# Official Journal L 332/10 D

| | ISSN 1725-2555 |
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| Official Journal
  of the European Union | L 332 |
| | |
| English edition | Legislation | Volume 5110 December 2008 |

ISSN 1725-2555

Official Journal

of the European Union

L 332

English edition

Legislation

Volume 5110 December 2008

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| Contents | | II   Acts adopted under the EC Treaty/Euratom Treaty whose publication is not obligatory | page |
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| | | DECISIONS |
| | | Commission |
| | | 2008/914/EC |
| | * | Commission Decision of 11 June 2008 on the confirmation of measures proposed by the Netherlands for the conservation of marine eco-systems in the Voordelta area
  (notified under document number C(2008) 2415) | 1 |
| | | 2008/915/EC |
| | * | Commission Decision of 30 October 2008 establishing, pursuant to Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, the values of the Member State monitoring system classifications as a result of the intercalibration exercise
  (notified under document number C(2008) 6016)


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  1
  ) | 20 |

Contents

II   Acts adopted under the EC Treaty/Euratom Treaty whose publication is not obligatory

page

DECISIONS

Commission

2008/914/EC

*

Commission Decision of 11 June 2008 on the confirmation of measures proposed by the Netherlands for the conservation of marine eco-systems in the Voordelta area
  (notified under document number C(2008) 2415)

(notified under document number C(2008) 2415)

1

2008/915/EC

*

Commission Decision of 30 October 2008 establishing, pursuant to Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, the values of the Member State monitoring system classifications as a result of the intercalibration exercise
  (notified under document number C(2008) 6016)


   (
  1
  )

(notified under document number C(2008) 6016)

(
  1

20

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| | * | Note to the reader (see page 3 of the cover) | s3 |

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Note to the reader (see page 3 of the cover)

Note to the reader

s3

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| | (1)   Text with EEA relevance |

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(1)   Text with EEA relevance

1

| EN | Acts whose titles are printed in light type are those relating to day-to-day management of agricultural matters, and are generally valid for a limited period.
  The titles of all other Acts are printed in bold type and preceded by an asterisk. |
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EN

Acts whose titles are printed in light type are those relating to day-to-day management of agricultural matters, and are generally valid for a limited period.

The titles of all other Acts are printed in bold type and preceded by an asterisk.

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II Acts adopted under the EC Treaty/Euratom Treaty whose publication is not obligatory

DECISIONS

Commission

| 10.12.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 332/1 |
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10.12.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 332/1

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COMMISSION DECISION

of 11 June 2008

on the confirmation of measures proposed by the Netherlands for the conservation of marine eco-systems in the Voordelta area

(notified under document number C(2008) 2415)

(Only the Dutch text is authentic)

(2008/914/EC)

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 2371/2002 of 20 December 2002 on the conservation and sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources under the common fisheries policy (1), and in particular Articles 8(3) and 9(2) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Article 3(2) of Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (2) requires Member States to contribute to the creation of the network of special areas of conservation called ‘Natura 2000’, hosting the natural habitat types and species listed in the Annexes to that Directive. |
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(1)

Article 3(2) of Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (2) requires Member States to contribute to the creation of the network of special areas of conservation called ‘Natura 2000’, hosting the natural habitat types and species listed in the Annexes to that Directive.

| (2) | Article 6(1) of Directive 92/43/EEC requires Member States to establish, for special areas of conservation, the necessary conservation measures. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Article 6(1) of Directive 92/43/EEC requires Member States to establish, for special areas of conservation, the necessary conservation measures.

| (3) | On 28 February 2008 the Netherlands designated the area called Voordelta as a special area of conservation within the meaning of Article 3(2) of Directive 92/43/EEC and informed the Commission about its intention to take measures to restrict fishery activities in that area. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

On 28 February 2008 the Netherlands designated the area called Voordelta as a special area of conservation within the meaning of Article 3(2) of Directive 92/43/EEC and informed the Commission about its intention to take measures to restrict fishery activities in that area.

| (4) | Article 6(4) of Directive 92/43/EEC requires Member States to take all compensatory measures necessary to protect the overall coherence of the Natura 2000 network when a plan or project is carried out with significant negative effects on a Natura 2000 site. In this context, following the construction of harbour facilities ‘Maasvlakte 2’ in the Voordelta area, the Netherlands needs to take appropriate compensatory measures. This project was subject to a favourable Commission opinion (Commission opinion C(2003) 1308 of 24 April 2003). |
| --- | --- |

(4)

Article 6(4) of Directive 92/43/EEC requires Member States to take all compensatory measures necessary to protect the overall coherence of the Natura 2000 network when a plan or project is carried out with significant negative effects on a Natura 2000 site. In this context, following the construction of harbour facilities ‘Maasvlakte 2’ in the Voordelta area, the Netherlands needs to take appropriate compensatory measures. This project was subject to a favourable Commission opinion (Commission opinion C(2003) 1308 of 24 April 2003).

| (5) | Measures concerning the conservation, management and exploitation of living aquatic resources are subject to the rules of the common fisheries policy. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

Measures concerning the conservation, management and exploitation of living aquatic resources are subject to the rules of the common fisheries policy.

| (6) | Article 9 of Regulation (EC) No 2371/2002 enables Member States to take non-discriminatory measures to minimise the effect of fishing on the conservation of marine eco-systems within 12 nautical miles, provided that the Community has not adopted measures addressing conservation and management specifically for that area. The Member States' measures must be compatible with the objectives of the common fisheries policy as set out in Article 2 Regulation (EC) No 2371/2002 and no less stringent than the existing Community legislation. If the measures affect fishing vessels from other Member States, they must be notified to the Commission, to the Member States and to the Regional Advisory Councils concerned and must subsequently be confirmed by the Commission. |
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(6)

Article 9 of Regulation (EC) No 2371/2002 enables Member States to take non-discriminatory measures to minimise the effect of fishing on the conservation of marine eco-systems within 12 nautical miles, provided that the Community has not adopted measures addressing conservation and management specifically for that area. The Member States' measures must be compatible with the objectives of the common fisheries policy as set out in Article 2 Regulation (EC) No 2371/2002 and no less stringent than the existing Community legislation. If the measures affect fishing vessels from other Member States, they must be notified to the Commission, to the Member States and to the Regional Advisory Councils concerned and must subsequently be confirmed by the Commission.

| (7) | On 13 May 2008 the Netherlands notified the measures it intends to take to the Commission, Belgium, Denmark, Germany and France, which are the Member States concerned by the measures, as well as to the North Sea Regional Advisory Council. |
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(7)

On 13 May 2008 the Netherlands notified the measures it intends to take to the Commission, Belgium, Denmark, Germany and France, which are the Member States concerned by the measures, as well as to the North Sea Regional Advisory Council.

| (8) | The fisheries measures proposed by the Netherlands are the creation of a seabed protection area with restricted access for beam trawlers with tickler chains with an engine capacity greater than 260 hP (191 kW) and the creation of five rest zones located within the seabed conservation area within which most fishing is to be prohibited. |
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(8)

The fisheries measures proposed by the Netherlands are the creation of a seabed protection area with restricted access for beam trawlers with tickler chains with an engine capacity greater than 260 hP (191 kW) and the creation of five rest zones located within the seabed conservation area within which most fishing is to be prohibited.

| (9) | Belgium and the North Sea Regional Advisory Council have submitted to the Commission their written comments on the notification. |
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(9)

Belgium and the North Sea Regional Advisory Council have submitted to the Commission their written comments on the notification.

| (10) | The measures proposed by the Netherlands are not discriminatory as they apply equally to all vessels operating within the area. They are intended to minimise the effect of fishing on the conservation of marine eco-systems and are to be applied within 12 nautical miles of the baselines. The Community has not adopted any measure addressing conservation or management specifically for that area. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

The measures proposed by the Netherlands are not discriminatory as they apply equally to all vessels operating within the area. They are intended to minimise the effect of fishing on the conservation of marine eco-systems and are to be applied within 12 nautical miles of the baselines. The Community has not adopted any measure addressing conservation or management specifically for that area.

| (11) | Those measures are compatible with the objectives set out in Article 2 of Regulation (EC) No 2371/2002, in particular with the precautionary approach to be followed in taking measures designed to protect and conserve living aquatic resources, and are no less stringent than the existing Community legislation, |
| --- | --- |

(11)

Those measures are compatible with the objectives set out in Article 2 of Regulation (EC) No 2371/2002, in particular with the precautionary approach to be followed in taking measures designed to protect and conserve living aquatic resources, and are no less stringent than the existing Community legislation,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The measures proposed by the Netherlands for the conservation of marine eco-systems in the Voordelta area, as set out in Annexes I to III, are hereby confirmed.

Article 2

This Decision is addressed to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Done at Brussels, 11 June 2008.

For the Commission

Joe BORG

Member of the Commission

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(1)  
  OJ L 358, 31.12.2002, p. 59.

1

(2)  
  OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7.

2

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ANNEX I

Access restriction decree Hinderplaat, Bollen van de Ooster, Bollen van het Nieuwe Zand

13 May 2008

Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality

Restriction of access to natural areas under Section 20 of the Nature Conservation Act 1998 for the ‘Voordelta’ Natura 2000 area.

INTRODUCTION

Section 20, Subsection 1, of the Nature Conservation Act 1998 (1) stipulates that provincial executives may restrict access to protected nature reserves as defined under Section 10, Subsection 1; designated areas as defined under Section 10a, Subsection 1; other areas for which such a designation is under consideration as defined under Section 12, or parts of such areas in so far as is necessary for the conservation of the ecological value of said area.

Section 20, Subsection 2, of the Nature Conservation Act 1998 stipulates that the authority as defined in Subsection 1 rests with the Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality in agreement with another Minister in the event that the area as defined under Subsection 1, or a part thereof, is managed by or falls under the jurisdiction of that Minister or other Ministers.

The following decree is to be enacted in agreement with the Minister of Transport, Public Works and Water Management. The Regional Affairs mandate (2) in force at the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality stipulates that the Southern Regional Director for this ministry be authorised to take this decision on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality.

It is necessary to restrict access to a number of areas within the Voordelta Natura 2000 area (hereinafter ‘Voordelta’) in order to protect the existing and future ecological value of the area. The basis for imposing such access restrictions can be found in the Voordelta Designation Decree (19 February 2008, ref. DRZO/2008-113) with regard to fulfilling Voordelta Natura 2000 objectives, as well as compensation obligations as incorporated into the Nature Conservation Act licence (17 April 2008, ref. DRZW/2008-1670) issued for the construction and presence of Maasvlakte 2. This is described in more detail in the general explanatory note accompanying this decree.

This decree specifically regulates restricted access to the areas detailed below. Specific exceptions to access restrictions detract in no way from any licensing requirements as defined under Section 19d of the Nature Conservation Act 1998, unless exceptions as defined under Section 19d, Subsection 2, of the Nature Conservation Act 1998 (projects or activities in accordance with the management plan) are applicable.

DECREE

Section 1

Access to ‘Hinderplaat’, situated within the Voordelta as shown on the map accompanying this decree, is to be restricted.

Restricted access to Hinderplaat applies to all types of activities throughout the whole of the year with the exception of the activities listed below:

Organised canoe trips

A total of 10 organised canoe (kayak) trips are permitted in the period between 1 September and 1 May with a maximum of two such trips on any one day. The following additional conditions also apply:

| — | access is only permitted in a group (maximum 16 persons) led by a certified tour guide or instructor affiliated to either the NKB (Dutch Canoe Association) or the TKBN (Dutch Tourist Canoeing Association), |
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access is only permitted in a group (maximum 16 persons) led by a certified tour guide or instructor affiliated to either the NKB (Dutch Canoe Association) or the TKBN (Dutch Tourist Canoeing Association),

| — | setting foot on tidal plains is prohibited. A distance of at least 250 m from resting seals must be observed, |
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setting foot on tidal plains is prohibited. A distance of at least 250 m from resting seals must be observed,

| — | excursions must be registered with the Handhaving Voordelta registration centre at least 48 hours in advance (telephone number known to the above organisations). |
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excursions must be registered with the Handhaving Voordelta registration centre at least 48 hours in advance (telephone number known to the above organisations).

Trawling

Trawling with an engine capacity of less than 191 kW (260 hp) is permitted between 1 September and 1 May subject to existing permission for such usage at the time of this decree being enacted. This concerns two enterprises, namely vessels OD 2 and SL 22. Continued usage is permitted subject to the following conditions:

| — | a distance of at least 250 m must be kept from tidal plains, |
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—

a distance of at least 250 m must be kept from tidal plains,

| — | the maximum speed permitted is 7 knots (13 km/h), |
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—

the maximum speed permitted is 7 knots (13 km/h),

| — | both vessels must be equipped with serviceable tracking equipment for enforcement purposes. |
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—

both vessels must be equipped with serviceable tracking equipment for enforcement purposes.

Cast net fishing

Cast net fishing (using gillnets and entangling nets) is permitted throughout the whole of the year subject to existing permission for such usage at the time of this decree being enacted. This concerns one enterprise, namely vessel Goeree 47. Continued usage is permitted subject to the following conditions:

| — | a distance of at least 150 m must be kept from tidal plains. Before, during and after the common seal's suckling period (1 May to 1 September), a distance of at least 250 m must be kept from tidal plains, |
| --- | --- |

—

a distance of at least 150 m must be kept from tidal plains. Before, during and after the common seal's suckling period (1 May to 1 September), a distance of at least 250 m must be kept from tidal plains,

| — | the maximum speed permitted is 7 knots (13 km/h), |
| --- | --- |

—

the maximum speed permitted is 7 knots (13 km/h),

| — | the fishing vessel must be equipped with serviceable tracking equipment for enforcement purposes. |
| --- | --- |

—

the fishing vessel must be equipped with serviceable tracking equipment for enforcement purposes.

Helicopter flights and recreational flights in small aircraft

Helicopter flights are permitted over this area above a minimum altitude of 1 000 ft (approx. 300 m).

Paragliding and hang gliding are expressly prohibited above this area.

For all other forms of recreational aviation (motorised or unmotorised), this area has been designated a ‘nature conservation area’ in accordance with the code of conduct for general aviation, Verantwoord Vliegen [Responsible Flying], applying to this category (3), which stipulates that these areas should be avoided wherever possible. If flying over these areas is unavoidable, then an altitude of at least 1 000 ft (approx. 300 m) must be maintained, except in situations where this is unfeasible due to safety considerations.

Section 2

Access to ‘Bollen van de Ooster’, located within the Voordelta as shown on the map accompanying this decree, is to be restricted.

Restricted access to Bollen van de Ooster applies throughout the whole of the year to the smaller summer resting area as indicated on the map. From 1 November to 1 April, restricted access applies to the larger winter resting area as indicated on the map.

Restricted access to Bollen van de Ooster applies to all types of activities with the exception of the activities listed below:

Commercial and leisure navigation via a corridor

Navigation through the winter resting area via the designated corridor subject to a maximum speed of 7 knots (13 km/h). However, surfing and sailing through the corridor is prohibited.

Canoeing, windsurfing and surfing

Canoeing (kayaking), windsurfing and surfing in the north-eastern section of the resting area throughout the whole of the year as indicated on the enclosed map (see Section 5).

Entering tidal plains in this part of the resting area with the sole purpose of pursuing the abovementioned sports is also permitted.

Helicopter flights and recreational flights in small aircraft

Helicopter flights are permitted over this area above a minimum altitude of 1 000 ft (approx. 300 m).

Paragliding and hang gliding are expressly prohibited above this area.

For all other forms of recreational aviation (motorised or unmotorised), this area has been designated a ‘nature conservation area’ in accordance with the code of conduct for general aviation, Verantwoord Vliegen [Responsible Flying], applying to this category, which stipulates that these areas should be avoided wherever possible. If flying over these areas is unavoidable, then an altitude of at least 1 000 ft (approx. 300 m) must be maintained, except in situations where this is unfeasible due to safety considerations.

Section 3

Access to ‘Bollen van het Nieuwe Zand’, located within the Voordelta as shown on the map accompanying this decree, is to be restricted.

Restricted access to Bollen van het Nieuwe Zand only applies from 1 November to 1 May.

Restricted access to Bollen van het Nieuwe Zand applies to all types of activities with the exception of activities listed below:

Helicopter flights and recreational flights in small aircraft

Helicopter flights are permitted over this area above a minimum altitude of 1 000 ft (approx. 300 m).

Paragliding and hang gliding are prohibited above this area.

For all other forms of recreational aviation (motorised or unmotorised), this area has been designated a ‘nature conservation area’ in accordance with the code of conduct for general aviation, Verantwoord Vliegen [Responsible Flying], applying to this category, which stipulates that these areas should be avoided wherever possible. If flying over these areas is unavoidable, then an altitude of at least 1 000 ft (approx. 300 m) must be maintained, except in situations where this is unfeasible due to safety considerations.

Section 4

Access restrictions described above in Sections 1 to 3 do not apply to the following activities under Section 20, Subsection 4, of the Nature Conservation Act 1998:

Performing necessary government tasks

Presence throughout the whole of the year for tasks performed by the government or on behalf of the government, with or without the use of a vessel, vehicle or aircraft, in so far as is necessary for purposes of conservation, maintenance, demarcation, monitoring, inspection or tracking and military activities.

Cable and pipeline maintenance

Maintenance work carried out on cables and pipelines between 1 September and 1 May. Access outside of this period is only permitted as a matter of urgent necessity subject to the discretion of the competent authority.

Section 5

1.   Areas to which access has been restricted by virtue of this decree are shown on the associated map titled ‘Toegangsbeperkingsbesluit Hinderplaat, Bollen van de Ooster en Bollen van het Nieuwe Zand’ [access restriction decree, Hinderplaat, Bollen van de Ooster and Bollen van het Nieuwe Zand] and defined in detail by means of coordinates.

2.   In the field and on the water, restricted area boundaries can be identified by means of signposts and buoys.

3.   Maps and other appendices as indicated in Subsection 1 can be viewed for inspection for a period of six weeks after publication, at the offices of the Southern Regional Affairs Directorate of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality located at Keisersgracht 5 in Eindhoven. Office hours are from Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Section 6

This decree is to be announced in the Staatscourant [Government Gazette]. An explanatory memorandum accompanying this decree must be read in conjunction with the order.

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, NATURE AND FOOD QUALITY

per pro

Southern Regional Director

Objections

It is possible for stakeholders to lodge an objection to this decree in writing under provisions set out in the General Administrative Law Act. Any such notices of objection should be lodged within six weeks of the order's publication in the Staatscourant [Government Gazette] at the following address:

Staatscourant

| Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality |
| --- |
| Dienst Regelingen |
| Afdeling Recht & Rechtsbescherming |
| PO Box 20401 |
| 2500 EK The Hague |
| Netherlands |

Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality

Dienst Regelingen

Afdeling Recht & Rechtsbescherming

PO Box 20401

2500 EK The Hague

Netherlands

Notices of objection should be signed and should include at least the following information:

| (a) | name and address of the party lodging the objection; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

name and address of the party lodging the objection;

| (b) | date; |
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(b)

date;

| (c) | description of the decree against which an objection is being lodged; and |
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(c)

description of the decree against which an objection is being lodged; and

| (d) | grounds for objection. |
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(d)

grounds for objection.

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

Natura 2000 areas

The Voordelta is home to flora and fauna of special ecological value. This is why this area has been designated a Natura 2000 area under the auspices of the EU Birds and Habitats Directive. The Netherlands is obliged to establish and maintain a ‘favourable conservation status’ for certain species and their habitats. Wildlife conservation is legally regulated under the Flora and Fauna Act, and conservation areas are legally regulated under the Nature Conservation Act 1998. The Nature Conservation Act 1998 requires that a management plan be established for all Natura 2000 areas.

Flora and fauna of special ecological value can be found throughout the whole of the Voordelta; however, the greatest diversity is located in the northern half of the area. Conservation measures are therefore most effective when applied to these northern areas.

Maasvlakte 2 Compensation Report

Development of Maasvlakte 2 in the Voordelta Natura 2000 area will result in the loss of flora and fauna of ecological value partly due to a reduction of the Natura 2000 area's size by 2 455 hectares. The key spatial planning decision (hereinafter KSPD), Rotterdam Main Port Development 2006, stipulated that this loss be compensated by establishing a conservation area elsewhere in the Voordelta, where usage restrictions could be imposed. The KSPD also stated that usage restrictions and other measures would help improve the ecological value of the conservation area. Ecological demands were taken into consideration and weighed against the extent to which restrictions should be imposed on human activity, particularly in light of existing usage, human or otherwise.

Rotterdam Main Port Development 2006

The Nature Conservation Act licence issued for the construction and presence of Maasvlakte 2 includes a compensation obligation concerning Habitat Type 1110 and a number of species of bird.

Measures

In the short term, it is important to limit access to certain areas of the Voordelta in order to be able to compensate in a timely fashion for the effects of the construction and presence of Maasvlakte 2, and in order to maintain a watch on the conservation and preservation of flora and fauna of ecological value as incorporated in the Voordelta Designation Decree.

Applicable measures for the Voordelta will also be incorporated into the Voordelta management plan. Until this management plan comes into effect, Section 19d of the Nature Conservation Act 1998 remains fully applicable. This decree is only aimed at regulating access and restricting access to certain areas, but does not provide for any dispensations for licensing requirements in cases where these stem from any applicable legislation.

The Environmental Impact Assessment document and the appropriate evaluation (made for the preparation of the Voordelta management plan) are the foundations for the access restriction decrees. They will also be incorporated into the Voordelta management plan. The goal of the management plan and of the access restriction decree is: to conserve the protected natural assets, to compensate for the loss of protected natural assets through the construction of Maasvlakte 2 and, within the bounds of this nature conservation, take into account the interests of recreational users, tourism and fisheries.

The management measures, such as the present access restrictions, will, if necessary, be adjusted on the basis of monitoring and evaluation.

Explanatory note on the access restrictions

Hinderplaat

Hinderplaat

Hinderplaat is an important resting and foraging area for the eider duck. Conservation targets have been set for this species in the Voordelta Designation Decree.

Within this area, there are tidal plains adjacent to deep channels that are of importance to the common seal. Improvement targets have been set for the common seal in the Voordelta Designation Decree.

All tidal plains within this area form extremely important resting areas for the sandwich and common terns. Conservation targets have also been set for these species in the Voordelta Designation Decree. The Nature Conservation Act licence issued for the construction and presence of Maasvlakte 2 imposes a compensation obligation for these species.

Bollen van de Ooster

Bollen van de Ooster

Bollen van de Ooster forms an important area for the protection of birds and an important resting and foraging area for the common scoter (in coastal areas), and the sandwich and common terns (on tidal plains). Conservation targets have also been set for these species in the Voordelta Designation Decree. The Nature Conservation Act licence issued for the construction and presence of Maasvlakte 2 imposes a compensation obligation for these species.

This area is also of special importance for the protection of common seals, which mainly inhabit the southern tip of the tidal plains. Improvement targets have also been set for the common seal in the Voordelta Designation Decree.

Bollen van het Nieuwe Zand

Bollen van het Nieuwe Zand

Bollen van het Nieuwe Zand forms one of the most important central resting and foraging areas for the common scoter. Conservation targets have also been set for this species in the Voordelta Designation Decree. The Nature Conservation Act licence issued for the construction and presence of Maasvlakte 2 imposes a compensation obligation for this species.

Natura 2000 Objectives

Common seal

Common seal

At the beginning of the last century, around 10 000 common seals inhabited the Delta. Pollution, hunting and encroachment into their habitat due to the Delta Works had reduced their numbers to just a few dozen individuals up until 50 years ago. Over recent years, their numbers have grown to more than 100 in the Delta area, 50 % living in the Voordelta area.

They use tidal plains such as those at Hinderplaat, Bollen van de Ooster (Aardappelenbult) and Verklikkerplaat to rest. However, they do not breed well in the Voordelta. The plains provide insufficient peace and quiet for them to give birth to, suckle and raise their pups. Year-round peace and quiet is essential; the most critical period being before, during and after the pups' suckling period from 1 May to 1 September.

Measures restricting access to their resting places in Hinderplaat, Bollen van de Ooster and Verklikkerplaat situated in the Voordelta are designed to allow at least 200 common seals to inhabit the entire Delta. Here, they will be able raise their pups, thus meeting objectives set out in the Voordelta Designation Decree.

Eider duck

Eider duck

The eider duck is principally a winter visitor in the Voordelta, but smaller groups are also present throughout the summer. Eider ducks can always be found in shallow, sheltered areas of Hinderplaat and Bollen van de Ooster. Numbers fluctuate from year to year depending on annual variations in the availability of shellfish in the area. Eider duck population levels in the Voordelta are under pressure due to reduced supplies of food resulting from commercial shellfish harvesting and the nuisance caused by increasing recreational pressure. Although the construction and presence of Maasvlakte 2 will have no significant impact on this species, the measures are in fact crucial given the very poor state of conservation throughout the country. For this reason access to the area directly to the east of Hinderplaat is to be restricted to ensure that populations can remain in the Voordelta.

Maasvlakte 2 Compensation

Sandwich and common terns

Sandwich and common terns

The sandwich and common tern breed outside the Voordelta in nearby Natura 2000 areas. Their diet consists of small fish, which they catch by diving in shallow coastal areas near sandbanks as described above (Habitat Type 1110). Food sources located near to breeding colonies will be lost due to the construction of Maasvlakte 2. This will have the greatest impact in the summer period, when the flight radius of these birds is limited by fledglings.

Current conditions provide limited peace and quiet on the mud plains that the birds use in the Voordelta. Measures restricting access are designed to create a more restful environment in the summer period on the Voordelta tidal plains at Hinderplaat and Bollen van de Ooster. This will allow the sandwich and common terns to utilise the area better as a resting place for their young and to make it easier to reach food supplies at sea.

Common scoter

Common scoter

The common scoter is a migrant bird that visits the Voordelta in the winter months. This species can principally be found in coastal regions to the south-east of Bollen van de Ooster and in and around Bollen van het Nieuwe Zand. In the summer months, smaller numbers of common scoter remain in the Voordelta using it as a moulting area.

Common scoters feed on shellfish that they find in shallow coastal waters that will partially be lost due to the construction of Maasvlakte 2. Measures restricting access to coastal areas at Bollen van de Ooster (and Bollen van het Nieuwe Zand) are designed to safeguard adequate levels of and access to food supplies as compensation for the potential loss of this species' foraging area around Maasvlakte 2.

Wildlife is particularly sensitive to disturbance and nuisance caused by recreational water users and shipping traffic. By guaranteeing peace and quiet throughout the winter months in areas where these species forage and rest in large numbers, it is hoped that favourable conditions for the common scoter can be maintained throughout the whole of the Voordelta equivalent to those prior to the construction of Maasvlakte 2. During the summer months, a shorter summer resting period suffices.

MAPS

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(1)  Effective as of Staatsblad 2005 [Bulletin of Acts, Orders and Decrees 2005], 473.

1

Staatsblad 2005

(2)  
  Staatscourant 2006 [Government Gazette 2006], No 91.

2

Staatscourant 2006

(3)  Code of Conduct Verantwoord Vliegen [Responsible Flying], Royal Netherlands Aeronautical Association (RNAA), 2004.

3

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ANNEX II

Access restriction decree seabed conservation area

13 May 2008

Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality

Restriction of access to natural areas under Section 20 of the Nature Conservation Act 1998 for the ‘Voordelta’ Natura 2000 area.

INTRODUCTION

Section 20, Subsection 1, of the Nature Conservation Act 1998 (1) stipulates that provincial executives may restrict access to protected nature reserves as defined under Section 10, Subsection 1; designated areas as defined under Section 10a, Subsection 1; other areas for which such a designation is under consideration as defined under Section 12, or parts of such areas in so far as is necessary for the conservation of the ecological value of said area.

Section 20, Subsection 2, of the Nature Conservation Act 1998 stipulates that the authority as defined in Subsection 1 rests with the Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality in agreement with another Minister in the event that the area as defined under Subsection 1, or a part thereof, is managed by or falls under the jurisdiction of that Minister or other Ministers.

The following decree is to be enacted in agreement with the Minister of Transport, Public Works and Water Management. The Regional Affairs mandate (2) in force at the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality stipulates that the Southern Regional Director for this ministry be authorised to take this decision on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality.

It is necessary to restrict access to a number of areas within the ‘Voordelta’ Natura 2000 area (hereinafter ‘Voordelta’) in order to protect the existing and future ecological value of the area. The basis for imposing such access restrictions can be found in the Voordelta Designation Decree (19 February 2008, ref. DRZO/2008-113) with regard to fulfilling Voordelta Natura 2000 objectives, as well as compensation obligations as incorporated into the Nature Conservation Act licence (17 April 2008, ref. DRZW/2008-1670) issued for construction and presence of Maasvlakte 2. This is described in more detail in the general explanatory note accompanying this decree.

This decree specifically regulates restricted access to the areas detailed below. Specific exceptions to access restrictions detract in no way from any licensing requirements as defined under Section 19d of the Nature Conservation Act 1998, unless exceptions as defined under Section 19d, Subsection 2, of the Nature Conservation Act 1998 (projects or activities in accordance with the management plan) are applicable.

DECREE

Section 1

Access to the seabed conservation area in the Voordelta, as shown on the map accompanying this decree, is to be restricted for beam trawling with an engine capacity greater than 191 kW (260 hp).

Restricted access applies throughout the whole of the year.

Section 2

| 1. | The area to which access has been restricted by virtue of this decree is shown on the associated map titled ‘Toegangsbeperkingsbesluit bodembeschermingsgebiet Voordelta’ [access restriction decree — Voordelta seabed conservation area] and defined in detail by means of coordinates. |
| --- | --- |

1.

| 2. | Maps and other appendices as indicated in Subsection 1 can be viewed for inspection for a period of six weeks after publication, at the offices of the Southern Regional Affairs Directorate of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality located at Keisersgracht 5 in Eindhoven. Office hours are from Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Section 3

This decree is to be announced in the Staatscourant [Government Gazette]. An explanatory memorandum accompanying this decree must be read in conjunction with the order.

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, NATURE AND FOOD QUALITY

per pro

Southern Regional Director

Objections

It is possible for stakeholders to lodge an objection to this decree in writing under provisions set out in the General Administrative Law Act. Any such notices of objection should be lodged within six weeks of the order's publication in the Staatscourant [Government Gazette] at the following address:

Staatscourant

| Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality |
| --- |
| Dienst Regelingen |
| Afdeling Recht & Rechtsbescherming |
| PO Box 20401 |
| 2500 EK The Hague |
| Netherlands |

Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality

Dienst Regelingen

Afdeling Recht & Rechtsbescherming

PO Box 20401

2500 EK The Hague

Netherlands

Notices of objection should be signed and should include at least the following information:

| (a) | name and address of the party lodging the objection; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

name and address of the party lodging the objection;

| (b) | date; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

date;

| (c) | description of the decree against which an objection is being lodged; and |
| --- | --- |

(c)

description of the decree against which an objection is being lodged; and

| (d) | grounds for objection. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

grounds for objection.

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

Natura 2000 areas

The Voordelta is home to flora and fauna of special ecological value. This is why this area has been designated a Natura 2000 area under the auspices of the EU Birds and Habitats Directive. The Netherlands is obliged to establish and maintain a ‘favourable conservation status’ for certain species and their habitats. Wildlife conservation is legally regulated under the Flora and Fauna Act, and conservation areas are legally regulated under the Nature Conservation Act 1998. The Nature Conservation Act 1998 requires that a management plan be established for all Natura 2000 areas.

Flora and fauna of special ecological value can be found throughout the whole of the Voordelta; however, the greatest diversity is located in the northern half of the area. Conservation measures are therefore most effective when applied to these northern areas.

Maasvlakte 2 Compensation Report

Development of Maasvlakte 2 in the Voordelta Natura 2000 area will result in the loss of flora and fauna of ecological value due to a reduction of the Natura 2000 area's size by 2 455 hectares. The key spatial planning decision (hereinafter KSPD), Rotterdam Main Port Development 2006, stipulated that this loss be compensated by establishing a conservation area elsewhere in the Voordelta, where usage restrictions could be imposed.

Rotterdam Main Port Development 2006

The KSPD also stated that usage restrictions and other measures would help improve the ecological value of the conservation area. Ecological demands were taken into consideration and weighed against the extent to which restrictions should be imposed on human activity, particularly in light of existing usage, human or otherwise.

The Nature Conservation Act licence issued for the construction and presence of Maasvlakte 2 includes a compensation obligation concerning Habitat Type 1 110 and a number of species of bird.

Measures

In the short term, it is important to limit access to certain areas of the Voordelta in order to be able to compensate in a timely fashion for the effects of the construction and presence of Maasvlakte 2, and in order to maintain a watch on the conservation and preservation of flora and fauna of ecological value as incorporated in the Voordelta Designation Decree.

Applicable measures for the Voordelta will also be incorporated into the Voordelta management plan. Until this management plan comes into effect, Section 19d of the Nature Conservation Act 1998 remains fully applicable. This decree is only aimed at regulating access and restriction of access to certain areas, but does not provide for any dispensations for licensing requirements in cases where these stem from any applicable legislation.

The Environmental Impact Assessment document and the appropriate evaluation (made for the preparation of the Voordelta management plan) are the foundations for the access restriction decrees. They will also be incorporated in the Voordelta management plan. The goal of the management plan and of the access restriction decree is: to conserve the protected natural assets, to compensate for the loss of protected natural assets through the construction of Maasvlakte 2 and within the bounds of this nature conservation take into account the interests of recreational users, tourism and fisheries.

The management measures, such as the present access restrictions, will, if necessary, be adjusted on the basis of monitoring and evaluation.

Explanatory notes on access restrictions

Maasvlakte 2 Compensation

Maasvlakte 2 Compensation

Habitat Type 1 110 (permanent sandbanks in shallow coastal waters)

Many species of land animal and fish live on sandbanks in alternating fresh and salt-water tidal deltas. These delta areas are an important feeding ground for birds and seals, which is why it is so important to conserve them. In total, 2 455 hectares of this type of habitat in the Voordelta will be lost due to expansion of Rotterdam Port to Maasvlakte 2. Part of the soil fauna (biomass) will disappear due to the loss of this land area that would otherwise serve as food for fish and birds.

Since it is not possible to create sandbanks in shallow coastal waters at any other locations, measures are being taken to improve the quality of similar parts of the seabed in other areas of the Voordelta to serve as feeding grounds for birds and fish. The objective is to raise levels of biomass within the conservation area as a source of food for birds and fish to keep total biomass levels within the Voordelta at a constant level comparable to the situation before the construction of Maasvlakte 2. This will act as compensation for the effects of the construction and presence of Maasvlakte 2.

The net area of the conservation area totals 24 550 hectares, 10 times the area that will be lost. This factor of 10 can trace its origins back to expert assessments and existing research data that showed that restricting an area's usage can generate at least 10 % improvement in soil quality due to biomass growth. Based on this expert assessment and further investigation, it was determined in Section 1 of the KSPD that establishing a sea reserve (termed a conservation area in this decree) would be the best way to compensate for the effects of the construction and presence of Maasvlakte 2. Subsequent research has shown that excluding beam trawlers with an engine capacity greater than 191 kW (260 hp) from the conservation area was sufficient to achieve this objective. The restricted access decree follows up on these findings.

MAP

---

(1)  Effective as of Staatsblad 2005 [Bulletin of Acts, Orders and Decrees 2005], 473.

1

Staatsblad 2005

(2)  
  Staatscourant 2006 [Government Gazette 2006], No 91.

2

Staatscourant 2006

---

ANNEX III

Access restriction decree Verklikkerplaat and Slikken van Voorne

13 May 2008

Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality

Restriction of access to natural areas under Section 20 of the Nature Conservation Act 1998 for the ‘Voordelta’ Natura 2000 area.

INTRODUCTION

Section 20, Subsection 1, of the Nature Conservation Act 1998 (1) stipulates that provincial executives may restrict access to protected nature reserves as defined under Section 10, Subsection 1; designated areas as defined under Section 10a, Subsection 1; other areas for which such a designation is under consideration as defined under Section 12, or parts of such areas in so far as is necessary for the conservation of the ecological value of said area.

Section 20, Subsection 2, of the Nature Conservation Act 1998 stipulates that the authority as defined in Subsection 1 rests with the Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality in agreement with another Minister in the event that the area as defined under Subsection 1, or a part thereof, is managed by or falls under the jurisdiction of that Minister or other Ministers.

The following decree is to be enacted in agreement with the Minister of Transport, Public Works and Water Management. The Regional Affairs mandate (2) in force at the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality stipulates that the Southern Regional Director for this ministry be authorised to take this decision on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality.

It is necessary to restrict access to a number of areas within the Voordelta Natura 2000 area (hereinafter ‘Voordelta’) in order to protect the existing and future ecological value of the area. The basis for imposing such access restrictions can be found in the Voordelta Designation Decree (19 February 2008, ref. DRZO/2008-113) with regard to fulfilling Voordelta Natura 2000 objectives, as well as compensation obligations as incorporated into the Nature Conservation Act licence (17 April 2008, ref. DRZW/2008-1670) issued for construction and presence of Maasvlakte 2. This is described in more detail in the general explanatory memorandum accompanying this decree.

This decree specifically regulates access restrictions to the areas detailed below. Specific exceptions to access restrictions detract in no way from any licensing requirements as defined under Section 19d of the Nature Conservation Act 1998, unless exceptions as defined under Section 19d, Subsection 2, of the Nature Conservation Act 1998 (projects or activities in accordance with the management plan) are applicable.

DECREE

Section 1

Access to the ‘Verklikkerplaat’ area, as shown in the map accompanying this decree, is to be restricted.

Restricted access to Verklikkerplaat applies throughout the whole of the year.

Restricted access applies to all types of activities with the exception of the activities listed below:

Helicopter flights and recreational flights in small aircraft

Helicopter flights are permitted over this area above a minimum altitude of 1 000 ft (approx. 300 m).

Paragliding and hang gliding are prohibited above this area.

For all other forms of recreational aviation (motorised or unmotorised), this area has been designated a ‘nature conservation area’ in accordance with the code of conduct for general aviation, Verantwoord Vliegen [Responsible Flying], applying to this category (3), which stipulates that these areas should be avoided wherever possible. If flying over these areas is unavoidable, then an altitude of at least 1 000 ft (approx. 300 m) must be maintained, except in situations where this is unfeasible due to safety considerations.

Section 2

Access to the ‘Slikken van Voorne’ area, located within the Voordelta as shown on the map accompanying this decree, is to be restricted.

Restricted access to Slikken van Voorne applies throughout the whole of the year.

Restricted access does not apply to the activities listed below:

Seine net fishing

Seine net fishing is permitted throughout the whole of the year under the following conditions. This concerns one enterprise, namely vessel Tholen 5.

A distance of at least 250 m must be kept from high water refuge areas on mud flats.

The fishing vessel must be equipped with serviceable tracking equipment for enforcement purposes.

Helicopter flights and recreational flights in small aircraft

Helicopter flights are permitted over this area above a minimum altitude of 1 000 ft (approx. 300 m).

Paragliding and hang gliding are expressly prohibited above this area.

For all other forms of recreational aviation (motorised or unmotorised), this area has been designated a ‘nature conservation area’ in accordance with the code of conduct for general aviation, Verantwoord Vliegen [Responsible Flying], applying to this category, which stipulates that these areas should be avoided wherever possible. If flying over these areas is unavoidable, then an altitude of at least 1 000 ft (approx. 300 m) must be maintained, except in situations where this is unfeasible due to safety considerations.

Section 3

Access restrictions described above in Section 1 do not apply to the following activities on grounds of Section 20, Subsection 4 of the Nature Conservation Act 1998:

Performing necessary government tasks

Presence throughout the whole of the year for tasks performed by the government or on behalf of the government, with or without the use of a vessel, vehicle or aircraft, in so far as is necessary for purposes of conservation, maintenance, demarcation, monitoring, inspection or tracking and military activities.

Cable and pipeline maintenance

Maintenance work carried out on cables and pipelines between 1 September and 1 May. Access outside this period is only permitted as a matter of urgent necessity subject to the discretion of the competent authority.

Section 4

1.   Areas to which access has been restricted by virtue of this decree are shown on the associated map titled ‘Toegangelijkheidsbesluit Verklikkerplaat en Slikken van Voorne’ [access restriction decree Verklikkerplaat en Slikken van Voorne] and defined in detail by means of coordinates.

2.   In the field and on the water, restricted area boundaries can be identified by means of signposts and buoys.

3.   Maps and other appendices as indicated in Subsection 1 can be viewed for inspection for a period of six weeks after publication, at the offices of the Southern Regional Affairs Directorate of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality located at Keisersgracht 5 in Eindhoven. Office hours are from Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Section 5

This decree is to be announced in the Staatscourant [Government Gazette]. An explanatory memorandum accompanying this decree must be read in conjunction with the order.

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, NATURE AND FOOD QUALITY

per pro

Southern Regional Director

Objections

It is possible for stakeholders to lodge an objection to this decree in writing under provisions set out in the General Administrative Law Act. Any such notices of objection should be lodged within six weeks of the order's publication in the Staatscourant [Government Gazette] at the following address:

Staatscourant

| Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality |
| --- |
| Dienst Regelingen |
| Afdeling Recht & Rechtsbescherming |
| PO Box 20401 |
| 2500 EK The Hague |
| Netherlands |

Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality

Dienst Regelingen

Afdeling Recht & Rechtsbescherming

PO Box 20401

2500 EK The Hague

Netherlands

Notices of objection should be signed and should include at least the following information:

| (a) | name and address of the party lodging the objection; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

name and address of the party lodging the objection;

| (b) | date; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

date;

| (c) | description of the decree against which an objection is being lodged; and |
| --- | --- |

(c)

description of the decree against which an objection is being lodged; and

| (d) | grounds for objection. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

grounds for objection.

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

Natura 2000 areas

The Voordelta is home to flora and fauna of special ecological value. This is why this area has been designated a Natura 2000 area under the auspices of the EU Birds and Habitats Directive. The Netherlands is obliged to establish and maintain a ‘favourable conservation status’ for certain species and their habitats. Wildlife conservation is legally regulated under the Flora and Fauna Act, and conservation areas are legally regulated under the Nature Conservation Act 1998. The Nature Conservation Act 1998 requires that a management plan be established for all Natura 2000 areas.

Flora and fauna of special ecological value can be found throughout the whole of the Voordelta; however, the greatest diversity is located in the northern half of the area. Conservation measures are therefore most effective when applied to these northern areas.

Maasvlakte 2 Compensation Report

Development of Maasvlakte 2 in the Voordelta Natura 2000 area will result in the loss of flora and fauna of ecological value partly due to a reduction of the Natura 2000 area's size by 2 455 hectares. The key spatial planning decision (hereinafter KSPD), Main Port Rotterdam Development 2006, stipulated that this loss be compensated for by establishing a conservation area elsewhere in the Voordelta, where usage restrictions could be imposed. The KSPD also stated that usage restrictions and other measures would help improve the ecological value of the conservation area. Ecological demands were taken into consideration and weighed against the extent to which restrictions should be imposed on human activity, particularly in light of existing usage, human or otherwise.

Main Port Rotterdam Development 2006

The Nature Conservation Act licence issued for the construction and presence of Maasvlakte 2 includes a compensation obligation concerning Habitat Type 1 110 and a number of species of bird. By means of the restricted access decree under consideration, compensatory measures are to be taken in addition to objectives set by Natura 2000.

Measures

In the short term, it is important to limit access to certain areas of the Voordelta in order to be able to compensate in a timely fashion for the effects of the construction and presence of Maasvlakte 2, and in order to maintain a watch on the conservation and preservation of flora and fauna of ecological value as incorporated in the Voordelta Designation Decree.

Applicable measures for the Voordelta will also be incorporated into the Voordelta management plan. Until this management plan comes into effect, Section 19d of the Nature Conservation Act 1998 remains fully applicable. This decree is only aimed at regulating access and restricting access to certain areas, but does not provide for any dispensations for licensing requirements in cases where these stem from any applicable legislation.

The Environmental Impact Assessment document and the appropriate evaluation (made for the preparation of the Voordelta management plan) are the foundations for the access restriction decrees. They will also be incorporated into the Voordelta management plan. The goal of the management plan and of the access restriction decree is: to conserve the protected natural assets, to compensate for the loss of protected natural assets through the construction of Maasvlakte 2 and, within the bounds of this nature conservation, to take into account the interests of recreational users, tourism and fisheries.

The management measures, such as the present access restrictions, will, if necessary, be adjusted on the basis of monitoring and evaluation.

Explanatory notes on access restrictions

Slikken van Voorne is important for the protection of various species of bird inhabiting the area (approximately 20 species, principally ducks and waders) for which conservation targets have been set in the Voordelta Designation Decree.

Verklikkerplaat is of special importance for the protection of the common seal.

Natura 2000 Objectives

Waders and ducks

Waders and ducks

Various species of wader and duck such as the oystercatcher and the gadwall use Slikken van Voorne in the Voordelta as a resting and foraging area. The Voordelta is becoming increasingly important for their continued existence as a result of diminishing habitats elsewhere, such as the sandbanks of the Oosterschelde where these migrant birds rest and feed.

Recreational activities in their direct vicinity, both on beaches and on the water, disturb these birds, which are particularly sensitive to noise and sudden movement. This problem is growing, as the recreational season is becoming longer and longer. Measures restricting access to Slikken van Voorne are designed to achieve conservation targets set out in the Voordelta Designation Decree for ducks and waders.

Common seal

Common seal

At the beginning of the last century, around 10 000 common seals inhabited the Delta. Pollution, hunting and encroachment into their habitat due to the Delta Works had reduced their numbers to just a few dozen individuals up until 50 years ago. Over recent years, their numbers have grown to more than 100 in the Delta area, 50 % living in the Voordelta area.

They use tidal plains such as those at Hinderplaat, Bollen van de Ooster (Aardappelenbult) and Verklikkerplaat to rest. However, they do not breed well in the Voordelta. The plains provide insufficient peace and quiet for them to give birth to, suckle and raise their pups. Year-round peace and quiet is essential; the most critical period being before, during and after the pups' suckling period from 1 May to 1 September.

Measures restricting access to their resting places in Hinderplaat, Bollen van de Ooster and Verklikkerplaat situated in the Voordelta are designed to allow at least 200 common seals to inhabit the entire Delta. Here, they will be able to raise their pups, thus meeting objectives set out in the Voordelta Designation Decree.

MAPS

---

(1)  Effective as of Staatsblad 2005 [Bulletin of Acts, Orders and Decrees 2005], 473.

1

Staatsblad 2005

(2)  
  Staatscourant 2006 [Government Gazette 2006], No 91.

2

Staatscourant 2006

(3)  Code of Conduct Verantwoord Vliegen [Responsible Flying], Royal Netherlands Aeronautical Association (RNAA), 2004.

3

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| 10.12.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 332/20 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.12.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 332/20

---

COMMISSION DECISION

of 30 October 2008

establishing, pursuant to Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, the values of the Member State monitoring system classifications as a result of the intercalibration exercise

(notified under document number C(2008) 6016)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2008/915/EC)

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy (1), and in particular section 1.4.1(ix) of Annex V thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Article 4(1)(a)(ii) of Directive 2000/60/EC requires the Member States to protect, enhance and restore all bodies of surface water with the aim of achieving good surface water status at the latest 15 years after the date of entry into force of the Directive, subject to certain exceptions, in accordance with the provisions laid down in Annex V thereto. Article 4(1)(a)(iii) of Directive 2000/60/EC requires the Member States to protect and enhance all artificial and heavily modified bodies of water, with the aim of achieving good ecological potential and good surface water chemical status at the latest 15 years from the date of entry into force of that Directive, subject to certain exceptions, in accordance with the provisions laid down in Annex V thereto. In accordance with point (i) of section 1.4.1 of Annex V to Directive 2000/60/EC the references to ecological status should be construed as references to ecological potential as regards artificial and heavily modified water bodies. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Article 4(1)(a)(ii) of Directive 2000/60/EC requires the Member States to protect, enhance and restore all bodies of surface water with the aim of achieving good surface water status at the latest 15 years after the date of entry into force of the Directive, subject to certain exceptions, in accordance with the provisions laid down in Annex V thereto. Article 4(1)(a)(iii) of Directive 2000/60/EC requires the Member States to protect and enhance all artificial and heavily modified bodies of water, with the aim of achieving good ecological potential and good surface water chemical status at the latest 15 years from the date of entry into force of that Directive, subject to certain exceptions, in accordance with the provisions laid down in Annex V thereto. In accordance with point (i) of section 1.4.1 of Annex V to Directive 2000/60/EC the references to ecological status should be construed as references to ecological potential as regards artificial and heavily modified water bodies.

| (2) | Section 1.4.1 of Annex V to Directive 2000/60/EC provides a process to ensure the comparability between Member States of biological monitoring results, being a central part of the ecological status classification. This requires the results of the Member States' monitoring and classification systems to be compared through an intercalibration network comprised of monitoring sites in each Member State and in each ecoregion of the Community. Directive 2000/60/EC requires the Member States to collect, as appropriate, the necessary information for the sites included in the intercalibration network, in order to enable the assessment of the consistency of the national classification system with the normative definitions of section 1.2 of Annex V to Directive 2000/60/EC and the comparability of the results of classification systems between the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Section 1.4.1 of Annex V to Directive 2000/60/EC provides a process to ensure the comparability between Member States of biological monitoring results, being a central part of the ecological status classification. This requires the results of the Member States' monitoring and classification systems to be compared through an intercalibration network comprised of monitoring sites in each Member State and in each ecoregion of the Community. Directive 2000/60/EC requires the Member States to collect, as appropriate, the necessary information for the sites included in the intercalibration network, in order to enable the assessment of the consistency of the national classification system with the normative definitions of section 1.2 of Annex V to Directive 2000/60/EC and the comparability of the results of classification systems between the Member States.

| (3) | Commission Decision 2005/646/EC of 17 August 2005 on the establishment of a register of sites to form the intercalibration network in accordance with Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (2) established the register of sites to form the intercalibration network referred to in section 1.4.1(vii) of Annex V to Directive 2000/60/EC. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Commission Decision 2005/646/EC of 17 August 2005 on the establishment of a register of sites to form the intercalibration network in accordance with Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (2) established the register of sites to form the intercalibration network referred to in section 1.4.1(vii) of Annex V to Directive 2000/60/EC.

| (4) | In order to carry out the intercalibration exercise Member States are organised in Geographical Intercalibration Groups, consisting of Member States sharing particular surface water body types, as defined in Section 2 of the Annex to Decision 2005/646/EC. This has allowed each group to compare its results and to perform the intercalibration exercise among its members. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

In order to carry out the intercalibration exercise Member States are organised in Geographical Intercalibration Groups, consisting of Member States sharing particular surface water body types, as defined in Section 2 of the Annex to Decision 2005/646/EC. This has allowed each group to compare its results and to perform the intercalibration exercise among its members.

| (5) | The intercalibration exercise is carried out at biological element level, comparing the classification results of the national monitoring systems for each biological element and for each common surface water body type among Member States in the same Geographical Intercalibration Group, and assessing the consistency of the results with the aforementioned normative definitions. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

The intercalibration exercise is carried out at biological element level, comparing the classification results of the national monitoring systems for each biological element and for each common surface water body type among Member States in the same Geographical Intercalibration Group, and assessing the consistency of the results with the aforementioned normative definitions.

| (6) | The ‘Technical report on the Water Framework Directive intercalibration exercise’ describes in detail how the intercalibration exercise has been carried out for the water categories and biological quality elements included in the Annex to this Decision. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

The ‘Technical report on the Water Framework Directive intercalibration exercise’ describes in detail how the intercalibration exercise has been carried out for the water categories and biological quality elements included in the Annex to this Decision.

| (7) | The Commission has facilitated the intercalibration exercise through the Institute of Environment and Sustainability of the Joint Research Centre in Ispra (Italy) that has coordinated the technical work. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

The Commission has facilitated the intercalibration exercise through the Institute of Environment and Sustainability of the Joint Research Centre in Ispra (Italy) that has coordinated the technical work.

| (8) | The intercalibration exercise is a complex scientific and technical task. The Geographical Intercalibration Groups have used different methodological options to carry out the exercise depending on the availability of monitoring data for the various biological quality elements and the status of development of the national monitoring and classification systems. In order to increase the statistical robustness of the results, most of the methodologies used by Geographical Intercalibration Groups involve the use of data from as many monitoring points as possible, covering the whole range of status classes, from high to bad status. Therefore, monitoring data has been used from sites that are not part of the intercalibration network, as this comprises only a limited number of sites of high, good or moderate status. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

The intercalibration exercise is a complex scientific and technical task. The Geographical Intercalibration Groups have used different methodological options to carry out the exercise depending on the availability of monitoring data for the various biological quality elements and the status of development of the national monitoring and classification systems. In order to increase the statistical robustness of the results, most of the methodologies used by Geographical Intercalibration Groups involve the use of data from as many monitoring points as possible, covering the whole range of status classes, from high to bad status. Therefore, monitoring data has been used from sites that are not part of the intercalibration network, as this comprises only a limited number of sites of high, good or moderate status.

| (9) | The Commission has received intercalibration results for a number of biological quality elements that comprise the definition of ecological status. In some cases results have been provided for only some parameters of the biological elements or for only some of the Member States participating in a Geographical Intercalibration Group. Hence, the Commission considers that, for those cases, comparability is not fully ensured. Further intercalibration results may therefore be subject to a future Decision when the relevant information in accordance with Section 1.4.1 of Annex V to Directive 2000/60/EC will have been provided by Member States. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

The Commission has received intercalibration results for a number of biological quality elements that comprise the definition of ecological status. In some cases results have been provided for only some parameters of the biological elements or for only some of the Member States participating in a Geographical Intercalibration Group. Hence, the Commission considers that, for those cases, comparability is not fully ensured. Further intercalibration results may therefore be subject to a future Decision when the relevant information in accordance with Section 1.4.1 of Annex V to Directive 2000/60/EC will have been provided by Member States.

| (10) | It is necessary to adopt the available results of the intercalibration exercise on time to inform the development of the first river basin management plans and programmes of measures in accordance with Articles 11 and 13 of Directive 2000/60/EC. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

It is necessary to adopt the available results of the intercalibration exercise on time to inform the development of the first river basin management plans and programmes of measures in accordance with Articles 11 and 13 of Directive 2000/60/EC.

| (11) | As a result of the intercalibration exercise, the values of the ecological quality ratios for the boundaries between ecological status classes for the Member States classification systems should represent an equivalent ecological status. The differences in values for the same biological quality element are due to differences in national methods. In addition, due to the differences in calculation methods and other reasons, it is not possible to compare the values of the ecological quality ratios across different biological quality elements. |
| --- | --- |

(11)

As a result of the intercalibration exercise, the values of the ecological quality ratios for the boundaries between ecological status classes for the Member States classification systems should represent an equivalent ecological status. The differences in values for the same biological quality element are due to differences in national methods. In addition, due to the differences in calculation methods and other reasons, it is not possible to compare the values of the ecological quality ratios across different biological quality elements.

| (12) | Parameters like chlorophyll-a concentration, phytoplankton biovolume, percentage of cyanobacteria or depth limits of macroalgae and angiosperms do not cover full biological quality elements. However, due to the availability of data and assessment methods, they are one of the basis of the current intercalibration exercise for lakes and coastal waters. The values of those parameters are directly comparable across Member States, provided the differences in sampling and analytical methods are taken into account. For these reasons, in addition to the ecological quality ratios, absolute values for these parameters should be included in the Annex to this Decision as part of the results of the intercalibration exercise. |
| --- | --- |

(12)

Parameters like chlorophyll-a concentration, phytoplankton biovolume, percentage of cyanobacteria or depth limits of macroalgae and angiosperms do not cover full biological quality elements. However, due to the availability of data and assessment methods, they are one of the basis of the current intercalibration exercise for lakes and coastal waters. The values of those parameters are directly comparable across Member States, provided the differences in sampling and analytical methods are taken into account. For these reasons, in addition to the ecological quality ratios, absolute values for these parameters should be included in the Annex to this Decision as part of the results of the intercalibration exercise.

| (13) | The results should refer to the ecological status. If water bodies corresponding to the intercalibrated types are designated as heavily modified water bodies in accordance with Article 4(3) of Directive 2000/60/EC, the results presented in the Annex to this Decision may be used to derive their good ecological potential, taken into account their physical modifications and their associated water use, in accordance with the normative definitions in Annex V, section 1.2.5, to Directive 2000/60/EC. |
| --- | --- |

(13)

The results should refer to the ecological status. If water bodies corresponding to the intercalibrated types are designated as heavily modified water bodies in accordance with Article 4(3) of Directive 2000/60/EC, the results presented in the Annex to this Decision may be used to derive their good ecological potential, taken into account their physical modifications and their associated water use, in accordance with the normative definitions in Annex V, section 1.2.5, to Directive 2000/60/EC.

| (14) | As established in section 1.4.1(iii) of Annex V to Directive 2000/60/EC, Member States will have to translate the results of the intercalibration exercise into their national classification systems in order to set the boundaries between high and good status and between good and moderate status for all their national types. Guidelines to translate the intercalibration results into the national classification systems and to derive reference conditions have been developed to support the application of the results. |
| --- | --- |

(14)

As established in section 1.4.1(iii) of Annex V to Directive 2000/60/EC, Member States will have to translate the results of the intercalibration exercise into their national classification systems in order to set the boundaries between high and good status and between good and moderate status for all their national types. Guidelines to translate the intercalibration results into the national classification systems and to derive reference conditions have been developed to support the application of the results.

| (15) | The information that will be made available through the implementation of the monitoring programmes provided for in Article eight of Directive 2000/60/EC and the review and update of the characteristics of river basin districts provided for in Article five of Directive 2000/60/EC can bring new evidence that may lead to the adaptation to scientific and technical progress of the Member States' monitoring and classification systems and eventually to a review of the results of the intercalibration exercise in order to improve their quality. |
| --- | --- |

(15)

The information that will be made available through the implementation of the monitoring programmes provided for in Article eight of Directive 2000/60/EC and the review and update of the characteristics of river basin districts provided for in Article five of Directive 2000/60/EC can bring new evidence that may lead to the adaptation to scientific and technical progress of the Member States' monitoring and classification systems and eventually to a review of the results of the intercalibration exercise in order to improve their quality.

| (16) | The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee referred to in Article 21(1) of Directive 2000/60/EC, |
| --- | --- |

(16)

The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee referred to in Article 21(1) of Directive 2000/60/EC,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

For the purpose of section 1.4.1(iii) of Annex V to Directive 2000/60/EC, Member States shall use in their monitoring systems classification the values of the boundaries between classes that are set out in the Annex to this Decision.

Article 2

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

Done at Brussels, 30 October 2008.

For the Commission

Stravros DIMAS

Member of the Commission

---

(1)  
  OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1.

1

(2)  
  OJ L 243, 19.9.2005, p. 1.

2

---

ANNEX

WATER CATEGORY: Rivers

GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP: Alpine

Description of types that have been intercalibrated

| Type | River characterisation | Catchment (km2) | Altitude and geomorphology | Alkalinity | Flow regime |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| R-A1 | Small to medium, high altitude calcareous | 10-1 000 | 800-2 500  m (catchment), boulders/cobble | high (but not extremely high) alkalinity | |
| R-A2 | Small to medium, high altitude, siliceous | 10-1 000 | 500-1 000  m (max. altitude of catchment 3 000  m, mean 1 500  m), boulders | Non-calcareous (granite, metamorphic). medium to low alkalinity | nival-glacial flow regime |

Type

River characterisation

Catchment (km2)

Altitude and geomorphology

Alkalinity

Flow regime

R-A1

Small to medium, high altitude calcareous

10-1 000

800-2 500  m (catchment), boulders/cobble

high (but not extremely high) alkalinity

R-A2

Small to medium, high altitude, siliceous

10-1 000

500-1 000  m (max. altitude of catchment 3 000  m, mean 1 500  m), boulders

Non-calcareous (granite, metamorphic). medium to low alkalinity

nival-glacial flow regime

Countries sharing the types that have been intercalibrated

| Type R-A1: | Germany, Austria, France, Italy, Slovenia |
| --- | --- |
| Type R-A2: | Austria, France, Italy, Spain, Slovenia |

Type R-A1:

Germany, Austria, France, Italy, Slovenia

Type R-A2:

Austria, France, Italy, Spain, Slovenia

RESULTS

Biological Quality Element: Benthic invertebrate fauna

Results: Ecological quality ratios of the national classification systems intercalibrated

| Type and country | National classification systems intercalibrated | Ecological Quality Ratios |
| --- | --- | --- |
| High-good boundary | Good-moderate boundary |
| Type R-A1 |
| Austria | Austrian System for Ecological River Status Assessment (Worst case between Multimetric Indices for General Degradation and Saprobic Index) | 0,80 | 0,60 |
| France | Classification française DCE Indice Biologique Global Normalisé (IBGN). Norme AFNOR NF T 90 350 (1992) and circular MEDD/DE/MAGE/BEMA 05 No14 of 28 July 2005 modified on 13 June 2007 | 0,93 | 0,79 |
| Germany | PERLODES — Bewertungsverfahren von Fließgewässern auf Basis des Makrozoobenthos | 0,80 | 0,60 |
| Italy | STAR Intercalibration Common Metric Index (STAR_ICMi) | 0,97 | 0,73 |
| Slovenia | Slovenian Benthic Invertebrate Assessment System:
  Multimetric index (Hydromorphology/General degradation), Saprobic Index | 0,80 | 0,60 |
| Type R-A2 |
| Austria | Austrian System for Ecological River Status Assessment (Worst case between Multimetric Indices for General Degradation and Saprobic Index) | 0,80 | 0,60 |
| France (Alps) | Classification française DCE Indice Biologique Global Normalisé (IBGN). Norme AFNOR NF T 90 350 (1992) and circular MEDD/DE/MAGE/BEMA 05 No 14 of 28 July 2005 modified on 13 June 2007 | 0,93 | 0,71 |
| France (Pyrenees) | Classification française DCE Indice Biologique Global Normalisé (IBGN). Norme AFNOR NF T 90 350 (1992) and circular MEDD/DE/MAGE/BEMA 05 No 14 of 28 July 2005 modified on 13 June 2007 | 0,94 | 0,81 |
| Italy | STAR Intercalibration Common Metric Index (STAR_ICMi) | 0,95 | 0,71 |
| Spain | Iberian BMWP (IBMWP) | 0,83 | 0,53 |

Type and country

National classification systems intercalibrated

Ecological Quality Ratios

High-good boundary

Good-moderate boundary

Type R-A1

Austria

Austrian System for Ecological River Status Assessment (Worst case between Multimetric Indices for General Degradation and Saprobic Index)

0,80

0,60

France

Classification française DCE Indice Biologique Global Normalisé (IBGN). Norme AFNOR NF T 90 350 (1992) and circular MEDD/DE/MAGE/BEMA 05 No14 of 28 July 2005 modified on 13 June 2007

0,93

0,79

Germany

PERLODES — Bewertungsverfahren von Fließgewässern auf Basis des Makrozoobenthos

0,80

0,60

Italy

STAR Intercalibration Common Metric Index (STAR_ICMi)

0,97

0,73

Slovenia

Slovenian Benthic Invertebrate Assessment System:

Multimetric index (Hydromorphology/General degradation), Saprobic Index

0,80

0,60

Type R-A2

Austria

Austrian System for Ecological River Status Assessment (Worst case between Multimetric Indices for General Degradation and Saprobic Index)

0,80

0,60

France (Alps)

Classification française DCE Indice Biologique Global Normalisé (IBGN). Norme AFNOR NF T 90 350 (1992) and circular MEDD/DE/MAGE/BEMA 05 No 14 of 28 July 2005 modified on 13 June 2007

0,93

0,71

France (Pyrenees)

Classification française DCE Indice Biologique Global Normalisé (IBGN). Norme AFNOR NF T 90 350 (1992) and circular MEDD/DE/MAGE/BEMA 05 No 14 of 28 July 2005 modified on 13 June 2007

0,94

0,81

Italy

STAR Intercalibration Common Metric Index (STAR_ICMi)

0,95

0,71

Spain

Iberian BMWP (IBMWP)

0,83

0,53

Biological Quality Element: Phytobenthos

Results: Ecological quality ratios of the national classification systems intercalibrated

| Type and country | National classification systems intercalibrated | Ecological Quality Ratios |
| --- | --- | --- |
| High-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary |
| Type R-A1 |
| Austria | Multimetric method consisting of three modules/metrics (Trophic Index, Saprobic Index, Reference Species) | 0,87 | 0,56 |
| France | Classification française DCE Indice Biologique Diatomées (IBD) norme AFNOR NF T 90-354 (2000) and circular MEDD/DE/MAGE/BEMA 05 No 14 of 28 July 2005 modified on 13 June 2007 | 0,86 | 0,71 |
| Germany | Deutsches Bewertungsverfahren für Makrophyten und Phytobenthos (PHYLIB) | 0,73 | 0,54 |
| Slovenia | Multimetric method consisting of two modules/metrics | 0,80 | 0,60 |
| Type R-A2 |
| Austria | Multimetric method consisting of three modules/metrics (Trophic Index, Saprobic Index, Reference Species) | 0,87 | 0,56 |
| France | Classification française DCE Indice Biologique Diatomées (IBD) norme AFNOR NF T 90-354 (2000) and circular MEDD/DE/MAGE/BEMA 05 No 14 of 28 July 2005 modified on 13 June 2007 | 0,86 | 0,71 |
| Spain | Indice de Polluosensibilité Spécifique (IPS) (Lenoir & Coste, 1996) | 0,94 | 0,74 |

Type and country

National classification systems intercalibrated

Ecological Quality Ratios

High-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

Type R-A1

Austria

Multimetric method consisting of three modules/metrics (Trophic Index, Saprobic Index, Reference Species)

0,87

0,56

France

Classification française DCE Indice Biologique Diatomées (IBD) norme AFNOR NF T 90-354 (2000) and circular MEDD/DE/MAGE/BEMA 05 No 14 of 28 July 2005 modified on 13 June 2007

0,86

0,71

Germany

Deutsches Bewertungsverfahren für Makrophyten und Phytobenthos (PHYLIB)

0,73

0,54

Slovenia

Multimetric method consisting of two modules/metrics

0,80

0,60

Type R-A2

Austria

Multimetric method consisting of three modules/metrics (Trophic Index, Saprobic Index, Reference Species)

0,87

0,56

France

Classification française DCE Indice Biologique Diatomées (IBD) norme AFNOR NF T 90-354 (2000) and circular MEDD/DE/MAGE/BEMA 05 No 14 of 28 July 2005 modified on 13 June 2007

0,86

0,71

Spain

Indice de Polluosensibilité Spécifique (IPS) (Lenoir & Coste, 1996)

0,94

0,74

WATER CATEGORY: Rivers

GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP: Central/Baltic

Description of types that have been intercalibrated

| Type | River characterisation | Catchment
  (km2) | Altitude & geomorphology | Alkalinity
  (meq/l) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| R-C1 | Small lowland siliceous sand | 10-100 | lowland, dominated by sandy substrate (small particle size), 3-8 m width (bankfull size) | > 0,4 |
| R-C2 | Small lowland siliceous — rock | 10-100 | lowland, rock material 3-8m width (bankfull size) | < 0,4 |
| R-C3 | Small mid-altitude siliceous | 10-100 | mid-altitude, rock (granite) — gravel substrate, 2-10 m width (bankfull size) | < 0,4 |
| R-C4 | Medium lowland mixed | 100-1 000 | lowland, sandy to gravel substrate, 8-25m width (bankfull size) | > 0,4 |
| R-C5 | Large lowland mixed | 1 000 -10 000 | lowland, barbel zone, variation in velocity, max. altitude in catchment: 800m, > 25 m width (bankfull size) | > 0,4 |
| R-C6 | Small, lowland, calcareous | 10-300 | lowland, gravel substrate (limestone), width 3-10 m (bankfull size) | > 2 |

Type

River characterisation

Catchment

(km2)

Altitude & geomorphology

Alkalinity

(meq/l)

R-C1

Small lowland siliceous sand

10-100

lowland, dominated by sandy substrate (small particle size), 3-8 m width (bankfull size)

> 0,4

R-C2

Small lowland siliceous — rock

10-100

lowland, rock material 3-8m width (bankfull size)

< 0,4

R-C3

Small mid-altitude siliceous

10-100

mid-altitude, rock (granite) — gravel substrate, 2-10 m width (bankfull size)

< 0,4

R-C4

Medium lowland mixed

100-1 000

lowland, sandy to gravel substrate, 8-25m width (bankfull size)

> 0,4

R-C5

Large lowland mixed

1 000 -10 000

lowland, barbel zone, variation in velocity, max. altitude in catchment: 800m, > 25 m width (bankfull size)

> 0,4

R-C6

Small, lowland, calcareous

10-300

lowland, gravel substrate (limestone), width 3-10 m (bankfull size)

> 2

Countries sharing the types that have been intercalibrated:

| Type R-C1: | Belgium (Flanders), Germany, Denmark, France, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, United Kingdom |
| --- | --- |
| Type R-C2: | Spain, France, Ireland, Portugal, Sweden, United Kingdom |
| Type R-C3: | Austria, Belgium (Wallonia), Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, France, Latvia, Luxembourg, United Kingdom |
| Type R-C4: | Belgium (Flanders), Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, United Kingdom |
| Type R-C5: | Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Spain, Ireland. Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, United Kingdom |
| Type R-C6: | Denmark, Estonia, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Sweden, United Kingdom |

Type R-C1:

Belgium (Flanders), Germany, Denmark, France, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, United Kingdom

Type R-C2:

Spain, France, Ireland, Portugal, Sweden, United Kingdom

Type R-C3:

Austria, Belgium (Wallonia), Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, France, Latvia, Luxembourg, United Kingdom

Type R-C4:

Belgium (Flanders), Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, United Kingdom

Type R-C5:

Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Spain, Ireland. Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, United Kingdom

Type R-C6:

Denmark, Estonia, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Sweden, United Kingdom

RESULTS

Biological Quality Element: Benthic invertebrate fauna

Results: Ecological quality ratios of the national classification system intercalibrated

The following results apply to all types as described above.

| Country | National classification system intercalibrated | Ecological Quality Ratios |
| --- | --- | --- |
| High-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary |
| Austria | Austrian System for Ecological River Status Assessment (Worst case between Multimetric Indices for General Degradation and Saprobic Index | 0,80 | 0,60 |
| Belgium (Flanders) | Multimetric Macroinvertebrate Index Flanders (MMIF) | 0,90 | 0,70 |
| Belgium (Wallonia) | Indice Biologique Global Normalisé (IBGN) (Norme AFNOR NF T 90 350, 1992) and ‘Provisional Definition of the Good Status’, Ministry of the Walloon Region (2007) | 0,97 | 0,74 |
| Denmark | Danish Stream Fauna Index (DSFI) | 1,00 | 0,71 |
| Germany | PERLODES –Bewertungsverfahren von Fließgewässern auf Basis des Makrozoobenthos | 0,80 | 0,60 |
| France | Classification française DCE Indice Biologique Global Normalisé (IBGN). Norme AFNOR NF T 90 350 (1992) and circular MEDD/DE/MAGE/BEMA 05 no14 of 28 July 2005 modified on 13 June 2007 | 0,94 | 0,80 |
| Ireland | Quality Rating System (Q-value) | 0,85 | 0,75 |
| Italy | STAR Intercalibration Common Metric Index (STAR_ICMi) | 0,96 | 0,72 |
| Luxembourg | Classification luxembourgeoise DCE, Indice Biologique Global Normalisé (IBGN), Norme AFNOR NF T 90 350, 1992) and circular MEDD/DE/MAGE/BEMA 07 No 4 of 11 April 2007 | 0,96 | 0,72 |
| Netherlands | KRW-maatlat | 0,80 | 0,60 |
| Poland | BMWP (BMWP-PL) verified by modified Margalef diversity index | 0,89 | 0,68 |
| Spain | North Spain Multimetric Indices | 0,93 | 0,70 |
| Sweden | DJ-index (Dahl & Johnson 2004) | 0,80 | 0,60 |
| United Kingdom | River Invertebrate Classification Tool (RICT) | 0,97 | 0,86 |

Country

National classification system intercalibrated

Ecological Quality Ratios

High-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

Austria

Austrian System for Ecological River Status Assessment (Worst case between Multimetric Indices for General Degradation and Saprobic Index

0,80

0,60

Belgium (Flanders)

Multimetric Macroinvertebrate Index Flanders (MMIF)

0,90

0,70

Belgium (Wallonia)

Indice Biologique Global Normalisé (IBGN) (Norme AFNOR NF T 90 350, 1992) and ‘Provisional Definition of the Good Status’, Ministry of the Walloon Region (2007)

0,97

0,74

Denmark

Danish Stream Fauna Index (DSFI)

1,00

0,71

Germany

PERLODES –Bewertungsverfahren von Fließgewässern auf Basis des Makrozoobenthos

0,80

0,60

France

Classification française DCE Indice Biologique Global Normalisé (IBGN). Norme AFNOR NF T 90 350 (1992) and circular MEDD/DE/MAGE/BEMA 05 no14 of 28 July 2005 modified on 13 June 2007

0,94

0,80

Ireland

Quality Rating System (Q-value)

0,85

0,75

Italy

STAR Intercalibration Common Metric Index (STAR_ICMi)

0,96

0,72

Luxembourg

Classification luxembourgeoise DCE, Indice Biologique Global Normalisé (IBGN), Norme AFNOR NF T 90 350, 1992) and circular MEDD/DE/MAGE/BEMA 07 No 4 of 11 April 2007

0,96

0,72

Netherlands

KRW-maatlat

0,80

0,60

Poland

BMWP (BMWP-PL) verified by modified Margalef diversity index

0,89

0,68

Spain

North Spain Multimetric Indices

0,93

0,70

Sweden

DJ-index (Dahl & Johnson 2004)

0,80

0,60

United Kingdom

River Invertebrate Classification Tool (RICT)

0,97

0,86

Biological Quality Element: Phytobenthos

Results: Ecological quality ratios of the national classification system intercalibrated

| Country | National classification system intercalibrated | Type | Ecological Quality Ratios |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| High-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary |
| Austria | Multimetric method consisting of three modules/metrics (Trophic Index, Saprobic Index, Reference Species) | All types, altitude < 500 m | 0,70 | 0,42 |
| All types, altitude > 500 m | 0,71 | 0,42 |
| Belgium (Flanders) | Proportions of Impact-Sensitive and Impact-Associated Diatoms (PISIAD) | All types | 0,80 | 0,60 |
| Belgium (Wallonia) | Indice de Polluosensibilité Spécifique (IPS) AFNOR norm NF T 90-354 (2000) and ‘Provisional Definition of the Good Status’, Ministry of the Walloon Region (2007) | All types | 0,93 | 0,68 |
| Estonia | Indice de Polluosensibilité Spécifique (IPS) | All types | 0,85 | 0,70 |
| France | Classification française DCE Indice Biologique Diatomées (IBD) norme AFNOR NF T 90-354 (2000) and circular MEDD/DE/MAGE/BEMA 05 no14 of 28 July 2005 modified on 13 June 2007 | National Types 1, 2 and 4 | 0,93 | 0,80 |
| National Type 3 | 0,92 | 0,77 |
| Germany | Deutsches Bewertungsverfahren für Makrophyten und Phytobenthos (PHYLIB) | R-C1 | 0,67 | 0,43 |
| R-C3 | 0,67 | 0,43 |
| R-C4 | 0,61 | 0,43 |
| R-C5 | 0,73 | 0,55 |
| Ireland | Revised form of Trophic Diatom Index (TDI) | All types | 0,93 | 0,78 |
| Luxembourg | Indice de Polluosensibilité Spécifique (IPS) | All types | 0,85 | 0,70 |
| Netherlands | KRW Maatlat | All types | 0,80 | 0,60 |
| Spain | Diatom multimetric (MDIAT) | All types | 0,93 | 0,70 |
| Sweden | Swedish assessment methods, Swedish EPA regulations (NFS 2008:1) based on Indice de Polluosensibilité Spécifique (IPS) | All types | 0,89 | 0,74 |
| United Kingdom | Diatom Assessment for River Ecological Status (DARES) | All types | 0,93 | 0,78 |

Country

National classification system intercalibrated

Type

Ecological Quality Ratios

High-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

Austria

Multimetric method consisting of three modules/metrics (Trophic Index, Saprobic Index, Reference Species)

All types, altitude < 500 m

0,70

0,42

All types, altitude > 500 m

0,71

0,42

Belgium (Flanders)

Proportions of Impact-Sensitive and Impact-Associated Diatoms (PISIAD)

All types

0,80

0,60

Belgium (Wallonia)

Indice de Polluosensibilité Spécifique (IPS) AFNOR norm NF T 90-354 (2000) and ‘Provisional Definition of the Good Status’, Ministry of the Walloon Region (2007)

All types

0,93

0,68

Estonia

Indice de Polluosensibilité Spécifique (IPS)

All types

0,85

0,70

France

Classification française DCE Indice Biologique Diatomées (IBD) norme AFNOR NF T 90-354 (2000) and circular MEDD/DE/MAGE/BEMA 05 no14 of 28 July 2005 modified on 13 June 2007

National Types 1, 2 and 4

0,93

0,80

National Type 3

0,92

0,77

Germany

Deutsches Bewertungsverfahren für Makrophyten und Phytobenthos (PHYLIB)

R-C1

0,67

0,43

R-C3

0,67

0,43

R-C4

0,61

0,43

R-C5

0,73

0,55

Ireland

Revised form of Trophic Diatom Index (TDI)

All types

0,93

0,78

Luxembourg

Indice de Polluosensibilité Spécifique (IPS)

All types

0,85

0,70

Netherlands

KRW Maatlat

All types

0,80

0,60

Spain

Diatom multimetric (MDIAT)

All types

0,93

0,70

Sweden

Swedish assessment methods, Swedish EPA regulations (NFS 2008:1) based on Indice de Polluosensibilité Spécifique (IPS)

All types

0,89

0,74

United Kingdom

Diatom Assessment for River Ecological Status (DARES)

All types

0,93

0,78

WATER CATEGORY: Rivers

GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP: Eastern Continental

Description of types that have been intercalibrated

| Type | River characterisation | Ecoregion | Catchment
  (km2) | Altitude
  (m) | Geology | Substrate |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| R-E1 | Carpathians: small to medium, mid-altitude | 10 | 10 — 1 000 | 500 — 800 | siliceous | gravel and boulder |
| R-E2 | Plains: medium-sized, lowland | 11 and 12 | 100 — 1 000 | < 200 | mixed | sand and silt |
| R-E4 | Plains: medium-sized, mid-altitude | 11 and 12 | 100 — 1 000 | 200 — 500 | mixed | sand and gravel |

Type

River characterisation

Ecoregion

Catchment

(km2)

Altitude

(m)

Geology

Substrate

R-E1

Carpathians: small to medium, mid-altitude

10

10 — 1 000

500 — 800

siliceous

gravel and boulder

R-E2

Plains: medium-sized, lowland

11 and 12

100 — 1 000

< 200

mixed

sand and silt

R-E4

Plains: medium-sized, mid-altitude

11 and 12

100 — 1 000

200 — 500

mixed

sand and gravel

Countries sharing the types that have been intercalibrated:

| Type R-E1: | Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia |
| --- | --- |
| Type R-E2: | Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia |
| Type R-E4: | Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia |

Type R-E1:

Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia

Type R-E2:

Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia

Type R-E4:

Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia

RESULTS

Biological Quality Element: Benthic invertebrate fauna

Results: Ecological quality ratios of the national classification systems intercalibrated

| Type and country | National classification system intercalibrated | Ecological Quality Ratios |
| --- | --- | --- |
| High-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary |
| Type R-E1, R-E2, R-E4 |
| Slovakia | Slovak System for Ecological River Status Assessment | 0,80 | 0,60 |
| Type R-E4 |
| Austria | Austrian System for Ecological River Status Assessment (Worst case between Multimetric Indices for General Degradation and Saprobic Index) | 0,80 | 0,60 |

Type and country

National classification system intercalibrated

Ecological Quality Ratios

High-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

Type R-E1, R-E2, R-E4

Slovakia

Slovak System for Ecological River Status Assessment

0,80

0,60

Type R-E4

Austria

Austrian System for Ecological River Status Assessment (Worst case between Multimetric Indices for General Degradation and Saprobic Index)

0,80

0,60

WATER CATEGORY: Rivers

GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP: Mediterranean

Description of types that have been intercalibrated

| Type | River characterisation | Catchment (km2) | Altitude (m) | Geology | Flow regime |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| R-M1 | Small mid-altitude Mediterranean streams | 10-100 | 200-800 | Mixed | Highly seasonal |
| R-M2 | Small/Medium lowland Mediterranean streams | 10-1 000 | < 400 | Mixed | Highly seasonal |
| R-M4 | Small/Medium Mediterranean mountain streams | 10-1 000 | 400-1 500 | Non-silicious | Highly seasonal |
| R-M5 | Small, lowland, temporary | 10-100 | < 300 | Mixed | Temporary |

Type

River characterisation

Catchment (km2)

Altitude (m)

Geology

Flow regime

R-M1

Small mid-altitude Mediterranean streams

10-100

200-800

Mixed

Highly seasonal

R-M2

Small/Medium lowland Mediterranean streams

10-1 000

< 400

Mixed

Highly seasonal

R-M4

Small/Medium Mediterranean mountain streams

10-1 000

400-1 500

Non-silicious

Highly seasonal

R-M5

Small, lowland, temporary

10-100

< 300

Mixed

Temporary

Countries sharing the types that have been intercalibrated:

| Type R-M1: | France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain |
| --- | --- |
| Type R-M2: | France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain |
| Type R-M4: | Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Spain |
| Type R-M5: | Cyprus, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain |

Type R-M1:

France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain

Type R-M2:

France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain

Type R-M4:

Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Spain

Type R-M5:

Cyprus, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain

RESULTS

Biological Quality Element: Benthic invertebrate fauna

Results: Ecological quality ratios of the national classification systems intercalibrated

| Type and country | National classification system intercalibrated | Ecological Quality Ratios |
| --- | --- | --- |
| High-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary |
| R-M1 |
| France | Classification française DCE Indice Biologique Global Normalisé (IBGN). Norme AFNOR NF T 90 350 (1992) and circular MEDD/DE/MAGE/BEMA 05 no14 of 28 July 2005 modified on 13 June 2007 | 0,94 | 0,81 |
| Greece | STAR Intercalibration Common Metric Index (STAR_ICMi) | 0,95 | 0,71 |
| Italy | STAR Intercalibration Common Metric Index (STAR_ICMi) | 0,97 | 0,72 |
| Portugal | North Invertebrate Portuguese Index, IPtIN | 0,92 | 0,69 |
| Spain | IBMWP | 0,78 | 0,48 |
| R-M2 |
| Greece | STAR Intercalibration Common Metric Index (STAR_ICMi) | 0,94 | 0,71 |
| Italy | STAR Intercalibration Common Metric Index (STAR_ICMi) | 0,94 | 0,70 |
| Portugal | North Invertebrate Portuguese Index, IPtIN | 0,87 | 0,66 |
| R-M4 |
| Cyprus | STAR Intercalibration Common Metric Index (STAR_ICMi) | 0,97 | 0,73 |
| Greece | STAR Intercalibration Common Metric Index (STAR_ICMi) | 0,96 | 0,72 |
| Italy | STAR Intercalibration Common Metric Index (STAR_ICMi) | 0,94 | 0,70 |
| Spain | IBMWP | 0,83 | 0,51 |
| R-M5 |
| Italy | STAR Intercalibration Common Metric Index (STAR_ICMi) | 0,97 | 0,73 |
| Portugal | South Invertebrate Portuguese Index, IPtIS | 0,98 | 0,72 |
| Spain | IBMWP | 0,91 | 0,55 |

Type and country

National classification system intercalibrated

Ecological Quality Ratios

High-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

R-M1

France

Classification française DCE Indice Biologique Global Normalisé (IBGN). Norme AFNOR NF T 90 350 (1992) and circular MEDD/DE/MAGE/BEMA 05 no14 of 28 July 2005 modified on 13 June 2007

0,94

0,81

Greece

STAR Intercalibration Common Metric Index (STAR_ICMi)

0,95

0,71

Italy

STAR Intercalibration Common Metric Index (STAR_ICMi)

0,97

0,72

Portugal

North Invertebrate Portuguese Index, IPtIN

0,92

0,69

Spain

IBMWP

0,78

0,48

R-M2

Greece

STAR Intercalibration Common Metric Index (STAR_ICMi)

0,94

0,71

Italy

STAR Intercalibration Common Metric Index (STAR_ICMi)

0,94

0,70

Portugal

North Invertebrate Portuguese Index, IPtIN

0,87

0,66

R-M4

Cyprus

STAR Intercalibration Common Metric Index (STAR_ICMi)

0,97

0,73

Greece

STAR Intercalibration Common Metric Index (STAR_ICMi)

0,96

0,72

Italy

STAR Intercalibration Common Metric Index (STAR_ICMi)

0,94

0,70

Spain

IBMWP

0,83

0,51

R-M5

Italy

STAR Intercalibration Common Metric Index (STAR_ICMi)

0,97

0,73

Portugal

South Invertebrate Portuguese Index, IPtIS

0,98

0,72

Spain

IBMWP

0,91

0,55

Biological Quality Element: Phytobenthos

Results: Ecological quality ratios of the national classification systems intercalibrated

| Type and country | National classification system intercalibrated | Ecological Quality Ratios |
| --- | --- | --- |
| High-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary |
| R-M1 |
| France | Classification française DCE Indice Biologique Diatomées (IBD) norme AFNOR NF T 90-354 (2000) and circular MEDD/DE/MAGE/BEMA 05 No 14 of 28 July 2005 modified on 13 June 2007 | 0,93 | 0,80 |
| Portugal | Indice de Polluosensibilité Spécifique (IPS) | 0,84 | 0,62 |
| Spain | Indice de Polluosensibilité Spécifique (IPS) | 0,90 | 0,67 |
| R-M2 |
| France | Classification française DCE Indice Biologique Diatomées (IBD) norme AFNOR NF T 90-354 (2000) and circular MEDD/DE/MAGE/BEMA 05 no14 of 28 July 2005 modified on 13 June 2007 | 0,93 | 0,80 |
| Portugal | Indice de Polluosensibilité Spécifique (IPS) | 0,84 | 0,62 |
| Spain | Indice de Polluosensibilité Spécifique (IPS) | 0,93 | 0,70 |
| R-M4 |
| Spain | Indice de Polluosensibilité Spécifique (IPS) | 0,91 | 0,68 |
| R-M5 |
| Portugal | European Index (CEE) | 0,85 | 0,64 |
| Spain | Indice de Polluosensibilité Spécifique (IPS) | 0,95 | 0,71 |

Type and country

National classification system intercalibrated

Ecological Quality Ratios

High-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

R-M1

France

Classification française DCE Indice Biologique Diatomées (IBD) norme AFNOR NF T 90-354 (2000) and circular MEDD/DE/MAGE/BEMA 05 No 14 of 28 July 2005 modified on 13 June 2007

0,93

0,80

Portugal

Indice de Polluosensibilité Spécifique (IPS)

0,84

0,62

Spain

Indice de Polluosensibilité Spécifique (IPS)

0,90

0,67

R-M2

France

Classification française DCE Indice Biologique Diatomées (IBD) norme AFNOR NF T 90-354 (2000) and circular MEDD/DE/MAGE/BEMA 05 no14 of 28 July 2005 modified on 13 June 2007

0,93

0,80

Portugal

Indice de Polluosensibilité Spécifique (IPS)

0,84

0,62

Spain

Indice de Polluosensibilité Spécifique (IPS)

0,93

0,70

R-M4

Spain

Indice de Polluosensibilité Spécifique (IPS)

0,91

0,68

R-M5

Portugal

European Index (CEE)

0,85

0,64

Spain

Indice de Polluosensibilité Spécifique (IPS)

0,95

0,71

WATER CATEGORY: Rivers

GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP: Northern

Description of types that have been intercalibrated

| Type | River characterisation | Catchment area (of stretch) | Altitude & geomorphology | Alkalinity
  (meq/l) | Organic material
  (mg Pt/l) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| R-N1 | Small lowland siliceous moderate alkalinity | 10-100 km2 | < 200 m or below the highest coastline | 0,2 — 1 | < 30
  (< 150 in Ireland) |
| R-N3 | Small/medium lowland organic | 10-1 000  km2 | < 0,2 | > 30 |
| R-N4 | Medium lowland siliceous moderate alkalinity | 100-1 000  km2 | 0,2 — 1 | < 30 |
| R-N5 | Small mid-altitude siliceous | 10-100 km2 | Between lowland and highland | < 0,2 | < 30 |

Type

River characterisation

Catchment area (of stretch)

Altitude & geomorphology

Alkalinity

(meq/l)

Organic material

(mg Pt/l)

R-N1

Small lowland siliceous moderate alkalinity

10-100 km2

< 200 m or below the highest coastline

0,2 — 1

< 30

(< 150 in Ireland)

R-N3

Small/medium lowland organic

10-1 000  km2

< 0,2

> 30

R-N4

Medium lowland siliceous moderate alkalinity

100-1 000  km2

0,2 — 1

< 30

R-N5

Small mid-altitude siliceous

10-100 km2

Between lowland and highland

< 0,2

< 30

Countries sharing the types that have been intercalibrated:

| Type R-N1: | Finland, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom |
| --- | --- |
| Type R-N3: | Finland, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom |
| Type R-N4: | Finland, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom |
| Type R-N5: | Finland, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom |

Type R-N1:

Finland, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom

Type R-N3:

Finland, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom

Type R-N4:

Finland, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom

Type R-N5:

Finland, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom

RESULTS

Biological Quality Element: Benthic invertebrate fauna

Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated

The following results apply to all types as described above

| Country | National classification system intercalibrated | Ecological Quality Ratios |
| --- | --- | --- |
| High-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary |
| Finland | Multimetric system, first version established | 0,80 | 0,60 |
| Ireland | Quality Rating System (Q-value) | 0,85 | 0,75 |
| Norway | Average Score per Taxon (ASPT) | 0,99 | 0,87 |
| Sweden | DJ-index (Dahl & Johnson 2004) | 0,80 | 0,60 |
| United Kingdom | River Invertebrate Classification Tool (RICT) | 0,97 | 0,86 |

Country

National classification system intercalibrated

Ecological Quality Ratios

High-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

Finland

Multimetric system, first version established

0,80

0,60

Ireland

Quality Rating System (Q-value)

0,85

0,75

Norway

Average Score per Taxon (ASPT)

0,99

0,87

Sweden

DJ-index (Dahl & Johnson 2004)

0,80

0,60

United Kingdom

River Invertebrate Classification Tool (RICT)

0,97

0,86

Biological Quality Element: Phytobenthos

Results: Ecological quality ratios of the national classification systems intercalibrated

The following results apply to all types as described above

| Country | National classification system intercalibrated | Ecological Quality Ratios |
| --- | --- | --- |
| High-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary |
| Finland | Indice de Polluosensibilité Spécifique (IPS) | 0,91 | 0,80 |
| Ireland | Revised form of Trophic Diatom Index (TDI) | 0,93 | 0,78 |
| Sweden | Swedish assessment methods, Swedish EPA regulations (NFS 2008:1) based on Indice de Polluosensibilité Spécifique (IPS) | 0,89 | 0,74 |
| United Kingdom | Diatom Assessment for River Ecological Status (DARES) | 0,93 | 0,78 |

Country

National classification system intercalibrated

Ecological Quality Ratios

High-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

Finland

Indice de Polluosensibilité Spécifique (IPS)

0,91

0,80

Ireland

Revised form of Trophic Diatom Index (TDI)

0,93

0,78

Sweden

Swedish assessment methods, Swedish EPA regulations (NFS 2008:1) based on Indice de Polluosensibilité Spécifique (IPS)

0,89

0,74

United Kingdom

Diatom Assessment for River Ecological Status (DARES)

0,93

0,78

WATER CATEGORY: Lakes

GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP: Atlantic

Description of types that have been intercalibrated

| Type | Lake characterisation | Altitude
  (m above sea level) | Mean depth
  (m) | Alkalinity
  (meq/l) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| LA1/2 | Lowland, shallow, calcareous, small and large | < 200 | 3-15 | > 1 |

Type

Lake characterisation

Altitude

(m above sea level)

Mean depth

(m)

Alkalinity

(meq/l)

LA1/2

Lowland, shallow, calcareous, small and large

< 200

3-15

> 1

Countries sharing types that have been intercalibrated:

Ireland and United Kingdom

RESULTS

Biological Quality Element: Phytoplankton

Phytoplankton parameter indicative of biomass (Chlorophyll a)

Results: Ecological quality ratios and parameter values

The following results refer to growing season mean values and apply to all countries sharing the type

| Type | Ecological Quality Ratios | Chlorophyll a concentrations (μg/l) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| High-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary | High-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary |
| LA1/2 | 0,55 | 0,32 | 4,6 — 7,0 | 8,0 — 12,0 |

Type

Ecological Quality Ratios

Chlorophyll a concentrations (μg/l)

High-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

High-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

LA1/2

0,55

0,32

4,6 — 7,0

8,0 — 12,0

WATER CATEGORY: Lakes

GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP: Alpine

Description of types that have been intercalibrated

| Type | Lake characterisation | Altitude
  (m above sea level) | Mean depth
  (m) | Alkalinity
  (meq/l) | Lake size
  (km2) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| L-AL3 | Lowland or mid-altitude, deep, moderate to high alkalinity (alpine influence), large | 50 — 800 | > 15 | > 1 | > 0,5 |
| L-AL4 | Mid-altitude, shallow, moderate to high alkalinity (alpine influence), large | 200 — 800 | 3 — 15 | > 1 | > 0,5 |

Type

Lake characterisation

Altitude

(m above sea level)

Mean depth

(m)

Alkalinity

(meq/l)

Lake size

(km2)

L-AL3

Lowland or mid-altitude, deep, moderate to high alkalinity (alpine influence), large

50 — 800

> 15

> 1

> 0,5

L-AL4

Mid-altitude, shallow, moderate to high alkalinity (alpine influence), large

200 — 800

3 — 15

> 1

> 0,5

Countries sharing types that have been intercalibrated:

| Types L-AL3 and L-AL4: | Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Slovenia |
| --- | --- |

Types L-AL3 and L-AL4:

Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Slovenia

RESULTS

Biological Quality Element: Phytoplankton

Phytoplankton: parameters indicative of biomass

Results: Ecological quality ratios and parameter values

The following results refer to annual mean values and apply to all countries sharing the type. Member States may choose to use Chlorophyll a, total biovolume, or both parameters.

Chlorophyll a

| Type | Ecological Quality Ratios | Chlorophyll a concentrations (μg/l) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| High-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary | High-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary |
| L-AL3 | 0,70 | 0,40 | 2,1 — 2,7 | 3,8 — 4,7 |
| L-AL4 | 0,75 | 0,41 | 3,6 — 4,4 | 6,6 — 8,0 |

Type

Ecological Quality Ratios

Chlorophyll a concentrations (μg/l)

High-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

High-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

L-AL3

0,70

0,40

2,1 — 2,7

3,8 — 4,7

L-AL4

0,75

0,41

3,6 — 4,4

6,6 — 8,0

Total biovolume

| Type | Ecological Quality Ratios | Total biovolumes (mm3/l) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| High-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary | High-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary |
| L-AL3 | 0,60 | 0,25 | 0,3 — 0,5 | 0,8 — 1,2 |
| L-AL4 | 0,64 | 0,26 | 0,8 — 1,1 | 1,9 — 2,7 |

Type

Ecological Quality Ratios

Total biovolumes (mm3/l)

High-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

High-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

L-AL3

0,60

0,25

0,3 — 0,5

0,8 — 1,2

L-AL4

0,64

0,26

0,8 — 1,1

1,9 — 2,7

Phytoplankton: parameters indicative of taxonomic composition and abundance

Results: Ecological quality ratios of the national parameters intercalibrated

| Country | National parameters intercalibrated | Type | Ecological Quality Ratios | Class boundaries |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| High-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary | High-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary |
| Austria
  Slovenia | Brettum index | L-AL3 | 0,94 | 0,83 | 4,12 —4,34 | 3,64 —3,83 |
| L-AL4 | 0,94 | 0,81 | 3,69 —3,87 | 3,20 —3,34 |
| Germany | PTSI (Phytoplankton Taxa Lake Index) | L-AL3 | 0,60 | 0,43 | 1,25 | 1,75 |
| L-AL4 | 0,71 | 0,56 | 1,75 | 2,25 |
| Italy | PTIot (Phytoplankton Taxa Index) | L-AL3 (mean depth < 100m) | 0,95 | 0,89 | 3,43 | 3,22 |
| L-AL4 | 0,95 | 0,85 | 3,37 | 3,01 |
| PTIspecies (Phytoplankton Taxa Index) | L-AL 3 (mean depth > 100m) | 0,93 | 0,82 | 4,00 | 3,50 |

Country

National parameters intercalibrated

Type

Ecological Quality Ratios

Class boundaries

High-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

High-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

Austria

Slovenia

Brettum index

L-AL3

0,94

0,83

4,12 —4,34

3,64 —3,83

L-AL4

0,94

0,81

3,69 —3,87

3,20 —3,34

Germany

PTSI (Phytoplankton Taxa Lake Index)

L-AL3

0,60

0,43

1,25

1,75

L-AL4

0,71

0,56

1,75

2,25

Italy

PTIot (Phytoplankton Taxa Index)

L-AL3 (mean depth < 100m)

0,95

0,89

3,43

3,22

L-AL4

0,95

0,85

3,37

3,01

PTIspecies (Phytoplankton Taxa Index)

L-AL 3 (mean depth > 100m)

0,93

0,82

4,00

3,50

Biological Quality Element: Macrophytes

Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated

| Type and country | National classification systems intercalibrated | Ecological Quality Ratios |
| --- | --- | --- |
| High-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary |
| Austria
  Type L-AL3 and L-AL4 | Austrian macrophyte assessment system: Austrian Index Macrophytes for Lakes (AIM for Lakes), Module 1 | 0,80 | 0,60 |
| Germany
  Type L-AL3 | German macrophyte/phytobenthos assessment system: Module 1 | 0,78 | 0,51 |
| Germany
  Type L-AL4 | German macrophyte/phytobenthos assessment system: Modules 1 + 2 | 0,71 | 0,47 |

Type and country

National classification systems intercalibrated

Ecological Quality Ratios

High-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

Austria

Type L-AL3 and L-AL4

Austrian macrophyte assessment system: Austrian Index Macrophytes for Lakes (AIM for Lakes), Module 1

0,80

0,60

Germany

Type L-AL3

German macrophyte/phytobenthos assessment system: Module 1

0,78

0,51

Germany

Type L-AL4

German macrophyte/phytobenthos assessment system: Modules 1 + 2

0,71

0,47

WATER CATEGORY: Lakes

GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP: Central/Baltic

Description of types that have been intercalibrated

| Type | Lake characterisation | Altitude (m above sea level) | Mean depth (m) | Alkalinity (meq/l) | Hydrological residence time (years) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| L-CB1 | Lowland, shallow, calcareous | < 200 | 3 — 15 | > 1 | 1 — 10 |
| L-CB2 | Lowland, very shallow, calcareous | < 200 | < 3 | > 1 | 0,1 — 1 |
| L-CB3 | Lowland, shallow, small, siliceous (moderate alkalinity) | < 200 | 3 — 15 | 0,2 — 1 | 1 — 10 |

Type

Lake characterisation

Altitude (m above sea level)

Mean depth (m)

Alkalinity (meq/l)

Hydrological residence time (years)

L-CB1

Lowland, shallow, calcareous

< 200

3 — 15

> 1

1 — 10

L-CB2

Lowland, very shallow, calcareous

< 200

< 3

> 1

0,1 — 1

L-CB3

Lowland, shallow, small, siliceous (moderate alkalinity)

< 200

3 — 15

0,2 — 1

1 — 10

Countries sharing types that have been intercalibrated:

| Types L-CB1 and L-CB2: | Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, France, Lithuania, Latvia, Netherlands, Poland, United Kingdom. |
| --- | --- |
| Type L-CB3: | Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, France, Latvia, Poland. |

Types L-CB1 and L-CB2:

Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, France, Lithuania, Latvia, Netherlands, Poland, United Kingdom.

Type L-CB3:

Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, France, Latvia, Poland.

RESULTS

Biological Quality Element: Phytoplankton

Phytoplankton: parameter indicative of biomass

Results: Ecological quality ratios and parameter values

The following results refer to growing season mean values and apply to all countries sharing the type.

| Type | Ecological Quality Ratios | Chlorophyll a concentrations (μg/l) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| High-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary | High-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary |
| L-CB1 | 0,55 | 0,32 | 4,6 — 7,0 | 8,0 — 12,0 |
| L-CB2 | 0,63 | 0,30 | 9,9 — 11,7 | 21,0 — 25,0 |
| L-CB3 | 0,57 | 0,31 | 4,3 — 6,5 | 8,0 — 12,0 |

Type

Ecological Quality Ratios

Chlorophyll a concentrations (μg/l)

High-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

High-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

L-CB1

0,55

0,32

4,6 — 7,0

8,0 — 12,0

L-CB2

0,63

0,30

9,9 — 11,7

21,0 — 25,0

L-CB3

0,57

0,31

4,3 — 6,5

8,0 — 12,0

Biological Quality Element: Macrophytes

Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated

The following results apply to LCB1 and LCB2 types

| Country | National classification systems intercalibrated | Ecological Quality Ratios |
| --- | --- | --- |
| High-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary |
| Belgium | Flemish macrophyte assessment system | 0,80 | 0,60 |
| Germany | German macrophyte assessment system: Reference Index | 0,75 | 0,50 |
| Estonia | Estonian macrophyte assessment system | 0,80 | 0,60 |
| Latvia | Latvian macrophyte assessment system | 0,80 | 0,60 |
| Netherlands | Dutch macrophyte assessment system (KRW Maatlat) | 0,80 | 0,60 |
| United Kingdom | UK macrophyte assessment system: LEAFPACS | 0,80 | 0,60 |

Country

National classification systems intercalibrated

Ecological Quality Ratios

High-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

Belgium

Flemish macrophyte assessment system

0,80

0,60

Germany

German macrophyte assessment system: Reference Index

0,75

0,50

Estonia

Estonian macrophyte assessment system

0,80

0,60

Latvia

Latvian macrophyte assessment system

0,80

0,60

Netherlands

Dutch macrophyte assessment system (KRW Maatlat)

0,80

0,60

United Kingdom

UK macrophyte assessment system: LEAFPACS

0,80

0,60

WATER CATEGORY: Lakes

GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP: Mediterranean

Description of types that have been intercalibrated

| Type | Lake characterisation | Altitude
  (m) | Annual mean Precipitation (mm) and T ( oC) | Mean depth
  (m) | Alkalinity
  (meq/l) | Lake size
  (km2) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| L-M5/7 | Reservoirs, deep, large, siliceous, ‘wet areas’, catchment < 20 000 km2 | 0 — 800 | > 800 or < 15 | > 15 | < 1 | > 0,5 |
| L-M8 | Reservoirs, deep, large, calcareous, catchment < 20 000 km2 | 0 — 800 | — | > 15 | > 1 | > 0,5 |

Type

Lake characterisation

Altitude

(m)

Annual mean Precipitation (mm) and T ( oC)

Mean depth

(m)

Alkalinity

(meq/l)

Lake size

(km2)

L-M5/7

Reservoirs, deep, large, siliceous, ‘wet areas’, catchment < 20 000 km2

0 — 800

> 800 or < 15

> 15

< 1

> 0,5

L-M8

Reservoirs, deep, large, calcareous, catchment < 20 000 km2

0 — 800

—

> 15

> 1

> 0,5

Countries sharing types that have been intercalibrated:

| Type L-M5/7: | Greece, France, Portugal, Spain, Romania. |
| --- | --- |
| Type L-M8: | Cyprus, Greece, France, Italy, Spain, Romania. |

Type L-M5/7:

Greece, France, Portugal, Spain, Romania.

Type L-M8:

Cyprus, Greece, France, Italy, Spain, Romania.

RESULTS

Biological Quality Element: Phytoplankton

Phytoplankton: parameters indicative of biomass

Results: Ecological quality ratios and parameter values

The following results refer to summer mean values, euphotic depth and apply to all countries sharing the type. Member States may choose to use Chlorophyll a, total biovolume, or both parameters.

Chlorophyll a

| Type | Ecological Quality Ratios | Chlorophyll a concentrations (μg/l) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Good-Moderate boundary | Good-Moderate boundary |
| L-M5/7 | 0,21 | 6,7 — 9,5 |
| L-M8 | 0,43 | 4,2 — 6,0 |

Type

Ecological Quality Ratios

Chlorophyll a concentrations (μg/l)

Good-Moderate boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

L-M5/7

0,21

6,7 — 9,5

L-M8

0,43

4,2 — 6,0

Total biovolume

| Type | Ecological Quality Ratios | Total biovolumes (mm3/l) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Good-Moderate boundary | Good-Moderate boundary |
| L-M5/7 | 0,19 | 1,9 |
| L-M8 | 0,36 | 2,1 |

Type

Ecological Quality Ratios

Total biovolumes (mm3/l)

Good-Moderate boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

L-M5/7

0,19

1,9

L-M8

0,36

2,1

Phytoplankton: parameters indicative of taxonomic composition and abundance

Results: Ecological quality ratios and parameter values

The following results refer to summer mean values, euphotic depth and apply to all countries sharing the type. Member States must use at least one of the intercalibrated parameters (percentage of Cyanobacteria, Catalan index, Med PTI index)

Percentage of Cyanobacteria

| Type and country | Ecological Quality Ratios | % of Cyanobacteria |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Good-Moderate boundary | Good-Moderate boundary |
| Type L-M5/7 |
| All countries sharing the type | 0,91 | 9,2 |
| Type L-M8 |
| All countries sharing the type | 0,72 | 28,5 |

Type and country

Ecological Quality Ratios

% of Cyanobacteria

Good-Moderate boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

Type L-M5/7

All countries sharing the type

0,91

9,2

Type L-M8

All countries sharing the type

0,72

28,5

Ecological quality ratios calculated as EQR = (100 - boundary value)/(100 - reference value)

Catalan index

| Type and country | Ecological Quality Ratios | Catalan index |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Good-Moderate boundary | Good-Moderate boundary |
| Type L-M5/7 |
| All countries sharing the type | 0,97 | 10,6 |
| Type L-M8 |
| All countries sharing the type | 0,98 | 7,7 |

Type and country

Ecological Quality Ratios

Catalan index

Good-Moderate boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

Type L-M5/7

All countries sharing the type

0,97

10,6

Type L-M8

All countries sharing the type

0,98

7,7

Ecological quality ratios calculated as EQR = (400 - boundary value)/(400 - reference value)

Med PTI index

| Type and country | Ecological Quality Ratios | Med PTI |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Good-Moderate boundary | Good-Moderate boundary |
| Type L-M5/7 |
| All countries sharing the type | 0,75 | 2,32 |
| Type L-M8 |
| All countries sharing the type | 0,77 | 2,38 |

Type and country

Ecological Quality Ratios

Med PTI

Good-Moderate boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

Type L-M5/7

All countries sharing the type

0,75

2,32

Type L-M8

All countries sharing the type

0,77

2,38

WATER CATEGORY: Lakes

GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP: Northern

Description of the types that have been intercalibrated

| Type | Lake characterisation | Altitude
  (m above sea level) | Mean depth
  (m) | Alkalinity
  (meq/l) | Colour
  (mg Pt/l) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| LN1 | Lowland, shallow, moderate alkalinity, clear | < 200 | 3–15 | 0,2 –1 | < 30 |
| LN2a | Lowland, shallow, low alkalinity, clear | < 200 | 3–15 | < 0,2 | < 30 |
| LN2b | Lowland, deep, low alkalinity, clear | < 200 | > 15 | < 0,2 | < 30 |
| LN3a | Lowland, shallow, low alkalinity, meso-humic | < 200 | 3–15 | < 0,2 | 30–90 |
| LN5 | Mid-altitude, shallow, low alkalinity, clear | 200-800 | 3–15 | < 0,2 | < 30 |
| LN6a | Mid-altitude, shallow, low alkalinity meso-humic | 200-800 | 3–15 | < 0,2 | 30–90 |
| LN8a | Lowland, shallow, moderate alkalinity, meso-humic | < 200 | 3–15 | 0,2 –1 | 30–90 |

Type

Lake characterisation

Altitude

(m above sea level)

Mean depth

(m)

Alkalinity

(meq/l)

Colour

(mg Pt/l)

LN1

Lowland, shallow, moderate alkalinity, clear

< 200

3–15

0,2 –1

< 30

LN2a

Lowland, shallow, low alkalinity, clear

< 200

3–15

< 0,2

< 30

LN2b

Lowland, deep, low alkalinity, clear

< 200

> 15

< 0,2

< 30

LN3a

Lowland, shallow, low alkalinity, meso-humic

< 200

3–15

< 0,2

30–90

LN5

Mid-altitude, shallow, low alkalinity, clear

200-800

3–15

< 0,2

< 30

LN6a

Mid-altitude, shallow, low alkalinity meso-humic

200-800

3–15

< 0,2

30–90

LN8a

Lowland, shallow, moderate alkalinity, meso-humic

< 200

3–15

0,2 –1

30–90

Countries sharing types that have been intercalibrated:

| Types LN1, LN2a, LN3a, LN8a: | Ireland, Finland, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom. |
| --- | --- |
| Types LN2b, LN5 and LN6a: | Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom. |

Types LN1, LN2a, LN3a, LN8a:

Ireland, Finland, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom.

Types LN2b, LN5 and LN6a:

Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom.

Biological Quality Element: Phytoplankton

Phytoplankton: parameter indicative of biomass

Results: Ecological quality ratios and parameter values

The following results refer to growing season mean values and apply to all countries sharing the type

| Type | Ecological Quality Ratios | Chlorophyll a concentrations (μg/l) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| High-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary | High-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary |
| LN1 | 0,50 | 0,33 | 5,0 — 7,0 | 7,5 — 10,5 |
| LN2a | 0,50 | 0,29 | 3,0 — 5,0 | 5,0 — 8,5 |
| LN2b | 0,50 | 0,33 | 3,0 — 5,0 | 4,5 — 7,5 |
| LN3a | 0,50 | 0,30 | 5,0 — 7,0 | 8,0 — 12,0 |
| LN5 | 0,50 | 0,33 | 2,0 — 4,0 | 3,0 — 6,0 |
| LN6a | 0,50 | 0,33 | 4,0 — 6,0 | 6,0 — 9,0 |
| LN8a | 0,50 | 0,33 | 7,0 — 10,0 | 10,5 — 15,0 |

Type

Ecological Quality Ratios

Chlorophyll a concentrations (μg/l)

High-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

High-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

LN1

0,50

0,33

5,0 — 7,0

7,5 — 10,5

LN2a

0,50

0,29

3,0 — 5,0

5,0 — 8,5

LN2b

0,50

0,33

3,0 — 5,0

4,5 — 7,5

LN3a

0,50

0,30

5,0 — 7,0

8,0 — 12,0

LN5

0,50

0,33

2,0 — 4,0

3,0 — 6,0

LN6a

0,50

0,33

4,0 — 6,0

6,0 — 9,0

LN8a

0,50

0,33

7,0 — 10,0

10,5 — 15,0

Biological Quality Element: Macrophytes

Description of the types that have been intercalibrated (for macrophytes intercalibration only)

| Type | Lake characterisation | Alkalinity (meq/l) | Color(mg Pt/l) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 101. | Low alkalinity, clear | 0,05 — 0,2 | < 30 |
| 102. | Low alkalinity, humic | 0,05 — 0,2 | > 30 |
| 201. | Moderate alkalinity, clear | 0,2 — 1,0 | < 30 |
| 202. | Moderate alkalinity, humic | 0,2 — 1,0 | > 30 |
| 301. | High alkalinity, clear | > 1,0 | < 30 |
| 302. | High alkalinity, humic | > 1,0 | > 30 |

Type

Lake characterisation

Alkalinity (meq/l)

Color(mg Pt/l)

101.

Low alkalinity, clear

0,05 — 0,2

< 30

102.

Low alkalinity, humic

0,05 — 0,2

> 30

201.

Moderate alkalinity, clear

0,2 — 1,0

< 30

202.

Moderate alkalinity, humic

0,2 — 1,0

> 30

301.

High alkalinity, clear

> 1,0

< 30

302.

High alkalinity, humic

> 1,0

> 30

Countries sharing types that have been intercalibrated:

| Types 101, 102, 201 and 202: | Ireland, Finland, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom. |
| --- | --- |
| Type 301: | Ireland, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom. |
| Type 302: | Ireland, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom. |

Types 101, 102, 201 and 202:

Ireland, Finland, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom.

Type 301:

Ireland, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom.

Type 302:

Ireland, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom.

Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems methods

| Country | National classification system intercalibrated | Type | Ecological Quality Ratios |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| High-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary |
| Ireland | Free Macrophyte Index | All types intercalibrated | 0,90 | 0,68 |
| Sweden | Macrophyte Trophic index (Ecke) | Type 101 | 0,98 | 0,79 |
| Type 102 | 0,98 | 0,88 |
| Type 201 | 0,94 | 0,83 |
| Type 202 | 0,96 | 0,83 |
| Norway | Macrophyte Trophic Index (Mjelde) | Type 101 | 0,94 | 0,61 |
| Type 102 | 0,96 | 0,65 |
| Type 201 | 0,91 | 0,72 |
| Type 202 | 0,9 | 0,77 |
| Type 301 | 0,92 | 0,69 |
| United Kingdom | UK macrophyte assessment system: LEAFPACS | All types intercalibrated | 0,80 | 0,60 |

Country

National classification system intercalibrated

Type

Ecological Quality Ratios

High-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

Ireland

Free Macrophyte Index

All types intercalibrated

0,90

0,68

Sweden

Macrophyte Trophic index (Ecke)

Type 101

0,98

0,79

Type 102

0,98

0,88

Type 201

0,94

0,83

Type 202

0,96

0,83

Norway

Macrophyte Trophic Index (Mjelde)

Type 101

0,94

0,61

Type 102

0,96

0,65

Type 201

0,91

0,72

Type 202

0,9

0,77

Type 301

0,92

0,69

United Kingdom

UK macrophyte assessment system: LEAFPACS

All types intercalibrated

0,80

0,60

WATER CATEGORY: Coastal and transitional

GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP: Baltic Sea GIG

Description of types that have been intercalibrated

| Type | Salinity psu | Exposure | Depth | Ice days | Other Characteristics |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| CW B0 | 0,5 - 3 | Sheltered | Shallow | > 150 | Sites in Botnian Bay (Northern Quark) |
| CW B2 | 3-6 | Sheltered | Shallow | 90 — 150 | Sites in Bothnian Sea |
| CW B3 a | 3-6 | Sheltered | Shallow | ~90 | Sites in the area extending from the southern Bothnian Sea to the Archipelago Sea and the western Gulf of Finland |
| CW B3 b | 3-6 | Exposed | Shallow | ~90 |
| CW B12 a

  Eastern Baltic Sea | 5-8 | Sheltered | Shallow | — | Sites in the Gulf of Riga, |
| CW B12 b

  Western Baltic Sea | 8 — 22 | Sheltered | Shallow | — | Sites at the Southern Swedish coast and the South western Baltic Sea open coast along Denmark and Germany |
| CW B13 | 6-22 | Exposed | Shallow | — | Sites along the coast of the Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, the Polish coast and the Danish island Bornholm |
| CW B 14 | 6-22 | Sheltered | Shallow | — | Lagoons |
| TW B 13 | 6-22 | Exposed | Shallow | — | Transitional water. Sites along the coast of Lithuania and Poland |

Type

Salinity psu

Exposure

Depth

Ice days

Other Characteristics

CW B0

0,5 - 3

Sheltered

Shallow

> 150

Sites in Botnian Bay (Northern Quark)

CW B2

3-6

Sheltered

Shallow

90 — 150

Sites in Bothnian Sea

CW B3 a

3-6

Sheltered

Shallow

~90

Sites in the area extending from the southern Bothnian Sea to the Archipelago Sea and the western Gulf of Finland

CW B3 b

3-6

Exposed

Shallow

~90

CW B12 a

Eastern Baltic Sea

5-8

Sheltered

Shallow

—

Sites in the Gulf of Riga,

CW B12 b

Western Baltic Sea

8 — 22

Sheltered

Shallow

—

Sites at the Southern Swedish coast and the South western Baltic Sea open coast along Denmark and Germany

CW B13

6-22

Exposed

Shallow

—

Sites along the coast of the Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, the Polish coast and the Danish island Bornholm

CW B 14

6-22

Sheltered

Shallow

—

Lagoons

TW B 13

6-22

Exposed

Shallow

—

Transitional water. Sites along the coast of Lithuania and Poland

Countries sharing types that have been intercalibrated:

| Types CWB0, CWB2, CWB3a, CWB3b: | Finland, Sweden. |
| --- | --- |
| Type CWB12a: | Estonia |
| Type CWB12b: | Germany, Denmark, Sweden. |
| Type CWB13: | Denmark, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland. |
| Type CWB14: | Denmark, Poland |
| Type TWB13: | Lithuania, Poland. |

Types CWB0, CWB2, CWB3a, CWB3b:

Finland, Sweden.

Type CWB12a:

Estonia

Type CWB12b:

Germany, Denmark, Sweden.

Type CWB13:

Denmark, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland.

Type CWB14:

Denmark, Poland

Type TWB13:

Lithuania, Poland.

RESULTS

Biological Quality Element: Benthic invertebrate fauna

Results: Ecological quality ratios of the national classification systems intercalibrated

| Type and country | National classification system intercalibrated | Ecological Quality Ratios |
| --- | --- | --- |
| High-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary |
| CW B0 |
| Finland | BBI- Finnish Brackish water Benthic Index | 0,99 | 0,59 |
| Sweden | BQI–Swedish multimetric biological quality index (soft sediment infauna) | 0,77 | 0,31 |
| CW B2 |
| Finland | BBI- Finnish Brackish water Benthic Index | 0,95 | 0,57 |
| Sweden | BQI–Swedish multimetric biological quality index (soft sediment infauna) | 0,76 | 0,29 |
| CW B3 a |
| Finland | BBI- Finnish Brackish water Benthic Index | 0,89 | 0,53 |
| Sweden | BQI–Swedish multimetric biological quality index (soft sediment infauna) | 0,76 | 0,29 |
| CW B3 b |
| Finland | BBI- Finnish Brackish water Benthic Index | 0,90 | 0,54 |
| Sweden | BQI–Swedish multimetric biological quality index (soft sediment infauna) | 0,76 | 0,29 |

Type and country

National classification system intercalibrated

Ecological Quality Ratios

High-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

CW B0

Finland

BBI- Finnish Brackish water Benthic Index

0,99

0,59

Sweden

BQI–Swedish multimetric biological quality index (soft sediment infauna)

0,77

0,31

CW B2

Finland

BBI- Finnish Brackish water Benthic Index

0,95

0,57

Sweden

BQI–Swedish multimetric biological quality index (soft sediment infauna)

0,76

0,29

CW B3 a

Finland

BBI- Finnish Brackish water Benthic Index

0,89

0,53

Sweden

BQI–Swedish multimetric biological quality index (soft sediment infauna)

0,76

0,29

CW B3 b

Finland

BBI- Finnish Brackish water Benthic Index

0,90

0,54

Sweden

BQI–Swedish multimetric biological quality index (soft sediment infauna)

0,76

0,29

Biological Quality Element: Phytoplankton

Phytoplankton: parameter indicative of biomass (Chlorophyll a)

Results: Ecological quality ratios and parameter values

The following results refer to summer mean May/June — September

| Type and country | Ecological Quality Ratios for the national classification systems | Parameter values/ranges
  Chlorophyll a μg/l |
| --- | --- | --- |
| High-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary | High/-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary |
| CW B0 | | | | |
| All countries sharing the type | 0,76 | 0,56 | 1,7 (1,5 — 1,8 ) | 2,3 (2,0 -2,7 ) |
| CW B2 | | | | |
| All countries sharing the type | 0,78 | 0,56 | 1,8 | 2,5 (2,3 -2,6 ) |
| CW B3 a | | | | |
| Sheltered
  All countries sharing the type | 0,71 | 0,49 | 2,4 (2,2 — 2,6 ) | 3,5 (2,9 — 4,0 ) |
| CW B3 b | | | | |
| Exposed
  All countries sharing the type | 0,81 | 0,68 | 1,5 | 1,8 |
| CW B 12 a | | | | |
| Eastern Baltic Sea
  Salinity 5-8 psu
  All countries sharing the type | 0,82 | 0,66 | 2,2 | 2,7 |
| CW B 12 b | | | | |
| Western Baltic Sea
  Salinity8 -22 psu
  All countries sharing the type | 0,92 | 0,63 | 1,3 (1,1 — 1,5 ) | 1,9 |
| CW B 13 | | | | |
| Denmark, Estonia and Latvia | 0,92 | 0,75 | 1,3 | 1,6 |
| CW B 14 | | | | |
| Denmark | 0,82 | 0,56 | 1,1 | 1,6 |
| TW B 13 | | | | |
| All countries sharing the type | 0,90 | 0,66 | 4,2 | 5,8 |

Type and country

Ecological Quality Ratios for the national classification systems

Parameter values/ranges

Chlorophyll a μg/l

High-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

High/-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

CW B0

All countries sharing the type

0,76

0,56

1,7 (1,5 — 1,8 )

2,3 (2,0 -2,7 )

CW B2

All countries sharing the type

0,78

0,56

1,8

2,5 (2,3 -2,6 )

CW B3 a

Sheltered

All countries sharing the type

0,71

0,49

2,4 (2,2 — 2,6 )

3,5 (2,9 — 4,0 )

CW B3 b

Exposed

All countries sharing the type

0,81

0,68

1,5

1,8

CW B 12 a

Eastern Baltic Sea

Salinity 5-8 psu

All countries sharing the type

0,82

0,66

2,2

2,7

CW B 12 b

Western Baltic Sea

Salinity8 -22 psu

All countries sharing the type

0,92

0,63

1,3 (1,1 — 1,5 )

1,9

CW B 13

Denmark, Estonia and Latvia

0,92

0,75

1,3

1,6

CW B 14

Denmark

0,82

0,56

1,1

1,6

TW B 13

All countries sharing the type

0,90

0,66

4,2

5,8

Biological Quality Element: Angiosperms

Angiosperms: parameter indicative of abundance (Depth limit of Eelgrass Zostera marina)

Results: Ecological quality ratios and parameter values

| Type and country | Ecological Quality Ratios for the national classification systems | Parameter values/ranges
  Depth limit (m) Eelgrass Zostera marina |
| --- | --- | --- |
| High-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary | High/-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary |
| CW B 12 b | | | | |
| Denmark and Germany
  Open coast | 0,90 | 0,74 | 8,5 (8,0 — 9,4 ) | 7 (6,6 — 7,1 ) |

Type and country

Ecological Quality Ratios for the national classification systems

Parameter values/ranges

Depth limit (m) Eelgrass Zostera marina

High-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

High/-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

CW B 12 b

Denmark and Germany

Open coast

0,90

0,74

8,5 (8,0 — 9,4 )

7 (6,6 — 7,1 )

WATER CATEGORY: Coastal and transitional

GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP: North East Atlantic

Description of types that have been intercalibrated

| Type | Characterisation | Salinity (psu)
  Tidal Range(m)
  Depth(m) | Current Velocity (knots)
  Exposure | Mixing
  Residence Time |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| NEA1/26a | Open oceanic, exposed or sheltered, euhaline, shallow | > 30
  Mesotidal 1 — 5
  < 30 | Medium 1 — 3
  Exposed or sheltered | Fully mixed
  Days |
| NEA1/26b | Enclosed seas, exposed or sheltered, euhaline, shallow | > 30
  Mesotidal 1 — 5
  < 30 | Medium 1 — 3
  Exposed or sheltered | Fully mixed
  Days |
| NEA1/26c | Enclosed seas, enclosed or sheltered, partly stratified | > 30
  Microtidal/Mesotidal < 1 — 5
  < 30 | Medium 1 — 3
  Exposed or sheltered | Partly stratified
  Days to weeks |
| NEA1/26d | Scandinavian coast, exposed or sheltered, shallow | > 30
  Microtidal < 1
  < 30 | Low < 1
  Exposed or moderately exposed | Partly stratified
  Days to weeks |
| NEA1/26e | Areas of upwelling, exposed or sheltered, euhaline, shallow | > 30
  Mesotidal 1 — 5
  < 30 | Medium 1 — 3
  Exposed or sheltered | Fully mixed
  Days |
| NEA3/4 | Polyhaline, exposed or moderately exposed (Wadden Sea type) | Polyhaline 18 — 30
  Mesotidal 1 — 5
  < 30 | Medium 1 — 3
  Exposed or moderately exposed | Fully mixed
  Days |
| NEA7 | Deep fjordic and sea loch systems | > 30
  Mesotidal 1 -5
  > 30 | Low < 1
  Sheltered | Fully mixed
  Days |
| NEA8 | Skagerrak Inner Arc Type, polyhaline, microtidal, sheltered, shallow | Polyhaline 18 — 30
  Microtidal < 1
  < 30 | Low < 1
  Sheltered | Partly stratified
  Days to weeks |
| NEA9 | Fjord with a shallow sill at the mouth with a very deep maximum depth in the central basin with poor deepwater exchange | Polyhaline 18 — 30
  Microtidal < 1
  > 30 | Low < 1
  Sheltered | Partly stratified
  Weeks |
| NEA10 | Skagerrak Outer Arc Type, polyhaline, microtidal, exposed, deep | Polyhaline 18 — 30
  Microtidal < 1
  > 30 | Low < 1
  Exposed | Partly stratified
  Days |
| NEA11 | Transitional Waters | Oligohaline 0 — 35
  Micro to macrotidal
  < 30 | Variable
  Sheltered or moderately exposed | Partly or permanently stratified
  Days to weeks |

Type

Characterisation

Salinity (psu)

Tidal Range(m)

Depth(m)

Current Velocity (knots)

Exposure

Mixing

Residence Time

NEA1/26a

Open oceanic, exposed or sheltered, euhaline, shallow

> 30

Mesotidal 1 — 5

< 30

Medium 1 — 3

Exposed or sheltered

Fully mixed

Days

NEA1/26b

Enclosed seas, exposed or sheltered, euhaline, shallow

> 30

Mesotidal 1 — 5

< 30

Medium 1 — 3

Exposed or sheltered

Fully mixed

Days

NEA1/26c

Enclosed seas, enclosed or sheltered, partly stratified

> 30

Microtidal/Mesotidal < 1 — 5

< 30

Medium 1 — 3

Exposed or sheltered

Partly stratified

Days to weeks

NEA1/26d

Scandinavian coast, exposed or sheltered, shallow

> 30

Microtidal < 1

< 30

Low < 1

Exposed or moderately exposed

Partly stratified

Days to weeks

NEA1/26e

Areas of upwelling, exposed or sheltered, euhaline, shallow

> 30

Mesotidal 1 — 5

< 30

Medium 1 — 3

Exposed or sheltered

Fully mixed

Days

NEA3/4

Polyhaline, exposed or moderately exposed (Wadden Sea type)

Polyhaline 18 — 30

Mesotidal 1 — 5

< 30

Medium 1 — 3

Exposed or moderately exposed

Fully mixed

Days

NEA7

Deep fjordic and sea loch systems

> 30

Mesotidal 1 -5

> 30

Low < 1

Sheltered

Fully mixed

Days

NEA8

Skagerrak Inner Arc Type, polyhaline, microtidal, sheltered, shallow

Polyhaline 18 — 30

Microtidal < 1

< 30

Low < 1

Sheltered

Partly stratified

Days to weeks

NEA9

Fjord with a shallow sill at the mouth with a very deep maximum depth in the central basin with poor deepwater exchange

Polyhaline 18 — 30

Microtidal < 1

> 30

Low < 1

Sheltered

Partly stratified

Weeks

NEA10

Skagerrak Outer Arc Type, polyhaline, microtidal, exposed, deep

Polyhaline 18 — 30

Microtidal < 1

> 30

Low < 1

Exposed

Partly stratified

Days

NEA11

Transitional Waters

Oligohaline 0 — 35

Micro to macrotidal

< 30

Variable

Sheltered or moderately exposed

Partly or permanently stratified

Days to weeks

Countries sharing the types that have been intercalibrated:

| Type NEA1/26a: | Spain, France, Ireland, Norway, United Kingdom |
| --- | --- |
| Type NEA1/26b: | Belgium, France, Netherlands, United Kingdom |
| Type NEA1/26c: | Germany, Denmark |
| Type NEA1/26d: | Denmark |
| Type NEA1/26e: | Portugal, Spain |
| Type NEA3/4: | Germany, Netherlands |
| Type NEA7: | Norway, United Kingdom |
| Type NEA8: | Denmark, Norway, Sweden |
| Type NEA9: | Norway, Sweden |
| Type NEA10: | Norway, Sweden |
| Type NEA11: | Belgium, Germany, Spain, France, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, United Kingdom |

Type NEA1/26a:

Spain, France, Ireland, Norway, United Kingdom

Type NEA1/26b:

Belgium, France, Netherlands, United Kingdom

Type NEA1/26c:

Germany, Denmark

Type NEA1/26d:

Denmark

Type NEA1/26e:

Portugal, Spain

Type NEA3/4:

Germany, Netherlands

Type NEA7:

Norway, United Kingdom

Type NEA8:

Denmark, Norway, Sweden

Type NEA9:

Norway, Sweden

Type NEA10:

Norway, Sweden

Type NEA11:

Belgium, Germany, Spain, France, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, United Kingdom

RESULTS

Biological Quality Element: Benthic invertebrate fauna

Results: Ecological quality ratios of the national classification systems intercalibrated

The results are applicable to soft sediment habitats only (subtidal mud/sand habitats).

| Type and country | National classification system | Ecological Quality Ratios |
| --- | --- | --- |
| High-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary |
| Types NEA1/26, NEA 3/4 and NEA7 (Indices responsive primarily to organic enrichment and toxic pollution pressures in soft sediment habitats) |
| Denmark | DKI | 0,67 | 0,53 |
| France | M-AMBI | 0,77 | 0,53 |
| Germany | M-AMBI | 0,85 | 0,70 |
| Ireland | IQI | 0,75 | 0,64 |
| Norway | NQI | 0,92 | 0,81 |
| Portugal | P-BAT | 0,79 | 0,58 |
| Spain | M-AMBI | 0,77 | 0,53 |
| United Kingdom | IQI | 0,75 | 0,64 |
| Types NEA1/26 and NEA3/4 (Index responsive to multiple pressures in multiple habitats) |
| Belgium | BEQI | 0,80 | 0,60 |
| Netherlands | BEQI | 0,80 | 0,60 |
| Types NEA8/9/10 |
| Denmark | DKI | 0,82 | 0,63 |
| Norway | NQI | 0,92 | 0,81 |
| Sweden | BQI | 0,89 | 0,68 |

Type and country

National classification system

Ecological Quality Ratios

High-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

Types NEA1/26, NEA 3/4 and NEA7 (Indices responsive primarily to organic enrichment and toxic pollution pressures in soft sediment habitats)

Denmark

DKI

0,67

0,53

France

M-AMBI

0,77

0,53

Germany

M-AMBI

0,85

0,70

Ireland

IQI

0,75

0,64

Norway

NQI

0,92

0,81

Portugal

P-BAT

0,79

0,58

Spain

M-AMBI

0,77

0,53

United Kingdom

IQI

0,75

0,64

Types NEA1/26 and NEA3/4 (Index responsive to multiple pressures in multiple habitats)

Belgium

BEQI

0,80

0,60

Netherlands

BEQI

0,80

0,60

Types NEA8/9/10

Denmark

DKI

0,82

0,63

Norway

NQI

0,92

0,81

Sweden

BQI

0,89

0,68

Biological Quality Element: Phytoplankton

Phytoplankton: parameter indicative of biomass parameter (Chlorophyll a)

Results: Ecological quality ratios and parameter values

The following results apply to all countries sharing the types. Parameter values are expressed in μg/l as the 90 %ile value calculated over the defined growing season in a six year period. The results relate to geographic areas within the types as described in the technical report.

| Type | Ecological Quality Ratios | Values (μg/l, 90 %ile |
| --- | --- | --- |
| High-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary | High-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary |
| NEA1/26a | 0,67 | 0,33 | 1 — 5 | 2 — 10 |
| NEA1/26b | 0,67 | 0,44 | 6 — 10 | 9 — 15 |
| NEA1/26c | 0,67 | 0,44 | 5 | 7,5 |
| NEA1/26d | 0,67 | 0,50 | 3 | 4 |
| NEA1/26e | 0,67 | 0,44 | 6 — 8 | 9 — 12 |
| NEA8 | 0,67 | 0,33 | 1,5 | 3 |
| NEA9 | 0,67 | 0,33 | 2,5 | 5 |
| NEA10 | 0,67 | 0,33 | 3 | 6 |

Type

Ecological Quality Ratios

Values (μg/l, 90 %ile

High-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

High-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

NEA1/26a

0,67

0,33

1 — 5

2 — 10

NEA1/26b

0,67

0,44

6 — 10

9 — 15

NEA1/26c

0,67

0,44

5

7,5

NEA1/26d

0,67

0,50

3

4

NEA1/26e

0,67

0,44

6 — 8

9 — 12

NEA8

0,67

0,33

1,5

3

NEA9

0,67

0,33

2,5

5

NEA10

0,67

0,33

3

6

Phytoplankton: parameter indicative of blooms

Results: Ecological quality ratios and parameter values

| Type and country | National parameter intercalibrated | Ecological Quality Ratios | Values ( % single taxa counts above thresholds) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| High-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary | High-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary |
| NEA1/26a/b, NEA3/4 |
| Belgium | | | | | |
| Germany | | | | | |
| Netherlands | | | | | |
| UK | Phaeocystis Blooms | 0,92 | 0,49 | 9 | 17 |
| NEA1/26a/b |
| Spain | | | | | |
| France | | | | | |
| Ireland | | | | | |
| UK | Taxa cell counts | 0,84 | 0,43 | 20 | 39 |
| NEA1/26e |
| Portugal | | | | | |
| Spain | Taxa cell counts | 0,83 | 0,51 | 30 | 49 |

Type and country

National parameter intercalibrated

Ecological Quality Ratios

Values ( % single taxa counts above thresholds)

High-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

High-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

NEA1/26a/b, NEA3/4

Belgium

Germany

Netherlands

UK

Phaeocystis Blooms

0,92

0,49

9

17

NEA1/26a/b

Spain

France

Ireland

UK

Taxa cell counts

0,84

0,43

20

39

NEA1/26e

Portugal

Spain

Taxa cell counts

0,83

0,51

30

49

Biological Quality Element: Macroalgae

Macroalgae: parameter indicative of composition

Results: Ecological quality ratios of national parameter intercalibrated

| Type and country | National parameter intercalibrated | Ecological Quality Ratios |
| --- | --- | --- |
| High-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary |
| NEA1/26 |
| Ireland | Rocky Shore Reduced Species List Multimetric System | 0,80 | 0,60 |
| Norway | Rocky Shore Reduced Species List Multimetric System | 0,80 | 0,60 |
| United Kingdom | Rocky Shore Reduced Species List Multimetric System | 0,80 | 0,60 |
| Spain | Multimetric System CFR | 0,81 | 0,57 |
| Portugal | Multimetric System p-MarMAT | 0,82 | 0,64 |
| Ireland
  United Kingdom | Opportunistic Macroalgae Multimetric System | 0,80 | 0,60 |
| NEA8/9/10 |
| Norway
  Sweden | Subtidal Algae (Depth Limit of macroalgal Species) | 0,81 | 0,61 |

Type and country

National parameter intercalibrated

Ecological Quality Ratios

High-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

NEA1/26

Ireland

Rocky Shore Reduced Species List Multimetric System

0,80

0,60

Norway

Rocky Shore Reduced Species List Multimetric System

0,80

0,60

United Kingdom

Rocky Shore Reduced Species List Multimetric System

0,80

0,60

Spain

Multimetric System CFR

0,81

0,57

Portugal

Multimetric System p-MarMAT

0,82

0,64

Ireland

United Kingdom

Opportunistic Macroalgae Multimetric System

0,80

0,60

NEA8/9/10

Norway

Sweden

Subtidal Algae (Depth Limit of macroalgal Species)

0,81

0,61

Biological Quality Element: Angiosperms

Angiosperms: parameter indicative of taxonomic composition and abundance

Results: Ecological quality ratios of national parameter intercalibrated

| Type and country | National parameter intercalibrated | Ecological Quality Ratios | Parameter values (*1) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| High-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary | High-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary |
| NEA1/26, NEA 3/4, NEA11 |
| Ireland
  Netherlands
  UK | Intertidal Seagrass Abundance (density) and Species Composition Multimetric | 0,90 | 0,70 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| NEA1/26, NEA3/4 |
| Germany
  Ireland
  Netherlands
  UK | Intertidal Seagrass (Area: Acreage/bed extent) | 0,90 | 0,70 | 10 | 30 |

Type and country

National parameter intercalibrated

Ecological Quality Ratios

Parameter values (*1)

High-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

High-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

NEA1/26, NEA 3/4, NEA11

Ireland

Netherlands

UK

Intertidal Seagrass Abundance (density) and Species Composition Multimetric

0,90

0,70

Not applicable

Not applicable

NEA1/26, NEA3/4

Germany

Ireland

Netherlands

UK

Intertidal Seagrass (Area: Acreage/bed extent)

0,90

0,70

10

30

WATER CATEGORY: Coastal and transitional

GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP: Mediterranean

Results apply to coastal waters only.

Typology has been developed for specific quality elements only (see below).

RESULTS

Biological Quality Element: Benthic invertebrate fauna

Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems

The following results apply to soft sediments only

| Country | National classification systems intercalibrated | Ecological Quality Ratios |
| --- | --- | --- |
| High-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary |
| Cyprus | Bentix | 0,75 | 0,58 |
| Greece | Bentix | 0,75 | 0,58 |
| Slovenia | M-AMBI | 0,83 | 0,62 |
| Spain | MEDOCC index | 0,73 | 0,47 |

Country

National classification systems intercalibrated

Ecological Quality Ratios

High-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

Cyprus

Bentix

0,75

0,58

Greece

Bentix

0,75

0,58

Slovenia

M-AMBI

0,83

0,62

Spain

MEDOCC index

0,73

0,47

Biological Quality Element: Phytoplankton

Description of types that have been intercalibrated (applicable for phytoplankton only)

| Type | Description | Density (kg/m3) | Annual mean Salinity (psu) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Type I | Highly influenced by freshwater input | < 25 | < 34,5 |
| Type IIA | Moderately influenced by freshwater input (continent influence) | 25-27 | 34,5 -37,5 |
| Type IIIW | Continental coast, not influenced by freshwater input (Western Basin). | > 27 | > 37,5 |
| Type IIIE | Not influenced by freshwater input (Eastern Basin) | > 27 | > 37,5 |

Type

Description

Density (kg/m3)

Annual mean Salinity (psu)

Type I

Highly influenced by freshwater input

< 25

< 34,5

Type IIA

Moderately influenced by freshwater input (continent influence)

25-27

34,5 -37,5

Type IIIW

Continental coast, not influenced by freshwater input (Western Basin).

> 27

> 37,5

Type IIIE

Not influenced by freshwater input (Eastern Basin)

> 27

> 37,5

Countries sharing the types that have been intercalibrated

| Type I: | France, Italy |
| --- | --- |
| Type IIA: | France, Spain, Italy, Slovenia |
| Type IIIW: | France, Spain, Italy |
| Type IIIE:: | Greece, Cyprus |

Type I:

France, Italy

Type IIA:

France, Spain, Italy, Slovenia

Type IIIW:

France, Spain, Italy

Type IIIE::

Greece, Cyprus

Phytoplankton: parameter indicative of biomass (Chlorophyll a)

Results: Ecological quality ratios and parameter values

The following results apply to all countries sharing the types. Parameter values are expressed in μg/l of Chlorophyll a, for the 90th percentile calculated over the year in at least a five year period. The results relate to geographic areas within the types as described in the technical report..

| Type | Ecological Quality Ratios | Values (μg/l, 90 %ile) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| High-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary | High-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary |
| Type IIA | 0,80 | 0,53 | 2,4 | 3,6 |
| Type IIIW | 0,80 | 0,50 | 1,1 | 1,8 |
| Type IIIE | 0,80 | 0,20 | 0,1 | 0,4 |

Type

Ecological Quality Ratios

Values (μg/l, 90 %ile)

High-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

High-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

Type IIA

0,80

0,53

2,4

3,6

Type IIIW

0,80

0,50

1,1

1,8

Type IIIE

0,80

0,20

0,1

0,4

Biological Quality Element: Macroalgae

Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems

The following results apply to the upper infralittoral zone (3,5 — 0,2 m depth) in rocky coasts:

| Country | National classification systems intercalibrated | Ecological Quality Ratios |
| --- | --- | --- |
| High-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary |
| Cyprus | EEI- Ecological Evaluation Index | 0,75 | 0,50 |
| France | CARLIT — Cartography of Littoral and upper-sublittoral rocky-shore communities | 0,75 | 0,60 |
| Greece | EEI- Ecological Evaluation Index | 0,75 | 0,50 |
| Slovenia | EEI- Ecological Evaluation Index | 0,75 | 0,50 |
| Spain | CARLIT-BENTHOS | 0,75 | 0,60 |

Country

National classification systems intercalibrated

Ecological Quality Ratios

High-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

Cyprus

EEI- Ecological Evaluation Index

0,75

0,50

France

CARLIT — Cartography of Littoral and upper-sublittoral rocky-shore communities

0,75

0,60

Greece

EEI- Ecological Evaluation Index

0,75

0,50

Slovenia

EEI- Ecological Evaluation Index

0,75

0,50

Spain

CARLIT-BENTHOS

0,75

0,60

WATER CATEGORY: Coastal and transitional

GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP: Black Sea

Description of types that have been intercalibrated

| Type | Description |
| --- | --- |
| CW-BL1 | Mesohaline, microtidal (< 1 m), shallow (< 30 m), moderately exposed, mixed substratum |

Type

Description

CW-BL1

Mesohaline, microtidal (< 1 m), shallow (< 30 m), moderately exposed, mixed substratum

Countries sharing the types that have been intercalibrated:

Bulgaria and Romania

RESULTS

Biological Quality Element: Phytoplankton

Phytoplankton: parameter indicative of biomass

Results: Ecological quality ratios and parameter values

| Season | Ecological Quality Ratios | Biomass values (mg/m3) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| High-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary | High-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary |
| Winter | 0,93 | 0,78 | 1 770 | 3 420 |
| Spring | 0,93 | 0,78 | 3 515 | 5 690 |
| Summer | 0,93 | 0,78 | 1 281 | 2 526 |
| Autumn | 0,93 | 0,78 | 1 840 | 3 640 |

Season

Ecological Quality Ratios

Biomass values (mg/m3)

High-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

High-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

Winter

0,93

0,78

1 770

3 420

Spring

0,93

0,78

3 515

5 690

Summer

0,93

0,78

1 281

2 526

Autumn

0,93

0,78

1 840

3 640

Biological Quality Element: Benthic invertebrates fauna

Results: Ecological quality ratios of national parameters intercalibrated

Member States must use at least one of the intercalibrated parameters (Shannon diversity index H’, AMBI, M-AMBI)

| National parameters intercalibrated | Ecological Quality Ratios |
| --- | --- |
| High-Good boundary | Good-Moderate boundary |
| Shannon diversity index H’ | 0,89 | 0,69 |
| AMBI | 0,83 | 0,53 |
| M-AMBI | 0,85 | 0,55 |

National parameters intercalibrated

Ecological Quality Ratios

High-Good boundary

Good-Moderate boundary

Shannon diversity index H’

0,89

0,69

AMBI

0,83

0,53

M-AMBI

0,85

0,55

---

(*1)  Intertidal seagrass values expressed as percentage areal loss from reference area.

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10.12.2008

| 10.12.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 332/s3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 332/s3

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NOTE TO THE READER

The institutions have decided no longer to quote in their texts the last amendment to cited acts.

Unless otherwise indicated, references to acts in the texts published here are to the version of those acts currently in force.

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