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Among other things, human activities generate multiple pressures on aquatic ecosystems, disrupting the biodiversity they harbour and potentially jeopardising the services these ecosystems provide to human societies (Amigues & Chevassus-au-Louis, 2011). These pressures are of various kinds: overexploitation of resources, reduced flows, eutrophication, chemical pollution, biological invasions, pathogens, habitat degradation, loss of connectivity, climate change, etc.

In this general context, the samples in our collection, which are 'recorder' tissues for fish life-history traits (age, migration, size, reproduction) and DNA carriers, support the research being carried out on these species, the aim of which is to produce knowledge for the conservation and management of the species. These subjects are addressed through a combination of population dynamics, genetics and trophic ecology approaches.
   

The samples can be used to genetically characterise the individuals or populations concerned, to analyse them retrospectively (historical samples) in the light of global or local changes and thus to assess their influence on the demography and genetics of fish populations.

In addition, through microchemistry, the analysis of these tissues also makes it possible to characterise trophic interactions and energy transfers (within and between ecosystems), to look back at the environmental conditions in which these animals live and thus assess their long-term effects on fish populations.

To find out more about using samples :