Abstract
We review approaches and tools currently used in Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden) for integrated assessment of ‘ecological status’ sensu the EU Water Framework Directive as well as assessment of ‘eutrophication status’ in coastal and marine waters. Integration principles for combining indicators within biological quality elements (BQEs) and combining BQEs into a final-integrated assessment are discussed. Specific focus has been put on combining different types of information into indices, since several methods are currently employed. As a consequence of the variety of methods used, comparisons across both BQEs and water categories (river, lakes and coastal waters) can be difficult. Based on our analyses, we conclude that some principles and methods for integration can be critical and that a harmonised approach should be developed. Further, we conclude that the integration principles applied within BQEs are critical and in need of harmonisation if we want a better understanding of potential transition in ecological status between surface water types, e.g. when riverine water enters a downstream lake or coastal water body.
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Acknowledgements
This study was initiated by WATERS, a Swedish strategic research programme supporting science-based implementation of the Water Framework Directive (http://www.waters.gu.se). JHA, JC, CM, ML and RJ were funded through WATERS. The authors would like to thank Stina Drakare, Anna-Stiina Heiskanen, Samuli Korpinen and Anne Lyche Solheim for providing information or comments to an earlier version of the manuscript.
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Andersen, J.H., Aroviita, J., Carstensen, J. et al. Approaches for integrated assessment of ecological and eutrophication status of surface waters in Nordic Countries. Ambio 45, 681–691 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-016-0767-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-016-0767-8