Rivers in temperate ecoregions

– Indicators in current use –

How are rivers in temperate ecoregions presently monitored? Which parameters are used to detect degradation and change? Are they also reflecting Climate Change impacts?

We give an overview of indicators, which are presently used, mainly for the purpose of the Water Framework Directive. This section is presently restricted to selected countries and water types, which provide a useful overview of the variety of indicators presently used.

Biological parameters

Deutsches Bewertungssystem PERLODES [German assessment system PERLODES]

Indicator name	Deutsches Bewertungssystem PERLODES
Indicator abbreviation	PERLODES
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	Benthic invertebrates
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Abundance, composition, presence of sensitive taxa
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

The PERLODES assessment system comprises three modules assessing three stressors: organic pollution, acidification and general degradation. For the first two, stream type specifc single metrics are available, for the latter up to five stream type specific core metrics are averaged. The ecological status is evaluated by combining all three module results, adhering to the worst case principle.

Description (aim, method)

A stream section is assessed with a taxa list, from which indices ("metrics") are calculated.
PERLODES is automatically included in ASTERICS (AQEM/STAR Ecological River Classification System, version 3.0), calculating the following parameters:

An overall assessment in terms of the ecological quality class
The ecological quality class based on a number of stream type-specific metrics
The cause of degradation, separated into the main stressors "organic pollution", "acidification" and "general degradation"
A large number of additional metrics, which can be used for data interpretation
The manual (ASTERICS Software Handbuch, version 3.0) provides all relevant information for installing and applying the software and indicates references for the overall method.

Climate change influence

As climate conditions change, effects either directly on biota or indirectly by effects on hydrology / morphology / (biogeo-) chemistry may occur and enforce community change. Indicator organismens may be influenced (resulting in change of presence / absence or abundance), meaning that the assessment system may loose it’s ability to stream type and stressor specific assessment. This may require modification of indicator organisms used, respective indicator values, threshold value shifting or additional modules.
PERLODES may be especially affected by an increase of temperature, linked to decreasing oxygen conditions, which is the essential parameter to many sensitive stream benthic invertebrates. Overall assessment results may decrease and turn out stressor unspecific.

Stressor addressed

Organic pollution, hydromorphological degradation, acidification, (general degradation)

Stressor influence on indicator

The assessment system comprises three modules assessing three stressors: organic pollution, acidification and general degradation. Most taxa which are sensitive to hydromorphological degradation are also sensitive to other stressors (e.g. organic pollution). The assessment system adheres to the worst case principle, i.e. the worst module result determines the assessment result.

Specification of water type

Available for 30 German stream types.

Organisation in charge of development

University of Duisburg-Essen contracted by the Federal Environment Agency and The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Meier, C., Böhmer, J., Biss, R.; Feld, C., Haase, P., Lorenz, A., Rawer-Jost, C., Rolauffs, P., Schindehütte, K., Schöll, F., Sundermann, A., Zenker, A. & Hering, D. (2006): Weiterentwicklung und Anpassung des nationalen Bewertungssystems für Makrozoobenthos an neue internationale Vorgaben. Abschlussbericht im Auftrag des Umweltbundesamtes.

Links

www.fliessgewaesserbewertung.de [June 2006].

Fauna Index

Indicator name	Fauna Index
Indicator abbreviation	Fauna Index
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	Benthic invertebrates
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Abundance, composition, presence of sensitive taxa
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

The Fauna Index is core metric within the PERLODES assessment system, module "general degradation".

Description (aim, method)

Based on stream type specific indicator lists the Fauna Index describes the effects of morphological degradation on the invertebrate fauna of a stream section. A high metric value indicates a high proportion of taxa sensitive to stream morphology and thus to a near-natural status. The metric declines with increasing morphological degradation of a stream section. As most taxa which are sensitive to hydromorphological degradation are also sensitive to other stressors (e.g. organic pollution), the metric declines in presence of other stressors as well (especially organic pollution).
Indicator values range between -2 (taxa of morphologically degraded streams) and +2 (taxa mainly occuring in morphologically intact streams).

Climate change influence

Taxa considered in the Fauna Index depend most strongly on hydromorphological conditions and organic pollution, linked to oxygen conditions due to decomposition. Climate change may adversely effect all these. Many sensitive taxa depend on high oxygen concentration, thus their proportion may dispropotional decline. Overall, taxonomic diversity of communities might be reduced and generalist taxa become dominant, so metric results become unspecific.

Stressor addressed

Hydromorphological degradation

Stressor influence on indicator

The metric declines when hydromorphological degradation increases. Most taxa which are sensitive to hydromorphological degradation are also sensitive to other stressors (e.g. organic pollution).

Specification of water type

Available for 25 German stream types; species are assigned stream type specific indicator values.

Organisation in charge of development

University of Duisburg-Essen contracted by the Federal Environment Agency and The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Deutscher Saprobienindex (neue Version) [German Saprobic Index (new version)]

Indicator name	Deutscher Saprobienindex (neue Version)
Indicator abbreviation	SI
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	Benthic invertebrates
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Presence of sensitive taxa
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

The German Saprobic Index is core metric within the PERLODES assessment system, module "organic pollution".

Description (aim, method)

The SI reflects the saprobic condition of a water body. The higher the index value, the higher the intensity of organic material decomposition, the more food is available for benthic invertebrates - a higher rate of decomposition is coupled to decreasing oxygen concentrations. With increasing saprobic conditions, taxa being able to toleratoe low oxygen concentration will dominate: rheophil taxa will decrease, while detritus feeders, pelal prefering taxa, as well as profundal and potamal taxa increase. SIs over 3.0 are dominated by tolerant Chironomidae and Oligochaeta; even higher SIs show only micro organsim communities with Sphaerotilus natans.

Climate change influence

Taxa considered in the Saprobic Index depend most strongly on the oxygen concentration which declines with increasing organic pollution and temperature.
Saprobic indices evaluate the organic load in streams and eventually the oxygen content. Thus, if the organic load increases the saprobic indices will increase. Species with a high oxygen demand respectively low saprobic value will disappear and species with a low oxygen demand respectively high saprobic value will increase. Many sensitive taxa depend on high oxygen concentration, thus their proportion may dispropotional decline.
Overall, taxonomic diversity of communities might be reduced and generalist taxa become dominant, so metric results become unspecific. Due to increasing temperatures and/or higher organic pollution the Saprobic Index might more often yield a high result, thus being unspecific to the actual reason.

Stressor addressed

Organic pollution

Stressor influence on indicator

The metric value increases with increasing organic pollution. Slight increases have been experienced if other impacts with potamolisation effects are present, such as daming or sediment intake. Acidification leads to a metric decline.

Specification of water type

Available for 31 German stream types.

Organisation in charge of development

University of Duisburg-Essen contracted by the Federal Environment Agency and The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Rolauffs, P., Hering, D., Sommerhäuser, M., Jähnig, S. & Rödiger, S. (2003): Entwicklung eines leitbildorientierten Saprobienindexes für die biologische Fließgewässerbewertung. Umweltbundesamt Texte 11/03. Forschungsbericht 200 24 227.
Meier, C., Böhmer, J., Biss, R.; Feld, C., Haase, P., Lorenz, A., Rawer-Jost, C., Rolauffs, P., Schindehütte, K., Schöll, F., Sundermann, A., Zenker, A. & Hering, D. (2006): Weiterentwicklung und Anpassung des nationalen Bewertungssystems für Makrozoobenthos an neue internationale Vorgaben. Abschlussbericht im Auftrag des Umweltbundesamtes.

Links

www.fliessgewaesserbewertung.de [June 2006].

EPT [%] (Häufigkeitsklassen) [EPT [%] (abundance classes)]

Indicator name	EPT [%] (Häufigkeitsklassen)
Indicator abbreviation	EPT
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	Benthic invertebrates
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Composition, diversity
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

EPT [%] is core metric within the PERLODES assment system, module "general degradation".

Description (aim, method)

The three insect orders (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera) comprise stress intolerant taxa, with rather high habitat requirements in both, aquatic and riparian environment. The metric reflects the proportion of undisturbed dominant habitat, it generally reacts to adverse effects of water quality and stream morphology. A high metric value usually represents undisturbed, highly structred streams.

Climate change influence

Taxa considered in the EPT core metric depend most strongly on the oxygen concentration which declines with increasing organic pollution and temperature. Larval stages of many taxa require good oxygenation of water, and might thus be negatively influenced. The metric might more often yield a lower result, unspecific to the actual stressor.
Overall, taxonomic diversity of communities might be reduced and generalist taxa become dominant.

Stressor addressed

Organic pollution, hydromorphological degradation, acidification, (general degradation)

Stressor influence on indicator

The metric value declines when degradation / stress increases.

Specification of water type

Available for 28 German stream types.

Organisation in charge of development

University of Duisburg-Essen contracted by the Federal Environment Agency and The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Barbour, M. T., Gerritsen, J., Snyder, B. D. & Stribling, J. B. (1997): Revision to rapid bioassessment protocols for use in streams and rivers. Periphyton, benthic macroinvertebrates and fish.
DeShon, J. E. (1995): Development and application of the invertebrate community index (ICI): 217-243. In Davis W. S. &. Simon T. P (eds.). Biological assessment and criteria: Tools for water resource planning and decision making. Lewis Publishers, Boca Raton, Florida.
Meier, C., Böhmer, J., Biss, R.; Feld, C., Haase, P., Lorenz, A., Rawer-Jost, C., Rolauffs, P., Schindehütte, K., Schöll, F., Sundermann, A., Zenker, A. & Hering, D. (2006): Weiterentwicklung und Anpassung des nationalen Bewertungssystems für Makrozoobenthos an neue internationale Vorgaben. Abschlussbericht im Auftrag des Umweltbundesamtes.

Links

www.fliessgewaesserbewertung.de [June 2006].

Lake Outlet Typology Index, quantitativ [Lake outlet index]

Indicator name	Lake Outlet Typology Index, quantitativ
Indicator abbreviation	LTI_quan
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	Benthic invertebrates
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Presence of sensitive taxa
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

The LTI_quan is core metric within the PERLODES assessment system, module "general degradation".

Description (aim, method)

The metric is based on taxa prefering or being characteristic for lake outlets, which have been assigned indicator values. The metric is available with presence/absence data (LTI_qual) or abundances (LTI_quan).
A high LTIquan-value indicates a high proportion of lake outlet associated taxa, a low value indicates a high proportion of generalists, thus reflecting the degree of characteristic conditions of lake outlet streams. Local factors, such as substrate or current velocity seem to be more important than physical or trophic state of the lake.

Climate change influence

The Lake Outlet Typology Index might be influenced by increasing tempererature and declining oxygen conditions, unspecific due to less specific conditions.

Stressor addressed

General Degradation

Stressor influence on indicator

The metric value increases with increasing stress.

Specification of water type

Developed and tested in one stream type (lake outlets) only.

Organisation in charge of development

University of Duisburg-Essen contracted by the Federal Environment Agency and The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Brunke, M. (2004): Stream typology and lake outlets – a perspective towards validation and assessment from northern Germany (Schleswig-Holstein). Limnologica 34: 460-478.
Meier, C., Böhmer, J., Biss, R.; Feld, C., Haase, P., Lorenz, A., Rawer-Jost, C., Rolauffs, P., Schindehütte, K., Schöll, F., Sundermann, A., Zenker, A. & Hering, D. (2006): Weiterentwicklung und Anpassung des nationalen Bewertungssystems für Makrozoobenthos an neue internationale Vorgaben. Abschlussbericht im Auftrag des Umweltbundesamtes.

Links

www.fliessgewaesserbewertung.de [June 2006].

Oligosaprobe [%] (Häufigkeitsklassen) [Saprobic valence Oligosaprobic [%] (abundance classes) (scored taxa = 100%)]

Indicator name	Oligosaprobe [%] (Häufigkeitsklassen)
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	Benthic invertebrates
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Presence of sensitive taxa
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

Saprobic valence Oligosaprobic [%] is core metric within the PERLODES assessment system, module "general degradation".

Description (aim, method)

The metric reflects the proportion of organisms prefering oligosaprobic conditions; it is based on saprobic preferences of taxa. Oligosaprobic organisms rely on good oxygen conditions and need only few nutrient resources. Only a small increase of the saprobic condition, results in a decline of dominant oligosaprobic taxa and less specialised taxa take over. In higher saprobic conditions oxygen becomes the limiting element. Most oligosaprobic taxa have high requirements regarding hydromorphology, thus a high proportion of oligosaprobic taxa reflect low saprobic conditions, good oxygenation and few deficits of hydromorphology.

Climate change influence

Taxa considered for calculating the proportion of Oligosaprobic taxa depend most strongly on the oxygen concentration which declines with increasing organic pollution and temperature. Thus, if the organic load increases the saprobic indices will increase. Species with a high oxygen demand respectively low saprobic value will disappear and species with a low oxygen demand respectively high saprobic value will increase. Many sensitive taxa depend on high oxygen concentration, thus their proportion may dispropotionally decline. Overall, taxonomic diversity of communities might be reduced and generalist taxa become dominant. The metric might more often yield a lower result, unspecific to the actual stressor.

Stressor addressed

Organic pollution, hydromorphological degradation

Stressor influence on indicator

The metric value declines when degradation increases (exception: acidification and certain toxic influences).

Specification of water type

Developed and tested in one stream type (backwater and brackwater influenced baltic sea inflows) only.

Organisation in charge of development

University of Duisburg-Essen contracted by the Federal Environment Agency and The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Moog, O. (ed.) 1995. Fauna Aquatica Austriaca. 1. Auflage, Wasserwirtschaftskataster, Bundesministerium für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Wien.
Meier, C., Böhmer, J., Biss, R.; Feld, C., Haase, P., Lorenz, A., Rawer-Jost, C., Rolauffs, P., Schindehütte, K., Schöll, F., Sundermann, A., Zenker, A. & Hering, D. (2006): Weiterentwicklung und Anpassung des nationalen Bewertungssystems für Makrozoobenthos an neue internationale Vorgaben. Abschlussbericht im Auftrag des Umweltbundesamtes.

Links

www.fliessgewaesserbewertung.de [June 2006].

Potamon Typie Index (Häufigkeitsklassen) [Potamon Typie Index (abundance classes)]

Indicator name	Potamon Typie Index (Häufigkeitsklassen)
Indicator abbreviation	PTI
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	Benthic invertebrates
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Presence of sensitive taxa
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

The PTI is core metric within the PERLODES assessment system, module "general degradation".

Description (aim, method)

The PTI reflects the naturalness of macroinvertebrate communities of large rivers. It is based on indicator values of certain taxa. A high value means a high proportion of taxa typical for large rivers and few generalists. High values are possible if hydromorphological and chemical requirements of taxa are fulfilled.

Climate change influence

Taxa considered in the PTI will be affected by increased nutrient load and increased temperatures. A higher proportion of generalist taxa might occur. Additionally invading species may compete (more sucessfull) for resources and change reference communities. Stress from more frequent, more intense flood events also has an adverse effect on specialized taxa.The index might become more unspecific in the stream types it was intended as a higher proportion of generalist occurs.

Stressor addressed

General Degradation

Stressor influence on indicator

The metric value increases with increasing stress.

Specification of water type

Developed and tested for large gravel or sand rivers.

Organisation in charge of development

University of Duisburg-Essen contracted by the Federal Environment Agency and The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Schöll, F., Haybach, A. & König, B. (2005): Das erweiterte Potamontypieverfahren zur ökologischen Bewertung von Bundeswasserstraßen (Fließgewässertypen 10 und 20: kies- und sandgeprägte Ströme, Qualitätskomponente Makrozoobenthos) nach Maßgabe der EG-Wasserahmenrichtlinie. Hydrologie und Wasserbewirtschaftung 49: 234-247.
Meier, C., Böhmer, J., Biss, R.; Feld, C., Haase, P., Lorenz, A., Rawer-Jost, C., Rolauffs, P., Schindehütte, K., Schöll, F., Sundermann, A., Zenker, A. & Hering, D. (2006): Weiterentwicklung und Anpassung des nationalen Bewertungssystems für Makrozoobenthos an neue internationale Vorgaben. Abschlussbericht im Auftrag des Umweltbundesamtes.

Links

www.fliessgewaesserbewertung.de [June 2006].

Anzahl EPTCBO (Eph., Ple., Tri., Col., Bivalv., Odo.) [Number EPTCBO (Eph., Ple., Tri., Col., Bivalv., Odo.)]

Indicator name	Anzahl EPTCBO (Eph., Ple., Tri., Col., Bivalv., Odo.)
Indicator abbreviation	EPTCBO
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	Benthic invertebrates
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Composition, diversity
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

Number EPTCBO is core metric within the PERLODES assessment system, module "general degradation".

Description (aim, method)

The metric sums up number of taxa of the orders Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera, Coleoptera, Bivalvia and Odonata. It is less variable then the total number of taxa, e.g. regarding discharge variability between years. The metric reflects species diversity und thus diversity of undisturbed habitats. As EPT taxa include mostly (and BC taxa many) intolerant taxa, this metric reacts more sensitive towards stress then total number of taxa. Many species demand undisturbed habitat for both aquatic and terrestrial environment. A high metric value reflects undisturbed, rich structured streams with high habitat diversity and high species diversity.

Climate change influence

Taxa considered in the EPTCBO core metric depend most strongly on the oxygen concentration which declines with increasing organic pollution and temperature. Larval stages of many taxa require good oxygenation of water, and might thus be negatively influenced. The metric might more often yield a lower result, unspecific to the actual stressor.
Overall, taxonomic diversity of communities might be reduced and generalist taxa become dominant.

Stressor addressed

Organic pollution, hydromorphological degradation, acidification, (general degradation)

Stressor influence on indicator

The metric value declines when degradation increases.

Specification of water type

Available for 8 German stream types.

Organisation in charge of development

University of Duisburg-Essen contracted by the Federal Environment Agency and The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Lorenz, A., Hering, D., Feld, C. K. & Rolauffs, P. (2004): A new method for assessing the impact of hydromorphological degradation on the macroinvertebrate fauna in five German stream types. Hydrobiologia 516: 107-127.
Meier, C., Böhmer, J., Biss, R.; Feld, C., Haase, P., Lorenz, A., Rawer-Jost, C., Rolauffs, P., Schindehütte, K., Schöll, F., Sundermann, A., Zenker, A. & Hering, D. (2006): Weiterentwicklung und Anpassung des nationalen Bewertungssystems für Makrozoobenthos an neue internationale Vorgaben. Abschlussbericht im Auftrag des Umweltbundesamtes.

Links

www.fliessgewaesserbewertung.de [June 2006].

Anzahl Trichoptera-Taxa [Number Trichoptera-Taxa]

Indicator name	Anzahl Trichoptera-Taxa
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	Benthic invertebrates
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Composition, diversity
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

The number of Trichoptera-Taxa is core metric within the PERLODES assessment system, module "general degradation".

Description (aim, method)

The metric reflects species diversity within the order Trichoptera. Many taxa are intolerant of stress, thus the metric reacts more sensitive than total number of taxa. The order includes many taxa demanding undisturbed habitat in both aquatic and terrestrial environment and many taxa require dead wood for food or building caddis. A high metric value reflects undisturbed, rich structured streams with high habitat diversity and high species diversity.

Climate change influence

Taxa considered in the metric Number Trichopter taxa depend most strongly on the oxygen concentration which declines with increasing organic pollution and temperature. Larval stages of many taxa require good oxygenation of water, and might thus be negatively influenced. The metric might more often yield a lower result, unspecific to the actual stressor.
Overall, taxonomic diversity of communities might be reduced and generalist taxa become dominant.

Stressor addressed

General Degradation

Stressor influence on indicator

The metric value declines when degradation increases.

Specification of water type

Available for 12 German stream types.

Organisation in charge of development

University of Duisburg-Essen contracted by the Federal Environment Agency and The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Links

www.fliessgewaesserbewertung.de [June 2006].

Epipotamal-Besiedler [%] (Ind.) [Zonation preference epipotamal [%] (scored taxa = 100%)]

Indicator name	Epipotamal-Besiedler [%] (Ind.)
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	Benthic invertebrates
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Composition, diversity, presence of sensitive taxa
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

Zonation preference epipotamal [%] is core metric within the PERLODES assessment system, module "general degradation".

Description (aim, method)

The metric describes the proportion of individuals preferably living in the Epipotamal. It is based on autoecological classification of taxa of their prefered longitudinal area within a streams’ course.
Epipotamal taxa are adapted to conditions in small streams: low current velocity, fine bed substrate, lower oxygen content, higher saprobic state, higher summer temperatures. A high proportion of these taxa are present if rhithral taxa cannot meet their requirmenets.
According to the River Continuum Concept (Vannote et al. 1980) the epipotamal belongs to the medium sized streams, where production and respiration are fairly equal under undisturbed conditions. Most taxa feed on phytobenthos and organic fine material, dominating feeding types are grazers and collectors, as well as shredders. The proportion of epipotamal taxa changes under factors influencing the food chain, e.g. trophic and saprobic conditions.

Climate change influence

Taxa considered in the core metric Zonation preference epipotamal will be affected by increased nutrient load and increased temperatures. A higher proportion of generalist taxa might occur. Additionally invading species may compete (more sucessfull) for resources and change reference communities.
Overall, taxonomic diversity of communities might be reduced and generalist taxa become dominant.

Stressor addressed

Organic pollution, hydromorphological degradation

Stressor influence on indicator

The metric value increases with increasing stress. With strong increase of stress the metric declines again, as then epipotamal taxa are replaced by meta- or hypopotamal taxa or ubiquist taxa. In stream types with only few rhitrhal taxa present, the epipotamal proportion is reduced quickly. Acidification leads to decreasing proportion of epipotamal taxa.

Specification of water type

Developed and tested in one stream type (backwater and brackwater influenced baltic sea inflows) only.

Organisation in charge of development

University of Duisburg-Essen contracted by the Federal Environment Agency and The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Vannote, R. L., Minshall G. W., Cummins K. W., Sedell J. R. & Cushing C. E. (1980): The river continuum concept. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 37: 130-177.
Moog, O. (ed.) 1995. Fauna Aquatica Austriaca. 1. Auflage, Wasserwirtschaftskataster, Bundesministerium für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Wien.
Schmedtje, U. & Colling, M. (1996). Ökologische Typisierung der aquatischen Makrofauna. Informationsberichte des Bayerischen Landesamtes für Wasserwirtschaft 4/96.
Meier, C., Böhmer, J., Biss, R.; Feld, C., Haase, P., Lorenz, A., Rawer-Jost, C., Rolauffs, P., Schindehütte, K., Schöll, F., Sundermann, A., Zenker, A. & Hering, D. (2006): Weiterentwicklung und Anpassung des nationalen Bewertungssystems für Makrozoobenthos an neue internationale Vorgaben. Abschlussbericht im Auftrag des Umweltbundesamtes.

Links

www.fliessgewaesserbewertung.de [June 2006].

Epirhithral-Besiedler [%] (Ind.) [Zonation preference epirhithral [%] (scored taxa = 100%)]

Indicator name	Epirhithral-Besiedler [%] (Ind.)
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	Benthic invertebrates
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Composition, diversity, presence of sensitive taxa
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

Zonation preference epirhithral [%] (scored taxa = 100%) is core metric within the PERLODES assessment system, module "general degradation".

Description (aim, method)

The metric describes the proportion of individuals preferably living in the Epirhithral. It is based on autoecological classification of taxa for their prefered longitudinal area within a streams’ course.
Epirhithral taxa are adapted to conditions in headwater streams: high current velocity, coarse substrate, good oxygenation, low saprobic condition, low summer temperatures. Many epirhitrhal taxa need highly structured, shallow shore areas. Less taxa occur if these conditions are not given.
According to the River Continuum Concept (Vannote et al. 1988) the epirhithral belongs to the streams where production is lower than respiration. Epirhithral taxa mainly feed on organic material such as leaves and detritus introduced from the shores. Feeding types include shredders and filter feeders and fewer grazers. The proportion of epirhithral taxa changes under factors influencing the food chain, e.g. vegetations, dead wood.

Climate change influence

Taxa considered in the core metric Zonation preference epirhithral will be affected by increased nutrient load and increased temperatures. A higher proportion of generalist taxa might occur.
Overall, taxonomic diversity of communities might be reduced and generalist taxa become dominant.

Stressor addressed

Organic pollution, hydromorphological degradation

Stressor influence on indicator

The metric value declines with increasing stress, especially for potamalisation effects from increasing saprobic conditions, sediment inflow or water retention. If acidification is the main stressor, the metric value increases.

Specification of water type

Developed and tested for two stream types (carbonic mountain streams).

Organisation in charge of development

University of Duisburg-Essen contracted by the Federal Environment Agency and The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Links

www.fliessgewaesserbewertung.de [June 2006].

Hyporhithral-Besiedler [%] (Ind.) [Zonation preference hyporhithral [%] (scored taxa = 100%)]

Indicator name	Hyporhithral-Besiedler [%] (Ind.)
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	Benthic invertebrates
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Composition, diversity, presence of sensitive taxa
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

Zonation preference hyporhithral [%] is core metric within the PERLODES assessment system, module "general degradation".

Description (aim, method)

The metric describes the proportion of individuals preferably living in the hyporhithral. It is based on autoecological classification of taxa of their prefered longitudinal area within a streams’ course.
Hyporhithral taxa adapted to conditions of the lower areas of mountainous streams: relatively high current velocity, coarse substrates, good oxygenation, low saprobic condition and low summer temperatures. Generally, many rhithral taxa need close connection of the stream and its shore areas. The proportion of hyporhithral taxa declines towards epirhitrhal as well as potamal. In the relevant stream type (usually belonging to epi- and metarhithral) only low metric values can be expected.
According to the River Continuum Concept (Vannote et al. 1980) the hyporhithral belongs to the intermediate section between small and medium sized streams, where in undisturbed condition respiration is somewhat higher than production. Hyporhithral taxa feed on organic coarse and fine detritus and periphyton. Present feeding types include gatheres and collectors, besides shredders and grazers. The proportion of epirhithral taxa changes under factors influencing the food chain, e.g. vegetation, trophic state.

Climate change influence

Taxa considered in the core metric Zonation preference hyporhithral will be affected by increased nutrient load and increased temperatures. Taxonomic diversity of communities might be reduced and generalist taxa become dominant. The index might become more unspecific in the area it was intended as a higher proportion of generalist occurs. As potamolisation effects occur, it might be applicable in former metarhithral areas.

Stressor addressed

Organic pollution, hydromorphological degradation

Stressor influence on indicator

The metric value increases in headwater streams with increasing stress; for very strong stress and generally in rivers, it declines with increasing stress.

Specification of water type

Developed and tested for one stream type (silicious mountain streams) only.

Organisation in charge of development

University of Duisburg-Essen contracted by the Federal Environment Agency and The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Links

www.fliessgewaesserbewertung.de [June 2006].

Litoral-Besiedler [%] (Ind.) [Zonation preference littoral [%] (scored taxa = 100%)]

Indicator name	Litoral-Besiedler [%] (Ind.)
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	Benthic invertebrates
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Composition, diversity, presence of sensitive taxa
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

Zonation preference littoral [%] is core metric within the PERLODES assessment system, module "general degradation".

Description (aim, method)

The metric describes the proportion of individuals preferably living in the littoral. It is based on autoecological classification of taxa for their prefered longitudinal area within a streams’ course and prefered depth zone in lakes.
Littoral taxa are adapted to the conditions of shore area and shallow areas of lakes, preferring low current velocity, fine substrates and higher summer temperatures compared to typical stream taxa. Many littoral taxa only need submerged and/or emerged macrophytes. In undisturbed streams they are often outnumbered by superior stream taxa and therefore restricted to backwaters. A high proportion of littoral taxa indicate too low current velocity, missing structural diversity of submergend areas or missing hard substrates. Unavailable shading leading to an increased macrophyte growth and higher water temperatures boost littoral taxa in lowland streams. Many generalist taxa occur in different longitudinal stream zones as well as in the lake littoral and are thus classified as littoral taxa. A high proportion of littoral taxa can therefore also indicate a high proportion of generalists. Corresponding to lake food chains many filter feeders and gatheres are amongst the littoral taxa. The proportion of littoral taxa changes under factors influencing the food chain, e.g. saprobic conditions, water retention.

Climate change influence

Taxa considered in the metric Zonation preference littoral depend on macrophyte growth, which may increase due to higher temperatures and start earlier in spring. Dammed and unshaded stream reaches will be prone of large masses of macrophytes. Fish and macroinvertebrate communities bound to macrophyte stands will increase, leading to stressor unspecific metric results.

Stressor addressed

Organic pollution, hydromorphological degradation

Stressor influence on indicator

The metric value increases with increasing stress.

Specification of water type

The metric has been developed and tested for six lowland stream types.

Organisation in charge of development

University of Duisburg-Essen contracted by the Federal Environment Agency and The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Links

www.fliessgewaesserbewertung.de [June 2006].

Metapotamal-Besiedler [%] (Ind.) [Zonation preference metapotamal [%] (scored taxa = 100%)]

Indicator name	Metapotamal-Besiedler [%] (Ind.)
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	Benthic invertebrates
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Composition, diversity, presence of sensitive taxa
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

Zonation preference metapotamal [%] (scored taxa = 100%) is core metric within the PERLODES assessment system, module "general degradation".

Description (aim, method)

The metric describes the proportion of individuals preferably living in the metapotamal. It is based on autoecological classification of taxa of their prefered longitudinal area within a streams’ course.
Metapotamal taxa are adapted to the conditions of rivers, preferring low current velocity, fine substrates, higher saprobic conditions and higher summer temperatures.
According to the River Continuum Concept (Vannote et al. 19080) the metapotamal belongs to the medium sized streams, where respiration is higher then prodcution under undisturbed conditions. Most taxa feed on organic fine material; dominating feeding types are collectors - shredders and grazers are only occasionally present. The proportion of potamal taxa changes under factors influencing the food chain, e.g. trophic and saprobic conditions.

Climate change influence

Taxa considered in the core metric Zonation preference metapotamal will be affected by increased nutrient load and increased temperatures. Taxonomic diversity of communities might be reduced and generalist taxa become dominant. The index might become more unspecific in the area it was intended as a higher proportion of generalist occurs. As potamolisation effects occur, it might be applicable in former epipotamal or hyporhithral areas.

Stressor addressed

Organic pollution, hydromorphological degradation

Stressor influence on indicator

The metric value increases with increasing stress, especially for potamalisation effects from increasing saprobic conditions, sediment inflow or water retention. If acidification is the main stressor, the metric value decreases.

Specification of water type

Developed and tested in one stream type (backwater and brackwater influenced baltic sea inflows) only.

Organisation in charge of development

University of Duisburg-Essen contracted by the Federal Environment Agency and The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Links

www.fliessgewaesserbewertung.de [June 2006].

Metarhithral-Besiedler [%] (Ind.) [Zonation preference metarhithral [%] (scored taxa = 100%)]

Indicator name	Metarhithral-Besiedler [%] (Ind.)
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	Benthic invertebrates
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Composition, diversity, presence of sensitive taxa
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

Zonation preference metarhithral [%] is core metric within the PERLODES assessment system, module "general degradation".

Description (aim, method)

The metric describes the proportion of individuals preferably living in the metarhithral. It is based on autoecological classification of taxa of their prefered longitudinal area within a streams’ course.
Metarhitral taxa are adapted to conditions in medium sized streams: high current velocity, coarse substrate, good oxygenation, low saprobic condition, low summer temperatures. Many rhithral taxa need highly structured, shallow shore areas. The proportion of metarhithral taxa declines if these conditions are not present (any more). In small and medium sized streams metarhithral taxa are at the verge of their occurrence, thus quickly disappearing with only small stress effective.
According to the River Continuum Concept (Vannote et al. 1988) the metarhithral belongs to the streams where production is lower than respiration. Metarhithral taxa mainly feed on organic material such as leaves and detritus introduced from the shores. Feeding types include shredders and filter feeders and fewer grazers. The proportion of metarhithral taxa changes under factors influencing the food chain, e.g. vegetation, availability of dead wood.

Climate change influence

Taxa considered in the core metric Zonation preference metarhithral will be affected by increased nutrient load and increased temperatures. Taxonomic diversity of communities might be reduced and generalist taxa become dominant. The index might become more unspecific in the area it was intended as a higher proportion of generalist occurs. As potamolisation effects occur, it might be applicable in former epirhithral areas.

Stressor addressed

Organic pollution, hydromorphological degradation

Stressor influence on indicator

Specification of water type

Developed and tested for two stream types (silicous mountain streams).

Organisation in charge of development

University of Duisburg-Essen contracted by the Federal Environment Agency and The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Links

www.fliessgewaesserbewertung.de [June 2006].

Pelal-Besiedler [%] (Ind.) [Microhabitat preference Pelal [%] (scored taxa = 100%)]

Indicator name	Pelal-Besiedler [%] (Ind.)
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	Benthic invertebrates
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Composition, diversity, presence of sensitive taxa
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

Microhabitat preference Pelal [%] is core metric within the PERLODES assessment system, module "general degradation".

Description (aim, method)

The metric describes the proportion of individuals preferably living on substrate type pelal. It is based on autoecological classification of taxa of their prefered substrate. Pelal taxa are adapted to conditions in streams with fine substrates, such as mud with high FPOM content, low current velocities and a low oxygen interstitial lacking larger gaps. Taxa burrow in the sediment, feeding types mainly include detritus and filter feeders. Many taxa tolerate higher saprobic conditions, and cope with low structural hetereogeneity; many taxa are generalists, potamal or lentic taxa.

Climate change influence

Taxa considered in the core metric Microhabitat preference Pelal will be affected by increased nutrient load and increased temperatures, combined with reduced discharge. Climate change may result in an increased inflow of fine sediments (and higher organic pollution), resulting in an increase of this metric. Taxa tolerate high saprobic conditions, thus species with a low oxygen demand respectively high saprobic value will increase. Taxonomic diversity of communities might be reduced and generalist taxa become dominant.

Stressor addressed

Organic pollution, hydromorphological degradation, (general degradation)

Stressor influence on indicator

The metric value increases with increasing stress as in most undisturbed streams only few pelal taxa are present. If acidification is the main stressor, the metric value decreases. In stream types with naturally high proportion of pelal taxa (backwater and brackwater influenced baltic sea inflows), characteristic taxa are replaced by ubiquist taxa and thus the metric declines.

Specification of water type

Developed and tested for three lowland stream types.

Organisation in charge of development

University of Duisburg-Essen contracted by the Federal Environment Agency and The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Links

www.fliessgewaesserbewertung.de [June 2006].

Phytal-Besiedler [%] (Ind.) [Microhabitat preference Phytal [%] (scored taxa = 100%)]

Indicator name	Phytal-Besiedler [%] (Ind.)
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	Benthic invertebrates
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Composition, diversity, presence of sensitive taxa
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

Microhabitat preference Phytal [%] (scored taxa = 100%) is core metric within the PERLODES assessment system, module "general degradation".

Description (aim, method)

The metric describes the proportion of individuals preferably living on substrate type phytal. It is based on autoecological classification of taxa of their prefered substrate. Phytal preferring taxa are adapted to macrophyte stock as habitat or food; many litoral taxa prefer phytal as substrate. High metric values often indicate increased trophic conditions and lower current velocities.

Climate change influence

Taxa considered in the metric Microhabitat preference Phytal depend on macrophyte growth, which may increase due to higher temperatures and start earlier in spring. Dammed and unshaded stream reaches will be prone of large masses of macrophytes. Fish and macroinvertebrate communities bound to macrophyte stands will increase, leading to stressor unspecific metric results.

Stressor addressed

Organic pollution, hydromorphological degradation, (general degradation)

Stressor influence on indicator

The metric value increases with increasing stress, especially by eutrophication and water retention, in small streams by reduced shading.

Specification of water type

Developed and tested in one stream type (lake outlets) only.

Organisation in charge of development

University of Duisburg-Essen contracted by the Federal Environment Agency and The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Links

www.fliessgewaesserbewertung.de [June 2006].

Rheoindex (Banning, Häufigkeitsklassen) [Rheoindex (Banning, abundance classes)]

Indicator name	Rheoindex (Banning, Häufigkeitsklassen)
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	Benthic invertebrates
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Presence of sensitive taxa
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

Rheoindex (Banning, with abundance classes) is core metric within the PERLODES assessment system, module "general degradation".

Description (aim, method)

The Rheoindex describes the proportion of rheophil / rheobiont taxa to limnophil and generalist taxa. The proportion of different preferences are considered, allowing for conclusions of the biological effective stream conditions. A metric value around 1 reflects a rheophil community, a value close to 0 reflects a limnophil community or one with many generalist taxa.
Many stream taxa require good water quality and oxygen conditions, most associated with coarse substrates. Thus substrate changes and pollution also affect the Rheoindex.

Climate change influence

The Rheoindex is essentially dependant on the oxygen conditions, which might decline with increasing organic pollution, increasing temperature or reduced discharge conditions.
Many sensitive taxa depend on high oxygen concentration, thus may dispropotionally decline. Taxonomic diversity of communities might be reduced and generalist taxa become dominant, so metric results become unspecific.

Stressor addressed

General Degradation

Stressor influence on indicator

The metric value declines with increasing potamalisation effects e.g. from water withdrawl, organic pollution and inflow of fine sediments. Stress resulting in more rhithral conditions, such as channelization, lead to an increasing metric value.

Specification of water type

Available for 11 alpine and mountain stream types.

Organisation in charge of development

University of Duisburg-Essen contracted by the Federal Environment Agency and The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Banning, M. (1998): Auswirkungen des Aufstaus größerer Flüsse auf das Makrozoobenthos dargestellt am Beispiel der Donau. Essener ökologische Schriften 9. Westarp-Wiss., Hohenwarsleben.
Meier, C., Böhmer, J., Biss, R.; Feld, C., Haase, P., Lorenz, A., Rawer-Jost, C., Rolauffs, P., Schindehütte, K., Schöll, F., Sundermann, A., Zenker, A. & Hering, D. (2006): Weiterentwicklung und Anpassung des nationalen Bewertungssystems für Makrozoobenthos an neue internationale Vorgaben. Abschlussbericht im Auftrag des Umweltbundesamtes.

Links

www.fliessgewaesserbewertung.de [June 2006].

Säureklassen [Acid classes]

Indicator name	Säureklassen
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	Benthic invertebrates
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Presence of sensitive taxa
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

Acid classes is core metric within the PERLODES assessment system, module "acidification".

Description (aim, method)

The acid classes reflect the species deficit caused by acidification, in comparison to a reference state. Most Mollusca, Crustacea and many Ephemeroptera are acid sensitive taxa; many Plecoptera and Trichoptera are acid tolerant - thus in more acid streams more Plecoptera and Trichoptera are present, Ephemeroptera are reduced and Mollusca and Crustacea are missing. Following these changes in community composition the Saprobic Index is often reduced.

Climate change influence

Stressor addressed

Acidification

Stressor influence on indicator

The metric value increases with increasing acidification and declines with increasing organic pollution. Toxic and other influences, leading to taxonomic depletion, can also lead to an increasing metric value.

Specification of water type

Available for silicious mountain streams (two stream types).

Organisation in charge of development

University of Duisburg-Essen contracted by the Federal Environment Agency and The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Braukmann, U. 2000: Hydrochemische und biologische Merkmale regionaler Bachtypen in Baden-Württemberg. Landesanstalt für Umweltschutz Baden-Württemberg, Oberirdische Gewässer, Gewässerökologie 56, 501 S.
Braukmann, U. & Biss, R. (2004): Conceptual study – An improved method to assess acidification in German streams by using benthic macroinvertebrates. Limnologica 34 (4): 433-450.
Meier, C., Böhmer, J., Biss, R.; Feld, C., Haase, P., Lorenz, A., Rawer-Jost, C., Rolauffs, P., Schindehütte, K., Schöll, F., Sundermann, A., Zenker, A. & Hering, D. (2006): Weiterentwicklung und Anpassung des nationalen Bewertungssystems für Makrozoobenthos an neue internationale Vorgaben. Abschlussbericht im Auftrag des Umweltbundesamtes.

Links

www.fliessgewaesserbewertung.de [June 2006].

PHYTOFLUSS Trophie Index [PHYTOFLUSS Trophic Index]

Indicator name	PHYTOFLUSS Trophie Index
Indicator abbreviation	PHYTOFLUSS
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	Phytoplankton
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Abundance, composition, biomass
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

PHYTOFLUSS is a multi metric assessment system, employing different core metrics for different stream types. The trophic state is assessed from the average from at least three metrics.

Description (aim, method)

Stream sections are assessed from a taxa list and additional physiso-chemical measurements.
Phytoplankton reflects eutrophication caused by increased nutrient input to the river. The average of at least three different core metrics are considered: total chlorophyll a, up to three different algae class ratios and a stream type specific index value Potamoplankton (TIP), the latter two reflecting taxonomic composition.

Climate change influence

As climate conditions change, effects either directly on biota or indirectly by effects on hydrology / morphology / (biogeo-) chemistry may occur and enforce community change. Indicator organismens may be influenced (resulting in change of presence / absence or abundance), meaning that the assessment system may loose it’s ability to stream type and stressor specific assessment. This may require modification of indicator organisms used, respective indicator values, threshold value shifting or additional modules.
PHYTOFLUSS may be especially affected by increased eutrophication, leading to increasingly high (then unspecific) assessment results.

Stressor addressed

Eutrophication

Stressor influence on indicator

The PHYTOFLUSS Trophic Index value increases with increasing organic pollution, ranging from 0.5 (very good) to 5.5 (bad).

Specification of water type

Available for phytoplankton rich stream types, i.e. large streams and rivers, with on average over 20µg/L of chlorophyll a between April and October (natural discharge conditions).

Organisation in charge of development

Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Dept. Shallow Lakes and Lowland Rivers, Berlin contracted by the Federal Environment Agency and The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Mischke, U., Behrendt, H., Köhler, J. & Opitz, D. (2005): Überarbeiteter Endbericht zum LAWA-Vorhaben: Entwicklung eines Bewertungsverfahrens für Fließgewässer mittels Phytoplankton zur Umsetzung der EU-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie. 20.05.2005, Im Auftrag der Länderarbeitsgemeinschaft Wasser (LAWA), IGB.Berlin-Friedrichshagen: 1-99.
Mischke, U., Behrendt, H. & Nixdorf, B. (2006): Die Bedeutung des Phytoplanktons für die Bewertung staugeregelter Flüsse nach WRRL. In: Müller, D., Schöl, A., Bergfeld, T. & Strunck, Y. Staugeregelte Flüsse in Deutschland. Limnologie aktuell 12. Schweizerbart´sche Verlagsbuchhandlung. Stuttgart: 313-332.
Mischke, U. (2006): Bundesweiter Praxistest eines Bewertungsverfahrens für Phytoplankton in Fließgewässern Deutschlands zur Umsetzung der EU-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie - Verfahrensvereinfachung und -überprüfung mit Handbuchentwurf. LAWA-Projekt O3.05. LAWA (Länderarbeitsgemeinschaft Wasser). IGB.Berlin-Friedrichshagen. S. 68.
Mischke, U. & H. Behrendt (2007): Handbuch zum Bewertungsverfahren von Fließgewässern mittels Phytoplankton zur Umsetzung der EU-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie in Deutschland. WeißenseeVerlag. S. 88. ISBN 978-3-89998-105-6
Böhmer J. & U. Mischke (2008): Auswertungssoftware Version PhytoFluss 2.0 mit Informationen zur Software PhytoFluss mit Eingabeformat zum deutschen Bewertungsverfahren von Fließgewässern mittels Phytoplankton modifiziert nach Mischke & Behrendt 2007 zur Umsetzung der EU-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie.

Total chlorophyll a [µg/l]

Indicator name	Total chlorophyll a [µg/l]
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	Phytoplankton
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Abundance, biomass
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

Total chlorophyll a is core metric in the PHYTOFLUSS assessment system.

Description (aim, method)

Class boundaries of chlorophyll a consider geogen phosphor background conditions and type specific habitat conditions. Measured chlorophyll a concentrations are transformed to a gradual index in the range of 0.5 to 5.5 by mathematic function.

Climate change influence

Total chlorophyll a depends on the phytoplankton growth, which is dependant on nutrients and water temperature. Higher temperatures will enhance growth rates espacially in early spring and late fall, leading to increased metric values, not due to higher nutrient concentrations.

Stressor addressed

Eutrophication

Stressor influence on indicator

The metric value increases with increasing organic pollution, ranging from 0.5 (very good) to 5.5 (bad).

Specification of water type

Available for phytoplankton rich stream types, i.e. large streams and rivers, with on average over 20µg/L of chlorophyll a between April and October (natural discharge conditions).

Organisation in charge of development

Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Dept. Shallow Lakes and Lowland Rivers, Berlin contracted by the Federal Environment Agency and The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Typespecific Indexvalue Potamoplankton by means of indicator taxa TIP

Indicator name	Typespecific Indexvalue Potamoplankton by means of indicator taxa TIP
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	Phytoplankton
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Composition
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

TIP is core metric in the PHYTOFLUSS assessment system.

Description (aim, method)

This metric consists of a stream type specific taxa index calculated according to the dominance of certain indicator taxa. Indicator taxa have been assigned trophic indices and weighting factors.

Climate change influence

Indicator taxa considered in TIP depend on nutrients and water temperature. Higher temperatures, with decreased oxygen concentrations will favour taxa typical for higher trophic states. Thus metric values, not due to higher nutrient concentrations will occur more frequently.

Stressor addressed

Eutrophication

Stressor influence on indicator

The metric value increases with increasing eutrophication, ranging from 0.5 (very good) to 5.5 (bad).

Specification of water type

Available for phytoplankton rich stream types, i.e. large streams and rivers, with on average over 20µg/L of chlorophyll a between April and October (natural discharge conditions).

Organisation in charge of development

Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Dept. Shallow Lakes and Lowland Rivers, Berlin contracted by the Federal Environment Agency and The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Pennales Index [%] of total biovolume

Indicator name	Pennales Index [%] of total biovolume
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	Phytoplankton
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Composition
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

Pennales Index [%] is core metric in the PHYTOFLUSS assessment system, one of three algae class indices.

Description (aim, method)

This metric evaluates the proportion of a certain algae class compared to the total biovolume.
The class boundaries describe selected trophic states, as the metric does not show a gradual distribution among trophic states.

Climate change influence

Indicator taxa considered in the Pennales Index depend on nutrients and water temperature. It aims at differenciating between high/good and good/moderate status, thus increasing eutrophication and/or higher temperatures, might result in more frequent misevalutation of the trophic status.

Stressor addressed

Eutrophication

Stressor influence on indicator

The metric value declines with increasing degradation.

Specification of water type

Available for phytoplankton rich stream types, i.e. large streams and rivers, with on average over 20µg/L of chlorophyll a between April and October (natural discharge conditions).

Organisation in charge of development

Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Dept. Shallow Lakes and Lowland Rivers, Berlin contracted by the Federal Environment Agency and The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Chlorophytes Index [%] of total biovolume

Indicator name	Chlorophytes Index [%] of total biovolume
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	Phytoplankton
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Composition
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

Chlorophytes Index [%] is core metric in the PHYTOFLUSS assessment system, one of three algae class indices.

Description (aim, method)

This metric evaluates the proportion of a certain algae class compared to the total biovolume.
The class boundaries describe only selected trophic states, as the metric does not show a gradual distribution among trophic states.

Climate change influence

Indicator taxa considered in the Chlorophytes Index depend on nutrients and water temperature. It aims at differenciating between moderate/poor status, thus increasing eutrophication and/or higher temperatures, might result in more frequent misevalutation of the trophic status.

Stressor addressed

Eutrophication

Stressor influence on indicator

The metric value increases with increasing degradation.

Specification of water type

Available for phytoplankton rich stream types, i.e. large streams and rivers, with on average over 20µg/L of chlorophyll a between April and October (natural discharge conditions).

Organisation in charge of development

Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Dept. Shallow Lakes and Lowland Rivers, Berlin contracted by the Federal Environment Agency and The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Cyanobacteria Index [%] of total biovolume

Indicator name	Cyanobacteria Index [%] of total biovolume
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	Phytoplankton
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Composition
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

Cyanobacteria Index [%] is core metric in the PHYTOFLUSS assessment system, one of three algae class indices.

Description (aim, method)

Climate change influence

Indicator taxa considered in the Cyanobacteria Index depend on nutrients and water temperature. It aims at differenciating between moderate/poor status, thus increasing eutrophication and/or higher temperatures, might result in more frequent misevalutation of the trophic status.

Stressor addressed

Eutrophication

Stressor influence on indicator

The metric value increases with increasing degradation.

Specification of water type

Available for phytoplankton rich stream types, i.e. large streams and rivers, with on average over 20µg/L of chlorophyll a between April and October (natural discharge conditions).

Organisation in charge of development

Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Dept. Shallow Lakes and Lowland Rivers, Berlin contracted by the Federal Environment Agency and The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

PHYLIB [PHYLIB]

Indicator name	PHYLIB
Indicator abbreviation	PHYLIB
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	Phytobenthos, Makrophytes
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Abundance, composition
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

PHYLIB is a multi metric assessment for Macrophytes and Phytobenthos and comprises three modules: Makrophytes (long term indicators), Phytobenthos without Diatoms (intermediate) and Diatoms (short term indicators) integrating over different time scales. Overall assessment is achieved by averaging results of all available modules.

Description (aim, method)

Assessment is based on comparison of the observed vegetation with a near natural reference situation, according to indicator values of certain species. Up to three indicator groups are classified, such as reference taxa, indifferent/tolerant taxa, and disturbance indicator taxa. Additionally, indicator taxa have been assigned trophic / saprobic index values according to Rott et al. (1999, 1997), furthermore the Halobic Index (Ziemann et al. 1999) and taxa indicating acidification can be consulted.

Climate change influence

As climate conditions change, effects either directly on biota or indirectly by effects on hydrology / morphology / (biogeo-) chemistry may occur and enforce community change. Indicator organismens may be influenced (resulting in change of presence / absence or abundance), meaning that the assessment system may loose it’s ability to stream type and stressor specific assessment. This may require modification of indicator organisms used, respective indicator values, threshold value shifting or additional modules.
PHYLIB may be especially affected by increasing eutrophication, leading to generally declining (then unspecific) assessment results.
Taxa classified as indifferent/tolerant or disturbance indicator taxa might increase. More taxa of high trophic / saprobic condition might occur.

Stressor addressed

Organic pollution, (general degradation)

Stressor influence on indicator

The assessment system indicates organic pollution (eutrophication), the metric values in the range from 1 to 0 decline with increasing stress.

Specification of water type

Available for all german Macrophyte and Phytobenthos biocoenotic types (according to ecoregion, hydromorphology and geochemistry).

Organisation in charge of development

Bavarian Water Management Agency contracted by the The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Schaumburg, J., Schranz, C., Stelter, D., Hofmann, G., Gutowski, A. & Foerster, J. (2006): Instruction Protocol for the ecological Assessment of Running Waters for Implementation of the EC Water Framework Directive: Macrophytes and Phytobenthos.

Links

www.lfu.bayern.de [October 2007]

Referenzindex [Reference Index]

Indicator name	Referenzindex
Indicator abbreviation	Reference Index
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	Macrophytes
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Abundance, composition
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

The Reference Index is core metric in PHYLIB, module Macrophytes.

Description (aim, method)

The Reference Index is calculated according to indicator values of present (submerged only) species. Taxa occurring at the sampling site are assigned to type specific indicator groups: reference taxa, indifferent taxa and degradation indicator taxa. A high proportion of degradation indicator taxa lead to a decline of the metric. If only few taxa are present it must be verified if this is the result of natural causes or macrophyte depopulation due to eutrophication.

Climate change influence

The Reference Index depends on nutrients and water temperature. Macrophyte growth rates might increase due to higher temperatures and start earlier in spring.
Taxa classified as indifferent/tolerant or disturbance indicator taxa might increase. More taxa of high trophic / saprobic condition might occur or more often macrophyte depopulation.

Stressor addressed

Organic pollution

Stressor influence on indicator

The metric value declines with increasing organic pollution.

Specification of water type

Available for all german Macrophyte and Phytobenthos biocoenotic types (according to ecoregion, hydromorphology and geochemistry).

Organisation in charge of development

Bavarian Water Management Agency contracted by the The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Links

www.lfu.bayern.de [October 2007]

Makrophytenverödung [Macrophyte depopulation]

Indicator name	Makrophytenverödung
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	Macrophytes
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Abundance, composition
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

Macrophyte depopulation is core metric in PHYLIB, module Macrophytes.

Description (aim, method)

The total quantity of all submerged indicator species in a sampling site must add up to a minimum of 26 and at the same time plant quantity of indicator species must exceed 75%.
If for a particular sampling site the minimum quantity is not present, it must be verified if this is the result of natural causes or macrophyte depopulation due to eutrophication. Macrophyte depopulation must always be proven and need back up by structural, physical, chemical and biological investigations. Depopulation can be the result of trophic or saprobic stress, influence of herbicides, severe acidification, clearing or mowing of the site or introduction of herbivorous fish.

Climate change influence

Macrophyte growth depends on nutrients and water temperature. Macrophyte depopulation might occur more often under high stress, potentially aggraveted by neophytic species not (yet) considered.

Stressor addressed

Organic pollution

Stressor influence on indicator

The metric value increases with increasing organic pollution.

Specification of water type

Available for all german Macrophyte and Phytobenthos biocoenotic types (according to ecoregion, hydromorphology and geochemistry).

Organisation in charge of development

Bavarian Water Management Agency contracted by the The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Links

www.lfu.bayern.de [October 2007]

Referenzartensumme [Species composition and abundance metric]

Indicator name	Referenzartensumme
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	Phytobenthos Diatoms
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Abundance, composition
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

Species composition and abundance is core metric in PHYLIB, module Diatoms.

Description (aim, method)

This metric is based on cumulated frequencies of the general and stream type specific reference species present at the sampling site.

Climate change influence

Phytobenthic diatoms considered in the metric Species composition and abundance depend on nutrients and water temperature. Phytobenthos growth rates might increase due to higher temperatures and start earlier in spring.
More taxa of high trophic / saprobic condition might occur. Climate change may increase stressors thus lead to a decreased presence of reference species.

Stressor addressed

Organic pollution

Stressor influence on indicator

The metric value declines with increasing organic pollution.

Specification of water type

Available for all german Macrophyte and Phytobenthos biocoenotic types (according to ecoregion, hydromorphology and geochemistry).

Organisation in charge of development

Bavarian Water Management Agency contracted by the The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Links

www.lfu.bayern.de [October 2007]

Trophie Index [Trophic Index]

Indicator name	Trophie Index
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	Phytobenthos Diatoms
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Abundance, composition
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

The Trophic Index is core metric in PHYLIB, module Diatoms.

Description (aim, method)

This metric is based on the Trophic Index according to Rott et al. (1999). It operates with specific indicator values.

Climate change influence

Phytobenthic diatoms considered for the Trophic Index depend on nutrients and water temperature. Phytobenthos growth rates might increase due to higher temperatures and start earlier in spring.
More taxa of high trophic / saprobic condition might occur or more often. Climate change may increase stressors thus lead to a decreased presence of reference species. As trophic conditions increase, more tolerant species dominate the communities, resulting in lower index values.

Stressor addressed

Organic pollution

Stressor influence on indicator

The metric value declines with increasing organic pollution.

Specification of water type

Available for 12 german Phytobenthos biocoenotic types (according to ecoregion, hydromorphology and geochemistry).

Organisation in charge of development

Bavarian Water Management Agency contracted by the The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Rott, E., Binder, N., Van Dam, H., Ortler, K., Pall, K., Pfister, P., Pipp, E. (1999): Indikationslisten für Aufwuchsalgen. Teil 2: Trophieindikation und autökologische Anmerkungen. Bundesministerium für Land- und Forstwirtschaft Wien: 1–248.
Schaumburg, J., Schranz, C., Stelter, D., Hofmann, G., Gutowski, A. & Foerster, J. (2006): Instruction Protocol for the ecological Assessment of Running Waters for Implementation of the EC Water Framework Directive: Macrophytes and Phytobenthos.

Links

www.lfu.bayern.de [October 2007]

Saprobie-Index [Saprobic Index]

Indicator name	Saprobie-Index
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	Phytobenthos Diatoms
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Abundance, composition
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

The Saprobic Index is core metric in PHYLIB, module Diatoms.

Description (aim, method)

This metric is based on the Saprobic Index according to Rott et al. (1997).

Climate change influence

Phytobenthic diatoms considered for the Saprobic Index depend on nutrients and water temperature. Phytobenthos growth rates might increase due to higher temperatures and start earlier in spring.
More taxa of high trophic / saprobic condition might occur or more often macrophyte depopulation. Climate change may increase stressors thus lead to a decreased presence of reference species. As saprobic conditions increase, more tolerant species dominate the communities, resulting in lower index values.

Stressor addressed

Organic pollution

Stressor influence on indicator

The metric value declines with increasing organic pollution.

Specification of water type

Available for large rivers and streams of the North German Lowland (one biocoenotic type).

Organisation in charge of development

Bavarian Water Management Agency contracted by the The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Rott, E., Hofmann, G., Pall, K., Pfister, P., Pipp, E. (1997): Indikationslisten für Aufwuchsalgen. Teil 1: Saprobielle Indikation. Bundesministerium für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Wien: 1–73.
Schaumburg, J., Schranz, C., Stelter, D., Hofmann, G., Gutowski, A. & Foerster, J. (2006): Instruction Protocol for the ecological Assessment of Running Waters for Implementation of the EC Water Framework Directive: Macrophytes and Phytobenthos.

Links

www.lfu.bayern.de [October 2007]

Versauerungsindex [Acidification Index]

Indicator name	Versauerungsindex
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	Phytobenthos Diatoms
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Presence of sensitive taxa
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

The Acidification Index is core metric in PHYLIB, module Diatoms.

Description (aim, method)

Acidification assessment is carried out based on the occurrence of the quantitatively most important indicators of anthropogenic acidification. Species occur in high abundances if acidification is effective.

Climate change influence

Stressor addressed

Acidification

Stressor influence on indicator

Depending on the cumulated frequency of acidification indicators the ecological statusis degraded by one to four ecological status classes.

Specification of water type

Available for rivers of the siliceous Central German Upland, especially for the waters of sandstone and the bedrock.

Organisation in charge of development

Bavarian Water Management Agency contracted by the The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Links

www.lfu.bayern.de [October 2007]

Halobienindex [Halobic Index]

Indicator name	Halobienindex
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	Phytobenthos Diatoms
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Presence of sensitive taxa
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

The Halobien Index is core metric in PHYLIB, module Diatoms.

Description (aim, method)

The Halobic Index is based on species classifications according to their occurrence in different zones of salinity. If the metric exceeds 15, the ecological status is degraded by one ecological status class.

Climate change influence

Stressor addressed

Salinity

Stressor influence on indicator

The metric value increases with increasing organic pollution.

Specification of water type

For streams and rivers with a natural saline influence the Halobic Index is not valid. The same is true for naturally saline running waters, e.g. those influenced by a brine source.

Organisation in charge of development

Bavarian Water Management Agency contracted by the The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Ziemann, H., Nolting, E., Rustige, K.H. (1999): Bestimmung des Halobienindex. – In: Von Tümpling, W., Friedrich, G. (Hrsg.): Biologische Gewässeruntersuchung. Methoden der Biologischen Gewässeruntersuchung 2: 310–331.
Schaumburg, J., Schranz, C., Stelter, D., Hofmann, G., Gutowski, A. & Foerster, J. (2006): Instruction Protocol for the ecological Assessment of Running Waters for Implementation of the EC Water Framework Directive: Macrophytes and Phytobenthos.

Links

www.lfu.bayern.de [October 2007]

Reference Index

Indicator name	Reference Index
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	Phytobenthos without Diatoms
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Abundance, composition
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

The Reference Index is core metric in PHYLIB, module Phytobenthos without Diatoms.

Description (aim, method)

The Reference Index is based on indicative species of comparable ecological conditions, which are classified in four categories: reference taxa, indifferent taxa at lower stress, indifferent taxa at higher stress, degradation indicator taxa.

Climate change influence

The Reference Index depends on nutrients and water temperature. Phytobenthos growth rates might increase due to higher temperatures and start earlier in spring.
Taxa classified as indifferent/tolerant or disturbance indicator taxa might increase. More taxa of high trophic / saprobic condition might occur.
Climate change may increase stressors thus lead to a decreased presence of reference species.

Stressor addressed

Organic pollution

Stressor influence on indicator

The metric value declines with increasing organic pollution.

Specification of water type

Available for all german Macrophyte and Phytobenthos biocoenotic types (according to ecoregion, hydromorphology and geochemistry). For streams and rivers of the Alps and the Alpine Foreland presently no assessment procedure is available.

Organisation in charge of development

Bavarian Water Management Agency contracted by the The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Links

www.lfu.bayern.de [October 2007]

Taxazahl [Number of taxa]

Indicator name	Taxazahl
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	Phytobenthos without Diatoms
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Composition
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

The Number of taxa is core metric in PHYLIB, module Phytobenthos without Diatoms.

Description (aim, method)

The number of taxa is counted. Calculation of the assessment module "Phytobenthos without Diatoms" can be considered reliable, if at least five indicative taxa were found or if (in case of less than 5 taxa) the sum of the squared degrees of cover adds up to more than 16.

Climate change influence

Phytobenthos growth depends on nutrients and water temperature. Phytobenthos depopulation might occur more often under high stress, and does not allow the use of PHYLIB any more.
Climate change may increase stressors leading to less indicator taxa. Invasive species might furthermore influence species composition, violating the threshhold number of indicator taxa.

Stressor addressed

Organic pollution

Stressor influence on indicator

The metric value declines with increasing organic pollution.

Specification of water type

Organisation in charge of development

Bavarian Water Management Agency contracted by the The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Links

www.lfu.bayern.de [October 2007]

Fischbasiertes Bewertungssystem für Fließgewässer [Fishbased assessment system for streams and rivers]

Indicator name	Fischbasiertes Bewertungssystem für Fließgewässer
Indicator abbreviation	FIBS
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	Fish
Status of development	complete, test phase
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Abundance, composition, life cycle / age structure, presence of sensitive taxa
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

FIBS is a multi metric assessment system, comprising 19 metrics, which are summarized in six quality classes relevant to fish ecology. The observed fish community is compared to a reference community.

Description (aim, method)

FIBS is a multi metric index consisting of 19 metrics, summarized in six quality classes relevant to fish ecology:

fish species and guilds
species and guild abundances
age structure
migration
fish region
dominant taxa.

The overall result is the average of the available quality class results.
As a basic principle, the observed fish community is compared to a reference community.

Climate change influence

As climate conditions change, effects either directly on biota or indirectly by effects on hydrology / morphology / (biogeo-) chemistry may occur and enforce community change. Indicator organismens may be influenced (resulting in change of presence / absence or abundance), meaning that the assessment system may loose it’s ability to stream type and stressor specific assessment. This may require modification of indicator organisms used, respective indicator values, threshold value shifting or additional modules.
FIBS may be especially affected by an increase of temperature, linked to decreasing oxygen conditions, which is the essential parameter for egg development of many species. Overall assessment results may decline and turn out stressor unspecific.

Stressor addressed

Hydromorphological degradation

Stressor influence on indicator

The metric value declines with increasing hydromorphological degradation.

Specification of water type

Reference communities have been defined for most water bodies.

Organisation in charge of development

Fischereiforschungsstelle des Landes Baden-Württemberg (Fish research center Baden-Wuerttemberg) contracted by the Federal Environment Agency and The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Dußling, U., Blank, S., 2005. Software zum fischbasierten Bewertungssystem für Fließgewässer (FIBS) Fischereiforschungsstelle Baden-Württemberg, Langenargen, V8.04 April 2007.

Links

www.landwirtschaft-bw.info [October 2007]

Arten- und Gildeninventar [Species and guilds stock]

Indicator name	Arten- und Gildeninventar
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	Fish
Status of development	complete, test phase
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Composition
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

Species and guilds stock is core metric of FIBS. It itself comprises 6-10 sub metrics, which qualitatively describe the fish community.

Description (aim, method)

The metric comprises itself of 6-10 sub metrics, which qualitatively describe the fish community. Every sub-metric is compared to the reference community and accordingly assigned 5=high / 3=medium / 1=poor ecological status; the results are then averaged to yield the overall result.

Climate change influence

The species and guild stock may be changed due to influence of oxygen concentration on the egg development of many species, which may be reduced by increasing temperature. Furthermore invasive species better adapted to warmer temperature than native species might result in larger difference to reference communities.

Stressor addressed

Hydromorphological degradation

Stressor influence on indicator

The metric value declines with increasing hydromorphological degradation.

Specification of water type

Organisation in charge of development

Fischereiforschungsstelle des Landes Baden-Württemberg (Fish research center Baden-Wuerttemberg) contracted by the Federal Environment Agency and The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Dußling, U., Blank, S., 2005. Software zum fischbasierten Bewertungssystem für Fließgewässer (FIBS) Fischereiforschungsstelle Baden-Württemberg, Langenargen, V8.04 April 2007.

Links

www.landwirtschaft-bw.info [October 2007]

Artenabundanz und Gildenverteilung [Species and guilds abundance]

Indicator name	Artenabundanz und Gildenverteilung
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	Fish
Status of development	complete, test phase
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Abundance, composition
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

Species and guilds abundance is core metric of FIBS. It itself comprises three sub metrics, which quantitavly describe the fish community. The proportion of type specific species and key guilds is considered.

Description (aim, method)

The metric comprises itself three sub metrics, which quantitavely describe the fish community. The proportion of type specific species and key guilds is considered. Every sub-metric is compared to the reference community and accordingly assigned 5=high / 3=medium / 1=poor ecological status; the results are then averaged to yield the overall result.

Climate change influence

The species and guild abundance may be changed due to influence of oxygen concentration on the egg development of many species, which may be reduced by increasing temperature. Furthermore invasive species better adapted to warmer temperature than native species might result in larger difference to reference communities and disappearance of key guilds.

Stressor addressed

Hydromorphological degradation

Stressor influence on indicator

The metric value declines with increasing hydromorphological degradation.

Specification of water type

Organisation in charge of development

Fischereiforschungsstelle des Landes Baden-Württemberg (Fish research center Baden-Wuerttemberg) contracted by the Federal Environment Agency and The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Dußling, U., Blank, S., 2005. Software zum fischbasierten Bewertungssystem für Fließgewässer (FIBS) Fischereiforschungsstelle Baden-Württemberg, Langenargen, V8.04 April 2007.

Links

www.landwirtschaft-bw.info [October 2007]

Altersstruktur [Age structure]

Indicator name	Altersstruktur
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	Fish
Status of development	complete, test phase
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Age structure
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

Age structure is core metric of FIBS. It describes the proportion of 0+-individuals compared to the total number of individuals of type specific species.

Description (aim, method)

The metric describes the proportion of 0+-individuals compared to the total number of individuals of stream type specific species. According to the proportion 5 (>30%) / 3 (10-30%) / 1 (<10%) is assigned.

Climate change influence

The age structure may be changed due to influence of oxygen concentration on the egg development of many species, which may be reduced by increasing temperature. Furthermore invasive species better adapted to warmer temperature than native species might result in missing stream type specific species.

Stressor addressed

Hydromorphological degradation

Stressor influence on indicator

The metric value declines with increasing hydromorphological degradation.

Specification of water type

Organisation in charge of development

Fischereiforschungsstelle des Landes Baden-Württemberg (Fish research center Baden-Wuerttemberg) contracted by the Federal Environment Agency and The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Dußling, U., Blank, S., 2005. Software zum fischbasierten Bewertungssystem für Fließgewässer (FIBS) Fischereiforschungsstelle Baden-Württemberg, Langenargen, V8.04 April 2007.

Links

www.landwirtschaft-bw.info [October 2007]

Migrations-Index [Migration Index]

Indicator name	Migrations-Index
Indicator abbreviation	MI
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	Fish
Status of development	complete, test phase
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Composition
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

The MI is core metric of FIBS. It describes the proportion of species which cover longer migration distances.

Description (aim, method)

The metric describes the proportion of species which cover longer migration distances. A Migration Index MI is calculated, which considers proportions of fish covering short and long distances, which is then compared to the MI of the reference community.

Climate change influence

Stressor addressed

Hydromorphological degradation

Stressor influence on indicator

The metric value declines with increasing hydromorphological degradation.

Specification of water type

Organisation in charge of development

Fischereiforschungsstelle des Landes Baden-Württemberg (Fish research center Baden-Wuerttemberg) contracted by the Federal Environment Agency and The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Dußling, U., Blank, S., 2005. Software zum fischbasierten Bewertungssystem für Fließgewässer (FIBS) Fischereiforschungsstelle Baden-Württemberg, Langenargen, V8.04 April 2007.

Links

www.landwirtschaft-bw.info [October 2007]

Fischregions-Index [Fish region Index]

Indicator name	Fischregions-Index
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	Fish
Status of development	complete, test phase
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Composition
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

The Fish Region index is core metric of FIBS. It describes changes compared to the reference longitudinal affiliation of fish species.

Description (aim, method)

The metric describes changes compared to the reference longitudinal affiliation of fish species.

Climate change influence

The fish region index may be changed due to influence of oxygen concentration on the egg development of many species, which may be reduced by increasing temperature. Furthermore invasive species better adapted to warmer temperature than native species might result in larger differences to the reference community. Fish communities might be shifted towards upstream areas.

Stressor addressed

Hydromorphological degradation

Stressor influence on indicator

The metric value declines with increasing hydromorphological degradation.

Specification of water type

Organisation in charge of development

Fischereiforschungsstelle des Landes Baden-Württemberg (Fish research center Baden-Wuerttemberg) contracted by the Federal Environment Agency and The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Dußling, U., Blank, S., 2005. Software zum fischbasierten Bewertungssystem für Fließgewässer (FIBS) Fischereiforschungsstelle Baden-Württemberg, Langenargen, V8.04 April 2007.

Links

www.landwirtschaft-bw.info [October 2007]

Dominante Arten (indexbasiert) [Dominant taxa Index]

Indicator name	Dominante Arten (indexbasiert)
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	Fish
Status of development	complete, test phase
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Composition
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

The metric Dominant taxa is core metric of FIBS. It considers dominanance of species and proportion of dominance within type specific species.

Description (aim, method)

The metric considers dominance of species and the proportion of dominance within type specific species, compared to the reference. It is calculated as the average of Leitartenindex, LAI (type specific species index) and Community Dominance Index, CDI.

Climate change influence

The dominant taxa index may be changed due to influence of oxygen concentration on the egg development of many species, which may be reduced by increasing temperature. Furthermore invasive species better adapted to warmer temperature than native species might result in disappearance of type specific species or changes of domminant species.

Stressor addressed

Hydromorphological degradation

Stressor influence on indicator

The metric value declines with increasing hydromorphological degradation.

Specification of water type

Organisation in charge of development

Fischereiforschungsstelle des Landes Baden-Württemberg (Fish research center Baden-Wuerttemberg) contracted by the Federal Environment Agency and The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Dußling, U., Blank, S., 2005. Software zum fischbasierten Bewertungssystem für Fließgewässer (FIBS) Fischereiforschungsstelle Baden-Württemberg, Langenargen, V8.04 April 2007.

Links

www.landwirtschaft-bw.info [October 2007]

KaderRichtlijn Water (KRW) maatlat [WFD assessment system]

Indicator name	KaderRichtlijn Water (KRW) maatlat
Indicator abbreviation	KRW maatlat
Country	The Netherlands
Organismgroup	Benthic invertebrates
Status of development	complete, but changes in the future possible
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Abundance, composition, presence of sensitive/insensitive taxa
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

The assessment systems comprises of separate modules for each organism group. For each organism group several aspects of the community are assessed, using varying metrics. The ecological status is evaluated by combining all three module results and adhering to the "worst case principle".

Description (aim, method)

A benthic invertebrate sample is assessed based on a taxa list, from which indices ("metrics") are calculated. A software program called QBWAT is available at www.roelfpot.nl/qbwat for this purpose. The following metrics are used to determine the ecological quality class: the percentage of sensitive taxa, the percentage of individuals of species that are dominant in cases of antropogenic influences, the precentage of individuals of species that are dominant in a pristine situation.

Climate change influence

As nutrient and temperature conditions change, indicator organism communities may change and the assessment system may loose it’s ability to stream type specific assessment. This may require modification of indicator organisms used, respective indicator values or threshold value shifting.

Stressor addressed

General degradation

Stressor influence on indicator

The assessment system comprises one module for each organism group. For each organism group several metrics are calculated. Metrics are not developed to indicate a specific stressor. The different metric results are averaged and from this the ecological quality class is determined for the organism group. The overall assessment system adheres to the worst case principle, i.e. the worst module result determines the assessment result.

Specification of water type

Available for 17 Dutch water types; 7 lake types and 10 river types (class boundaries and metrics used will vary depending on the water type).

Organisation in charge of development

contractor: Stichting Toegepast Waterbeheer (STOWA), development: by a large number of experts from water authorities and private consultancy agencies

Organisation in charge of application

Water authorities

Reference

Van der Molen , D.T. and Pot, R. (eds.) (2007): Referenties en maatlatten voor natuurlijke watertypen voor de kaderrichtlijn water. Utrecht, STOWA.

Links

themas.stowa.nl [december 2007] http://www.roelfpot.nl/qbwat [january 2008]

Percentage of negative dominant indicators [WFD assessment system]

Indicator name	Percentage of negative dominant indicators
Indicator abbreviation	DN (%)
Country	The Netherlands
Organismgroup	Benthic invertebrates
Status of development	complete, but changes in the future possible
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Composition, abundance, presence of insensitive taxa
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

The metric DN (%) together with the metrics KM (%) and DP (%) are part of KRW maatlat and used to calculate the EQR. For this purpose the following equation is used for the 7 lake types: EQR = { 200*(KM%/KMmax) + (100-DN%) + (KM%+DP%) }/400 for lakes. There are two slightly different equations for the diffrent river types. KMmax depends on the watertype and is the theoretical maximum number of positive indicator species under reference conditions.

Description (aim, method)

Negative dominant indicators are species that become dominant when the ecological status of a watertype is bad. For each watertype a list of negative dominant indicators was devised. A benthic invertebrate sample is compared to this list and all individuals that are on the list with negative dominant indicators are summed and divided by the total number of individuals in the sample.

Climate change influence

As nutrient and temperature conditions change, the negative dominant indicators may become more dominant under reference conditions or other species might become more dominating with stress. This may require modification of indicator organisms used and/or treshhold values.

Stressor addressed

General degradation

Stressor influence on indicator

The percentage of negative dominant indicators will increase with increasing stress.

Specification of water type

Available for 17 Dutch water types; 7 lake types and 10 river types (class boundaries and metrics used will vary depending on the water type).

Organisation in charge of development

contractor: Stichting Toegepast Waterbeheer (STOWA), development: by a large number of experts from water authorities and private consultancy agencies

Organisation in charge of application

Water authorities

Reference

Van der Molen , D.T. and Pot, R. (eds.) (2007): Referenties en maatlatten voor natuurlijke watertypen voor de kaderrichtlijn water. Utrecht, STOWA.

Links

themas.stowa.nl [december 2007]

Percentage of positive indicators [WFD assessment system]

Indicator name	Percentage of positive indicators
Indicator abbreviation	KM (%)
Country	The Netherlands
Organismgroup	Benthic invertebrates
Status of development	complete, but changes in the future possible
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Composition, presence of sensitive taxa
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

The metric KM (%) together with the metrics DN (%) and DP (%) are part of KRW maatlat and used to calculate the EQR. For this purpose the following equation is used for the 7 lake types: EQR = { 200*(KM%/KMmax) + (100-DN%) + (KM%+DP%) }/400 for lakes. There are two slightly different equations for the diffrent river types. KMmax depends on the watertype and is the theoretical maximum number of positive indicator species under reference conditions.

Description (aim, method)

Positive indicators are taxa that are found under reference conditions. For each watertype a list of positive indicators was devised. A benthic invertebrate sample is compared to this list and all taxa that are on the list with positive indicators are summed and divided by the total number of taxa in the sample.

Climate change influence

As nutrient and temperature conditions change, species that are specific for reference conditions in the current situation might disappear and new species might become common. This may require modification of the list with positive indicators and/or treshold values.

Stressor addressed

General degradation

Stressor influence on indicator

The percentage of positive indicators will decrease with increasing stress.

Specification of water type

Available for 17 Dutch water types; 7 lake types and 10 river types (class boundaries and metrics used will vary depending on the water type).

Organisation in charge of development

contractor: Stichting Toegepast Waterbeheer (STOWA), development: by a large number of experts from water authorities and private consultancy agencies

Organisation in charge of application

Water authorities

Reference

Van der Molen , D.T. and Pot, R. (eds.) (2007): Referenties en maatlatten voor natuurlijke watertypen voor de kaderrichtlijn water. Utrecht, STOWA.

Links

themas.stowa.nl [december 2007]

Percentage of positive dominant indicators [WFD assessment system]

Indicator name	Percentage of positive dominant indicators
Indicator abbreviation	DP(%)
Country	The Netherlands
Organismgroup	Benthic invertebrates
Status of development	complete, but changes in the future possible
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Composition, abundance, presence of sensitive taxa
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

The metric KP (%) together with the metrics DN (%) and KM (%) are part of KRW maatlat and used to calculate the EQR. For this purpose the following equation is used for the 7 lake types: EQR = { 200*(KM%/KMmax) + (100-DN%) + (KM%+DP%) }/400 for lakes. There are two slightly different equations for the diffrent river types. KMmax depends on the watertype and is the theoretical maximum number of positive indicator species under reference conditions.

Description (aim, method)

Positive dominant indicators are species that become dominant when the ecological status of a watertype is high. For each watertype a list of positive dominant indicators was devised. A benthic invertebrate sample is compared to this list and all individuals that are on the list with positive dominant indicators are summed and divided by the total number of individuals in the sample.

Climate change influence

As nutrient and temperature conditions change, other species may become more dominant under reference conditions. This may require modification of indicator organisms used and/or treshhold values.

Stressor addressed

General degradation

Stressor influence on indicator

The percentage of positive dominant indicators will decrease with increasing stress.

Specification of water type

Available for 17 Dutch water types; 7 lake types and 10 river types (class boundaries and metrics used will vary depending on the water type).

Organisation in charge of development

contractor: Stichting Toegepast Waterbeheer (STOWA), development: by a large number of experts from water authorities and private consultancy agencies

Organisation in charge of application

Water authorities

Reference

Van der Molen , D.T. and Pot, R. (eds.) (2007): Referenties en maatlatten voor natuurlijke watertypen voor de kaderrichtlijn water. Utrecht, STOWA.

Links

themas.stowa.nl [december 2007]

KaderRichtlijn Water (KRW) maatlat [WFD assessment system]

Indicator name	KaderRichtlijn Water (KRW) maatlat
Indicator abbreviation	KRW maatlat
Country	The Netherlands
Organismgroup	Fish
Status of development	complete, but changes in the future possible
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Abundance, composition, presence of sensitive/insensitive taxa, life cycle / age structure (only for some watertypes)
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

Description (aim, method)

A fish sample is assessed based on a taxa list, from which indices ("metrics") are calculated. A software program called QBWAT is available at www.roelfpot.nl/qbwat for this purpose. The metrics used to determine the ecological quality class vary depending on the water type.

Climate change influence

Stressor addressed

General degradation

Stressor influence on indicator

Specification of water type

Available for 17 Dutch water types; 7 lake types and 10 river types (class boundaries and metrics used will vary depending on the water type).

Organisation in charge of development

contractor: Stichting Toegepast Waterbeheer (STOWA), development: by a large number of experts from water authorities and private consultancy agencies

Organisation in charge of application

Water authorities

Reference

Van der Molen , D.T. and Pot, R. (eds.) (2007): Referenties en maatlatten voor natuurlijke watertypen voor de kaderrichtlijn water. Utrecht, STOWA.

Links

themas.stowa.nl [december 2007] http://www.roelfpot.nl/qbwat [january 2008]

Species composition [WFD assessment system]

Indicator name	Species composition
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	The Netherlands
Organismgroup	Fish
Status of development	complete, but changes in the future possible
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Composition, presence of sensitive taxa
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

The metric comprises of three separate metrics: (1) the number of diadrome fish species, (2) the number of rheophilic fish species, and (3) the number of limnophilic fish species. The metric species composition forms together with the metric abundance the KRW maatlat for fish.

Description (aim, method)

A fish sample is compared to a list of diadrome, rheophilic and limnophilic fish species. For each category a score is assigned between zero and 1 based on the number of species present. The final score is the average of the three categories.

Climate change influence

As nutrient and temperature conditions change, the species composition may become unified under reference conditions or other species might become dominating with stress. This may require modification of indicator organisms used and/or treshhold values.

Stressor addressed

General degradation

Stressor influence on indicator

The number of diadrome, rheophilic and/or limnophilic species will increase with decreasing stress.

Specification of water type

Example of the fish metrics for the KRW maatlat for watertype: "slow flowing river on sand/clay".

Organisation in charge of development

contractor: Stichting Toegepast Waterbeheer (STOWA), development: by a large number of experts from water authorities and private consultancy agencies

Organisation in charge of application

Water authorities

Reference

Van der Molen , D.T. and Pot, R. (eds.) (2007): Referenties en maatlatten voor natuurlijke watertypen voor de kaderrichtlijn water. Utrecht, STOWA.

Links

themas.stowa.nl [december 2007]

Abundance [WFD assessment system]

Indicator name	Abundance
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	The Netherlands
Organismgroup	Fish
Status of development	complete, but changes in the future possible
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Abundance (weight), composition, presence of sensitive taxa
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

The metric comprises of two separate metrics: (1) the percentage of rheophilic fish species, and (2) the percentage of limnophilic fish species. The metric abundance forms together with the metric species composition the KRW maatlat for fish.

Description (aim, method)

A fish sample is compared to a list of rheophilic and limnophilic fish species. For each catgory a score is assigned between zero and 1, depending on the relative weight of the rheophilic and limnophilic fish. The final score is the average of the two categories.

Climate change influence

As nutrient and temperature conditions change, abundance may change under reference conditions or other species might become more dominating with stress. This may require modification of abundance threshold values applied.

Stressor addressed

General degradation

Stressor influence on indicator

The percentage of rheophilic and limnophilic species will increase with decresing stress.

Specification of water type

Example of the fish metrics for the KRW maatlat for watertype: "slow flowing river on sand/clay".

Organisation in charge of development

contractor: Stichting Toegepast Waterbeheer (STOWA), development: by a large number of experts from water authorities and private consultancy agencies

Organisation in charge of application

Water authorities

Reference

Van der Molen , D.T. and Pot, R. (eds.) (2007): Referenties en maatlatten voor natuurlijke watertypen voor de kaderrichtlijn water. Utrecht, STOWA.

Links

themas.stowa.nl [december 2007]

KaderRichtlijn Water (KRW) maatlat [WFD assessment system]

Indicator name	KaderRichtlijn Water (KRW) maatlat
Indicator abbreviation	KRW maatlat
Country	The Netherlands
Organismgroup	Diatoms
Status of development	under development
Relation to WFD-guidelines	n.a.
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

Description (aim, method)

n.a.

Climate change influence

Stressor addressed

Eutrophication

Stressor influence on indicator

Specification of water type

Not yet available.

Organisation in charge of development

contractor: Stichting Toegepast Waterbeheer (STOWA), development: by a large number of experts from water authorities and private consultancy agencies

Organisation in charge of application

Water authorities

Reference

Van der Molen , D.T. and Pot, R. (eds.) (2007): Referenties en maatlatten voor natuurlijke watertypen voor de kaderrichtlijn water. Utrecht, STOWA.

Links

themas.stowa.nl [december 2007]

KaderRichtlijn Water (KRW) maatlat [WFD assessment system]

Indicator name	KaderRichtlijn Water (KRW) maatlat
Indicator abbreviation	KRW maatlat
Country	The Netherlands
Organismgroup	Macrophytes
Status of development	complete, but changes in the future possible
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Abundance, composition, presence of sensitive/insensitive taxa
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

Description (aim, method)

A macrophyte survey is assessed based on a taxa list, from which indices ("metrics") are calculated. A software program called QBWAT is available at www.roelfpot.nl/qbwat for this purpose. The following metrics are used to determine the ecological quality class: the abundance of different growth forms, the presence and abundance of sensitive taxa.

Climate change influence

Stressor addressed

General degradation

Stressor influence on indicator

Specification of water type

Available for 17 Dutch water types; 7 lake types and 10 river types (class boundaries and metrics used will vary depending on the water type).

Organisation in charge of development

contractor: Stichting Toegepast Waterbeheer (STOWA), development: by a large number of experts from water authorities and private consultancy agencies

Organisation in charge of application

Water authorities

Reference

Van der Molen , D.T. and Pot, R. (eds.) (2007): Referenties en maatlatten voor natuurlijke watertypen voor de kaderrichtlijn water. Utrecht, STOWA.

Links

themas.stowa.nl [december 2007] http://www.roelfpot.nl/qbwat [january 2008]

Growth form [WFD assessment system]

Indicator name	Growth form
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	The Netherlands
Organismgroup	Macrophytes
Status of development	complete, but changes in the future possible
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Abundance, presence of insensitive taxa
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

The metric comprises of four separate metrics: (1) the percentage of cover by emergent, floating and submerged macrophyptes, (2) the percentage of coverage by floating masses of filamentous algae, (3) the percentage of cover by duckweed, (4) the percentage of the (river)bank by forest. Growth form together with the metric species composition forms the KRW maatlat for macrohytes.

Description (aim, method)

Coverage of the watercolumn (or water surface) by the different growth forms is estimated in the field. For each catagory a score is assigned between zero and 1, depending on the coverage. The final score is the average of the four categories.

Climate change influence

Macrophyte growth depends on nutrients and water temperature. Macrophyte growth rates might increase due to higher tempratures and start earlier in spring. This may require modification of of threshold value shifting.

Stressor addressed

General degradation

Stressor influence on indicator

The percentage of cover by emergent, floating and submerged macrohytes increases with decreasing stress, but coverage higher than 60% indicates less than high ecological quality (good or moderate ecological quality). The percentage of cover by floating filamentous algae increases with increasing stress; the same goes for the percentage of cover by of duckweed. The percentage of the (river)bank covered by forst decreases with increasing stress.

Specification of water type

Example of the macrohphyte metrics for the KRW maatlat for watertype: "slow flowing middle and down stream reaches of streams on sand".

Organisation in charge of development

contractor: Stichting Toegepast Waterbeheer (STOWA), development: by a large number of experts from water authorities and private consultancy agencies

Organisation in charge of application

Water authorities

Reference

Van der Molen , D.T. and Pot, R. (eds.) (2007): Referenties en maatlatten voor natuurlijke watertypen voor de kaderrichtlijn water. Utrecht, STOWA.

Links

themas.stowa.nl [december 2007]

Species composition [WFD assessment system]

Indicator name	Species composition
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	The Netherlands
Organismgroup	Macrophytes
Status of development	complete, but changes in the future possible
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Abundance, composition, presence of sensitive/insensitive taxa
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

Species composition together with the metric growth form is part of the KRW maatlat for macrophytes.

Description (aim, method)

The species of the macrophyte survey are compared to the indicator list. Each species present on this list receives a score varying from 0 to 4 depending on its abundance and its sensitivity to stress. The scores for the individual species are summed and devided by the maximum score (theoretical) possible. The resulting percentage determines the ecological quality class.

Climate change influence

Macrophyte growth depends on nutrients and water temperature. Macrophyte growth rates might increase due to higher tempratures and start earlier in spring. Taxa classified as sensitive might decrease and taxa insensitive to stress might increase. This may require modification of indicator organisms used, respective indicator values or threshold value shifting.

Stressor addressed

General degradation

Stressor influence on indicator

Metric value will increase with decreasing stress, because more sensitive taxa will be present.

Specification of water type

Available for 17 Dutch water types; 7 lake types and 10 river types (class boundaries and metrics used will vary depending on the water type).

Organisation in charge of development

contractor: Stichting Toegepast Waterbeheer (STOWA), development: by a large number of experts from water authorities and private consultancy agencies

Organisation in charge of application

Water authorities

Reference

Van der Molen , D.T. and Pot, R. (eds.) (2007): Referenties en maatlatten voor natuurlijke watertypen voor de kaderrichtlijn water. Utrecht, STOWA.

Links

themas.stowa.nl [december 2007]

KaderRichtlijn Water (KRW) maatlat [WFD assessment system]

Indicator name	KaderRichtlijn Water (KRW) maatlat
Indicator abbreviation	KRW maatlat
Country	The Netherlands
Organismgroup	Phytoplankton
Status of development	complete, but changes in the future possible
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Composition, bloom intensity, biomass
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

Description (aim, method)

Phytoplankton samples are assessed based on a taxa list, from which indices ("metrics") are calculated. A software program called QBWAT is available at www.roelfpot.nl/qbwat for this purpose. The following metrics are used to determine the ecological quality class: chlorophyll-a concentration, blooms of taxa insensitive to antropogenic disturbance.

Climate change influence

Stressor addressed

Eutrophication

Stressor influence on indicator

Specification of water type

Available for 7 Dutch lake types (class boundaries and indicators will vary depending on the water type).

Organisation in charge of development

contractor: Stichting Toegepast Waterbeheer (STOWA), development: by a large number of experts from water authorities and private consultancy agencies

Organisation in charge of application

Water authorities

Reference

Van der Molen , D.T. and Pot, R. (eds.) (2007): Referenties en maatlatten voor natuurlijke watertypen voor de kaderrichtlijn water. Utrecht, STOWA.

Links

themas.stowa.nl [december 2007] http://www.roelfpot.nl/qbwat [january 2008]

Chlorophyll-a concentration [WFD assessment system]

Indicator name	Chlorophyll-a concentration
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	The Netherlands
Organismgroup	Phytoplankton
Status of development	complete, but changes in the future possible
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Biomass
Threshold value high / good	n.a
Threshold value good / moderate	n.a

Multi metric index

Chlorophyll-a concentration together with the metric blooms is part of the KRW maatlat for phytoplankton.

Description (aim, method)

Chlorophyll-a concentrations of monthly water samples taken from april to september are averaged. The ecological quality class is determined based on this average concentration.

Climate change influence

Phytoplankton growth depends on nutrients and water temperature. Chlorophyll-a concentrations might increase under reference conditions with increasing water temperature and nutrients. Treshold values will probably have to be modified for this reason.

Stressor addressed

Eutrophication

Stressor influence on indicator

Chlorophyll-a concentrations increase with increasing stress.

Specification of water type

Available for 7 Dutch lake types (class boundaries will vary depending on the water type).

Organisation in charge of development

contractor: Stichting Toegepast Waterbeheer (STOWA), development: by a large number of experts from water authorities and private consultancy agencies

Organisation in charge of application

Water authorities

Reference

Van der Molen , D.T. and Pot, R. (eds.) (2007): Referenties en maatlatten voor natuurlijke watertypen voor de kaderrichtlijn water. Utrecht, STOWA.

Links

themas.stowa.nl [december 2007]

Blooms [WFD assessment system]

Indicator name	Blooms
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	The Netherlands
Organismgroup	Phytoplankton
Status of development	complete, but changes in the future possible
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Bloom intensity, composition
Threshold value high / good	n.a
Threshold value good / moderate	n.a

Multi metric index

Blooms together with the metric chlorophyll-a concentration is part of the KRW maatlat for phytoplankton.

Description (aim, method)

A list of taxa that can form blooms is drafted. Treshold values are given for each taxon on the list. When the biomass of a taxon on the list exceeds the treshold is considered to be a bloom. Each bloom is coupled to an ecological quality class. When there are two or more blooms detected, the bloom that indicates the least favourable status determines the ecological quality class.

Climate change influence

Phytoplankton growth depends on nutrients and water temperature. Blooms that are valued as negative will probably occur more often under reference conditions. For this reason treshold values for blooms and bloom species will probably have to be modified.

Stressor addressed

Eutrophication

Stressor influence on indicator

Blooms of taxa insensitive to stress will occur more frequently in waterbodies of bad ecological status.

Specification of water type

Available for 6 Dutch lake types (class boundaries will vary depending on the water type).

Organisation in charge of development

contractor: Stichting Toegepast Waterbeheer (STOWA), development: by a large number of experts from water authorities and private consultancy agencies

Organisation in charge of application

Water authorities

Reference

Van der Molen , D.T. and Pot, R. (eds.) (2007): Referenties en maatlatten voor natuurlijke watertypen voor de kaderrichtlijn water. Utrecht, STOWA.

Links

themas.stowa.nl [december 2007]

Hydromorphological parameters

vor-Ort-Verfahren, Übersichtsverfahren

Indicator name	vor-Ort-Verfahren, Übersichtsverfahren
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	n.a.
Status of development
Relation to WFD-guidelines
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	-

Multi metric index

n.a.

Description (aim, method)

Two procedures with different spatial scale (100m vs 1000m grid) are available covering all necessary parameters.

Climate change influence

Stressor addressed

Hydromorphological degradation

Stressor influence on indicator

Specification of water type

Organisation in charge of development

Organisation in charge of application

Reference

Physico-chemical parameters

Temperatur (°C) [Temperature (°C)]

Indicator name	Temperatur (°C)
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	n.a.
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Thermal conditions
Threshold value high / good	18 / 20 / 25 (depending on stream type)
Threshold value good / moderate	20 / 21.5 / 25 / 28 (depending on stream type)

Multi metric index

n.a.

Description (aim, method)

Temperature is a supporting parameter for assessment of the ecological status; the threshold values are not legally binding. Temperature is an important parameter for aquatic life, e.g. regarding reproduction.

Climate change influence

Generally stress intensity might increase due to climate change; if stream temperature increases a good chemical status according to current threshold values of water bodies will become rarer. Temperature affects the intensity of nutrient cycling and is directly linked to the oxygen concentration with comprehensive effects on stream biota.

Stressor addressed

Temperature

Stressor influence on indicator

Increasing with increasing stress.

Specification of water type

Available for 30 German stream types. Different threshold values for different stream types.

Organisation in charge of development

The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Delta Temperatur (°C) [Delta Temperature (°C)]

Indicator name	Delta Temperatur (°C)
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	n.a.
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Thermal conditions
Threshold value high / good	0
Threshold value good / moderate	1.5 / 3 (depending on stream type)

Multi metric index

n.a.

Description (aim, method)

Delta Temperature is a supporting parameter for assessment of the ecological status; the threshold values are not legally binding. Delta Temperature is always based on the seasonally typical temperature, e.g. to ensure that winter water temperatur is low enough for salmonide reproduction.

Climate change influence

Generally stress intensity might increase due to climate change; if stream temperature increases a good chemical status according to current threshold values of water bodies will become rarer. Delta temperature is important for many biological (reproductive) processes, which might be altered in one way or the other.

Stressor addressed

Temperature

Stressor influence on indicator

Increasing with increasing stress.

Specification of water type

Available for 30 German stream types. Different threshold values for different stream types.

Organisation in charge of development

The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Sauerstoff (mg/l) [Oxygen (mg/l)]

Indicator name	Sauerstoff (mg/l)
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	n.a.
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Oxygen conditions
Threshold value high / good	7 / 8 / 9 (depending on stream type)
Threshold value good / moderate	4 / 5 / 6 / 7 (depending on stream type)

Multi metric index

n.a.

Description (aim, method)

Oxygen concentration is a supporting parameter for assessment of the ecological status; the threshold values are not legally binding. All aquatic organisms need oxygen for staying alive.

Climate change influence

Generally stress intensity might increase due to climate change; the oxygen concentration depends on stream temperature and a good chemical status according to current threshold values of water bodies will become rarer. A sufficient oxygen concentration is important for many biological (especially reproductive) processes, which might be adversly affected.

Stressor addressed

Organic pollution

Stressor influence on indicator

Decreasing with increasing stress.

Specification of water type

Available for 30 German stream types. Different threshold values for different stream types.

Organisation in charge of development

The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

TOC (mg/l)

Indicator name	TOC (mg/l)
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	n.a.
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Nutrient conditions: TP, SRP, TN, Nitrate, Nitrite, Ammonium
Threshold value high / good	5 / 7 / 10 (depending on stream type)
Threshold value good / moderate	7 / 10 / 15 (depending on stream type)

Multi metric index

n.a.

Description (aim, method)

TOC is a supporting parameter for assessment of the ecological status; the threshold values are not legally binding. TOC reflects organic pollution stress, as it totals all organic compounds in a water sample.

Climate change influence

Generally stress intensity might increase due to climate change; TOC might increase due to increasing eutrophication and a good chemical status according to current threshold values of water bodies will become rarer. Oxygen depletion from decomposition processes may occur if TOC concentrations become too high, followed by many effects on biological (especially reproductive) processes, which might be adversly affected.

Stressor addressed

Organic pollution

Stressor influence on indicator

Increasing with increasing stress.

Specification of water type

Available for 30 German stream types. Different threshold values for different stream types.

Organisation in charge of development

The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Biologischer Sauerstoffbedarf (5 Tage) (mg/l) [Biological Oxygen demand (5 days) (mg/l)]

Indicator name	Biologischer Sauerstoffbedarf (5 Tage) (mg/l)
Indicator abbreviation	BSB 5 (BOD 5)
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	n.a.
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Oxygen conditions
Threshold value high / good	1.5 / 2 / 3 / 4 (depending on stream type)
Threshold value good / moderate	2.5 / 4 / 5 / 6 (depending on stream type)

Multi metric index

n.a.

Description (aim, method)

BOD5 is a supporting parameter for assessment of the ecological status; the threshold values are not legally binding. BOD measures the rate of oxygen uptake by micro-organisms in a sample of water at a fixed temperature (20°C) and over a given period of time in the dark. It is a measure of organic pollution stress.

Climate change influence

Generally stress intensity might increase due to climate change; BOD5 might increase due to increasing eutrophication and a good chemical status according to current threshold values of water bodies will become rarer.

Stressor addressed

Organic pollution

Stressor influence on indicator

Increasing with increasing stress.

Specification of water type

Available for 30 German stream types. Different threshold values for different stream types.

Organisation in charge of development

The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Chlorid (mg/l) [Chloride (mg/l)]

Indicator name	Chlorid (mg/l)
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	n.a.
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Salinity: Conductivity
Threshold value high / good	50
Threshold value good / moderate	200

Multi metric index

n.a.

Description (aim, method)

Chloride is a supporting parameter for assessment of the ecological status; the threshold values are not legally binding. If seawater influence or salt mining occurs the threshold values are not valid.

Climate change influence

Stressor addressed

Others

Stressor influence on indicator

Increasing with increasing stress.

Specification of water type

Available for 30 German stream types. Different threshold values for different stream types.

Organisation in charge of development

The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

pH

Indicator name	pH
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	n.a.
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Acidification status: pH, Alkanlinity
Threshold value high / good	-
Threshold value good / moderate	5-8 / 6.5-8.5 / 7-8.5 (depending on stream type)

Multi metric index

n.a.

Description (aim, method)

pH is a supporting parameter for assessment of the ecological status. Threshold values are not reasonable.

Climate change influence

Stressor addressed

Others

Stressor influence on indicator

Increasing with increasing stress.

Specification of water type

Available for 30 German stream types. Different threshold values for different stream types.

Organisation in charge of development

The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Gesamtphosphor (mg/l) [total Phosphorus (mg/l)]

Indicator name	Gesamtphosphor (mg/l)
Indicator abbreviation	TP
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	n.a.
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Nutrient conditions: TP, SRP, TN, Nitrate, Nitrite, Ammonium
Threshold value high / good	0.05 (0.1 one type)
Threshold value good / moderate	0.1 / 0.15 / 0.3 (depending on stream type)

Multi metric index

n.a.

Description (aim, method)

TP is a supporting parameter for assessment of the ecological status; the threshold values are not legally binding. Total phosphorous is a measure of all the various forms of phosphorus (dissolved and particulate) found in water.

Climate change influence

Generally stress intensity might increase due to climate change; TP might increase due to increasing eutrophication and a good chemical status according to current threshold values of water bodies will become rarer. Oxygen depletion from decomposition processes may occur if TP concentrations become too high, followed by many effects on biological (especially reproductive) processes, which might be adversly affected.

Stressor addressed

Organic pollution

Stressor influence on indicator

Increasing with increasing stress.

Specification of water type

Available for 30 German stream types. Different threshold values for different stream types.

Organisation in charge of development

The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Orthophosphat (mg/l) [Orthophosphate (mg/l)]

Indicator name	Orthophosphat (mg/l)
Indicator abbreviation	n.a.
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	n.a.
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Nutrient conditions: TP, SRP, TN, Nitrate, Nitrite, Ammonium
Threshold value high / good	0.02 (0.01 one type)
Threshold value good / moderate	0.07 / 0.1 / 0.2 (depending on stream type)

Multi metric index

n.a.

Description (aim, method)

Orthophosphate is a supporting parameter for assessment of the ecological status; the threshold values are not legally binding. Orthosphoshate refers to any of the "salts" of phosphoric acid (e.g. H₂PO₄^-, HPO₄^2- and PO₄^3-) - these are the most biologically available forms of phosphorus.

Climate change influence

Generally stress intensity might increase due to climate change; Orthophosphate might increase due to increasing eutrophication and a good chemical status according to current threshold values of water bodies will become rarer. Oxygen depletion from decomposition processes may occur if Orthophosphate concentrations become too high, followed by many effects on biological (especially reproductive) processes, which might be adversly affected.

Stressor addressed

Organic pollution

Stressor influence on indicator

Increasing with increasing stress.

Specification of water type

Available for 30 German stream types. Different threshold values for different stream types.

Organisation in charge of development

The Working Group on water issues (LAWA)

Organisation in charge of application

Environment agencies of Federal States

Reference

Ammonium-Stickstoff [Ammonium Nitrogen]

Indicator name	Ammonium-Stickstoff
Indicator abbreviation	NH₄-N (mg/l)
Country	Germany
Organismgroup	n.a.
Status of development	complete
Relation to WFD-guidelines	Nutrient conditions: TP, SRP, TN, Nitrate, Nitrite, Ammonium
Threshold value high / good	0.04 (0.02 one type)
Threshold value good / moderate	0.3 (0.1 one type)

Multi metric index

n.a.

Description (aim, method)

NH₄-N is a supporting parameter for assessment of the ecological status; the threshold values are not legally binding. Total N and Nitrate are important for marine influenced water types; Nitrate can also influence mussle populations.
Ammonia is especially important for fish communities, and depends on pH and temperature conditions.

Climate change influence

Generally stress intensity might increase due to climate change; NH₄-N (mg/l) might increase due to increasing eutrophication and a good chemical status according to current threshold values of water bodies will become rarer.

Stressor addressed

Organic pollution

Stressor influence on indicator

Increasing with increasing stress.

Specification of water type

Available for 30 German stream types. Different threshold values for different stream types.

Freshwater type.

Rivers in temperate ecoregions

– Indicators in current use –

Biological parameters

Multi metric index

Description (aim, method)

Climate change influence

Stressor addressed

Stressor influence on indicator

Specification of water type

Organisation in charge of development

Organisation in charge of application

Reference

Links

Multi metric index

Description (aim, method)

Climate change influence

Stressor addressed

Stressor influence on indicator

Specification of water type

Organisation in charge of development

Organisation in charge of application

Reference

Links

Multi metric index

Description (aim, method)

Climate change influence

Stressor addressed

Stressor influence on indicator

Specification of water type

Organisation in charge of development

Organisation in charge of application

Reference

Links

Multi metric index

Description (aim, method)

Climate change influence

Stressor addressed

Stressor influence on indicator

Specification of water type

Organisation in charge of development

Organisation in charge of application

Reference

Links

Multi metric index

Description (aim, method)

Climate change influence

Stressor addressed

Stressor influence on indicator

Specification of water type

Organisation in charge of development

Organisation in charge of application

Reference

Links

Multi metric index

Description (aim, method)

Climate change influence

Stressor addressed

Stressor influence on indicator

Specification of water type

Organisation in charge of development

Organisation in charge of application

Reference

Links

Multi metric index

Description (aim, method)

Climate change influence

Stressor addressed

Stressor influence on indicator

Specification of water type

Organisation in charge of development

Organisation in charge of application

Reference

Links

Multi metric index

Description (aim, method)

Climate change influence

Stressor addressed

Stressor influence on indicator

Specification of water type