The Freshwater Biological Association (FBA) is a thriving membership association, independent scientific organisation and registered charity dedicated to understanding and conserving freshwaters across the globe. Founded in 1929, we have long worked to protect our global freshwaters by facilitating innovative research in the field and making information about these environments easily accessible.
We pride ourselves on being one of the finest sources of freshwater information in the world and are the custodians of a variety of long term data sets from sites of scientific significance. The FBA is managed by Executive Director, Simon Johnson who is assisted by a small team of dedicated staff, a board of trustees and almost 40 Fellows. We are located on the shore of Windermere, in Cumbria, and maintain a presence at the River Lab in East Stoke in Dorset with access to the River Frome. Fellows are elected in recognition of their scientific excellence in freshwater ecology, and/or their high-level contribution to the understanding and management of freshwater ecosystems. Each fellow specialises in a particular area of expertise, providing us with an extensive wealth of information to draw from, enabling us to make decisions and take knowledge-based actions. The board of trustees, elected by the members, guide the strategic direction of the Association in line with the charitable objectives. Our vision is to be the leading independent UK organisation for freshwater information and advice. It's imperative that we support our freshwaters as best we can, so it is our mission to promote the sustainable management of freshwater ecosystems and resources, using the best available science. The aims and goals of the Freshwater Biological Association are:
To widen our membership and enthusiasm in the freshwater environment. To provide evidence and information that helps to protect and conserve unique environments. To influence and broaden advocacy through outreach and public engagement. To facilitate the setting of the research agenda, ensuring that science benefits wider environmental aspirations in freshwater. Freshwater ecosystems are precious and endlessly important; not only do they provide drinking water and a space for recreation for us, but they are also a unique ecological resource, home to more than 40% of the world's fish species as well as an array of invertebrates, birds, mammals and plants. However, global freshwater ecosystems are rapidly deteriorating through the pressure of human activity. Aside from our rich history, we also provide current and up-to-date reliable advice to the public and professionals, to help everyone protect the freshwater environment around them. It is our hope that by raising awareness and providing the most recent up-to-date information, we can halt and even reverse the declining trend in the degradation of freshwater ecosystems, thus sustaining and conserving the very building blocks of life. The FBA is a registered charity, number 214440 and a company limited by guarantee, registration number 263162, England.
