Intercalibrating classifications of ecological status: Europe's quest for common management objectives for aquatic ecosystems

Halting and reversing the deterioration of aquatic ecosystems requires concerted action across state boundaries and administrative barriers. Yet the definition of common management objectives is hampered by different national quality targets and ambitions. The European Water Framework Directive requires that quality classifications are harmonised via an intercalibration exercise, safeguarding a consistent level of ambition in the protection and restoration of surface water bodies in the member states of the European Union. We outline the key principles of the intercalibration methodology, review the achievements of intercalibration and discuss its benefits and drawbacks. Less than half of the required intercalibration is currently accomplished, owing mainly to a lack of national assessment methods. The process generally fostered a scientific debate on ecological classification with important implications for environmental management. Despite the significant level of statistical abstraction, intercalibration yielded a fundamental and unified vision of what constitutes good ecology across Europe, ensuring greater parity in the funds invested to achieve good ecological status.

BIRK Sebastian;  WILLBY Nigel;  BONNE Wendy;  KELLY Martyn;  BORJA Angel;  POIKANE Sandra;  VAN DE BUND Wouter; 

2013-05-14

ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV

JRC76558

0048-9697,   

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969713003306,    https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC76558,   

10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.03.037,