On Friday, 16 May, a significant contribution to environmental science was made with the release of a new book, Aquatic Parasitology – Ecological and Environmental Concepts and Implications of Marine and Freshwater Parasites. Co-edited by Prof Nico Smit from the North-West University (NWU) and Prof Bernd Sures from the University of Duisburg-Essen, the book takes a deep dive into the overlooked role of parasites in aquatic ecosystems.

Together Prof Smit and Prof Sures have bridged the gap between how we understand aquatic parasites and their role in our ecosystem. The method followed in this book is what sets it apart, as it investigates parasites as essential components of aquatic habitats rather than disregarding them as merely disease-causing nuisances.

The 23 chapters walk readers through the amazing complexity of parasite life cycles, demonstrating how these organisms influence everything from the dynamics of large ecosystems to the health of individual fish. By fusing cutting-edge tools like environmental DNA (eDNA) and stable isotope analysis with traditional ecological information, the book fills a significant gap in the current literature. The most recent findings and developments in aquatic parasitology are presented by 52 internationally recognised writers, including co-editor Prof Sures, five NWU extraordinary professors, four NWU professors and five NWU postdoctoral associates. Their work is presented in three well-organised sections, each focusing on different areas of the field.

According to Prof Smit, the book is more than just an academic work. “The book is a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the complex interactions between aquatic parasites and their environments,” he said. “Their implications go far beyond sciences, they touch on medicine, conservation, and how we think about ecosystem health.”

The reaction to the book has been remarkable, as it was downloaded over 28 000 times in its first week of release, demonstrating its popularity and global reach. This highlights the standing of the NWU and the University of Duisburg-Essen as pioneers in the field of aquatic parasitology research.

Whether you are a student or researcher, or are interested in the hidden workings of aquatic ecosystems, this book provides a novel viewpoint on an intriguing topic. Through funding from the NWU the book is available as an open access resource and you can access and download the book at: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-83903-0.

Prof Bernd Sures (left) and Prof Nico Smit (right) celebrate the publication of their collaborative work on aquatic parasitology.

                 The cover of the book Aquatic Parasitology, which examines the ways in which parasites influence aquatic life.