Restoration

FutureLakes contributed actively to the programme, helping to shape discussions on lake restoration, eutrophication, climate change, and nature‑based solutions. Our strong presence reflected both the breadth of expertise within the consortium and the growing importance of integrated approaches to freshwater management.

Leading Scientific Discussions

FutureLakes partners played a key role in convening and leading several sessions, each addressing critical aspects of lake restoration:

• SS054 – A “Silver Bullet Assessment” of Nature‑Based Solutions (and other measures) for lakes
  This session explored whether single interventions can effectively restore lakes—or whether more integrated approaches are needed.
• WG01 – Science Across Borders for Lake Restoration (Open SIL Working Group meeting)
  A collaborative forum focused on strengthening international cooperation and knowledge exchange.
• SS021 – Effective strategies for controlling algal blooms across the freshwater–marine continuum
  Addressing one of the most visible and pressing impacts of eutrophication.
• SS059A – Sediment‑derived nutrients, cyanobacteria & climate change
  Highlighting the complex interactions between internal nutrient loading and a changing climate.

These sessions created space for interdisciplinary dialogue and helped bridge the gap between scientific research and practical lake management.

Showcasing FutureLakes Research

In addition to chairing sessions, FutureLakes researchers delivered a wide range of presentations, showcasing cutting‑edge work across multiple themes:

• Internal phosphorus loading and water residence time, and their implications for lake recovery
• Greenhouse gas emissions from lakes and ponds, and their role in climate feedbacks
• Machine learning applications for ecosystem monitoring and management
• Nitrogen management strategies to limit cyanobacterial blooms
• Sediment management and circular restoration pathways, supporting resource recovery
• Digital tools for scaling up lake restoration, enabling broader impact across regions 

Together, these contributions demonstrated how FutureLakes combines fundamental science with applied solutions, addressing challenges from local processes to large‑scale implementation.

From Science to Impact

A key takeaway from ASLO‑SIL 2026 was the importance of integrated, system‑level approaches to lake restoration. Discussions repeatedly highlighted that no single measure can solve the multiple pressures affecting lakes today.

Instead, effective restoration requires:

• A deep understanding of lake‑specific conditions
• The integration of catchment and in‑lake measures
• The use of nature‑based and circular solutions that deliver co‑benefits for climate, biodiversity, and society

The exchange of ideas at the conference reinforced the relevance of FutureLakes’ mission: to support science‑based, scalable solutions for healthier and more resilient lake ecosystems.

Strengthening Collaboration

Beyond the formal sessions, ASLO‑SIL offered valuable opportunities to connect with peers, build partnerships, and exchange perspectives across disciplines and regions.

We are grateful to the organisers and the wider ASLO‑SIL community for fostering such an inspiring and collaborative environment. These interactions will continue to inform and strengthen FutureLakes’ work moving forward.

Learn More

For more information about the conference, visit:
https://www.aslo.org/aslo-sil-2026/

FutureLakes looks forward to continuing the dialogue and working with partners across Europe and beyond to advance innovative, effective, and scalable lake restoration strategies.”