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The purpose of the study was to identify the main models of organisation of the forensic system in Ukraine and to assess international experience in the field of expert support of justice, as well as to analyse ways to adapt modern world standards to national expert practice. The theoretical basis of the study was the documents defining the status and organisation of forensic experts in Ukraine, Latvia and the Czech Republic. The functions related to forensic examinations, examination, and seizure were analysed. It was revealed that the organisation of forensic expert activity in European countries is focused on creating an effective system of expert institutions and ensuring optimal conditions for conducting examinations by qualified specialists who are appropriately accredited and included in the official registers of forensic experts. It was emphasised that in Ukraine there is a mixture of two approaches to structuring forensic expert activity. The advantages of such a mixed model include harmonisation of forensic examinations, standardization of expert methods, accreditation of forensic laboratories and publicity of the register of forensic experts. The author substantiated the need to integrate the Ukrainian system of expert support of justice into the international context and to participate Ukrainian forensic institutions in international organisations that bring together foreign expert institutions. This will help to improve the procedures for the participation of forensic experts in justice. The author proposed to establish a single body – the National Service for the Provision of Forensic Expertise, which will be subordinated to the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine. Thus, the practical significance of the study is that its results can be used to centrally address the problem of methodological and information support of expert activity, which in turn will improve the organisation of forensic activities in Ukraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was the comparative analysis of the parasite communities of new populations of invasive pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus) in western Ukraine with pumpkinseed from Czechia, where populations have rapidly expanded over the last two decades. Methods: Sampling took place at three localities in the western part of Ukraine (i.e. Dobrotvir Reservoir (Vistula basin), Burshtyn Reservoir (Dniester basin), Mynai Pond (Danube basin)) and four in Czechia (i.e. Oxbow D2, Heršpický Pond (Danube basin), and Kolín oxbow and Římov Reservoir (Elbe basin). Results: In total, 11 parasite taxa were recorded in Ukraine and 17 in Czechia. Four species were co-introduced from North America with their host, i.e. the myxosporean Myxobolus dechtiari, the monogeneans Onchocleidus dispar and Onchocleidus similis, and metacercariae of a trematode Posthodiplostomum centrarchi. High dominance indices were related to a high abundance of co-introduced parasites, i.e. O. similis in Mynai pond and P. centrarchi in Dobrotvir Reservoir. Overall abundance of acquired parasites was generally low. Conclusion: This study shows that parasite communities in recently established pumpkinseed populations in the western part of Ukraine and Czechia are less diverse than those established in Europe for decades. The generally low parasite load in these new populations may play an important role in their ability to successfully establish and create strong populations by providing a competitive advantage over local species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we present the results of a large-scale fish rescue prior to the building of flood protection structures along a stretch of the River Svratka running through Brno city centre (Moravia, Czech Republic). During this demanding and unique event, 5,861 fish, with a total weight of 1,951 kg, were caught and successfully transferred downstream. A total of 21 species of fish were recorded, of which two were protected species and two non-native to the Czech Republic. The dominant species caught (i.e. > 10%) were chub (Squalius cephalus), nase (Chondrostoma nasus), roach (Rutilus rutilus) and vimba bream (Vimba vimba), making up 85% of the catch. While this stretch of the Svratka supported a type-specific fish community dominated by rheophilic species, the occurrence of many species was supported through stocking by the Moravian Anglers Association. The length-frequency distribution of individual fish species suggests there has been a lack of recruitment over a relatively long period. This is most likely linked with hydropeaking from the Brno reservoir water power plant, with daily sharp fluctuations in flow in a river channel lacking shallow bankside areas and refuges with slowflowing water preventing fish fry survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Paraergasilus longidigitus is reported for the first time from Central Europe waters. • Strong niche selection was observed for P. longidigitus , Ergasilus sieboldi and Neoergasilus japonicus in all hosts. • Ergasilid co-infections were relatively rare. • A monophyletic origin of this genus Paraergasilus is confirmed. Ergasilidae are a globally distributed group of copepods parasitising fish. Despite their common occurrence in European freshwaters, there is relatively little molecular data available. In this study, we recorded three ergasilid copepod species parasitising six fish species (families Cyprinidae, Percidae, Centrarchidae) in lentic water bodies along the River Morava in the Czech Republic: Ergasilus sieboldi infecting fish gills, Paraergasilus longidigitus infecting nasal cavities and Neoergasilus japonicus infecting fins. This represents a further occurrence of N. japonicus as a non-native European species, and the first report of P. longidigitusis from Central Europe waters. While strong niche selection potentially offers a free niche for each of these ergasilids in all hosts, parasite co-infections were relatively rare, with species distribution among hosts reflecting host preference. This study provides the first molecular data for E. sieboldi and P. longidigitus as native European ergasilid copepods. Phylogenetic analysis based on combined 18S and 28S rDNA showed a close relationship between P. longidigitus with other Paraergasilus species, supporting a monophyletic origin of this genus. The phylogenetic position of E. sieboldi was not clearly resolved, highlighting the need for more data and further intensive genetic investigations of other ergasilid species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]