The FBA's 2015 Course Programme is now available. For more information and to book a place, please contact us at events@fba.org.uk or ring 015394 42468. For a full course programme and downloadable booking form, please visit www.fba.org.uk/fba-training-courses.

Freshwater Reviews is delighted to announce the intension to publish its first Special Issue on the topic of the EU Water Framework Directive in December 2015. Potential authors are invited to submit review papers or outlines for reviews now, for consideration by the editor. Freshwater Reviews is a high-quality, peer-reviewed journal publishing both online and in print. Potential authors can find additional information about style guidelines and submission on our “For Authors” page here https://www.fba.org.uk/journals/index.php/FRJ/information/authors, or contact the editor, Prof. Colin S. Reynolds at creynolds@fba.org.uk to discuss your submission.

The FBA is delighted to announce that Bill Brierley has accepted the post of Chief Executive of the Freshwater Biological Association. There were more than 20 applications who were screened and completed a rigorous selection process. Five candidates were interviewed for the position by a Sub-Group of members of Council. Following a challenging interview process Bill Brierley was the successful candidate. I am sure you would wish to join with us in congratulating Bill on his success.

The FBA AGM (www.fba.org.uk/annual-general-meeting) is being held on 27th October, the meeting is being held as part of the West Midlands and North-West England Freshwater Group (WM & NWE FG), the programme can be accessed by clicking on this link: www.londonfreshwatergroup.co.uk.

A reminder to FBA members that those wishing to apply for the Gilson Le Cren Memorial Award 2015 should submit their application between 16 October and 16 November 2014. The Gilson Le Cren Award is an annual grant (up to £4000) given by the FBA to support scientific research into freshwater biology. For further details, go to: www.fba.org.uk/gilson-le-cren-memorial-award.

Six out of seven mussel populations from the ARK project have already encysted our fish. Encystments have been observed in salmon, trout and arctic charr. The glochidia are now 70-80 microns in length, still a long way to go until they reach the sufficient size to drop off (400 microns in length).

The FBA are running a three day accredited training course on 'Invertebrate identification for biotic assessment (including examination)' on Tuesday 21st - Thursday 23th October 2014 at the FBA, Windermere. Places are still available on the course. To find out more details and to book a place, please go to www.fba.org.uk/fba-training-courses  or contact us at events@fba.org.uk.