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Environmental information systems
Countries consider biological quality elements such as phytoplankton, macrophytes, phytobenthos, benthic invertebrate fauna and fish to assess the ecological status of rivers, lakes and transitional and coastal waters. Most countries use 1 to 3 biological quality elements in their assessment. If the species present are those which would be expected without, or with little human influence, the status would be good or high for that particular element.
Status of biological quality elements, all surface water body categories
The chart shows the status of biological quality elements for all surface waters (rivers, lakes, transitional and coastal waters combined) by number of water bodies. It is possible to select 1st, 2nd or 3rd river basin management plan (RBMP).
Angiosperms (sea grass) and macro algae are only assessed in transitional and coastal waters, as they are not present in rivers and lakes. Fish are not monitored in coastal waters.
There is a high proportion of unknown status. In 3rd RBMP, the most frequently assessed biological quality elements are phytobenthos, benthic invertebrates and fish.
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Status of biological quality elements, by surface water body category
The chart shows the status of biological quality elements separately for rivers, lakes, transitional and coastal waters. It is possible to select 1st, 2nd or 3rd river basin management plans (RBMPs) from the drop down menus.
Rivers
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Coastal waters
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Lakes
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Transitional waters
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