http://www.legislation.gov.uk/eudn/2018/229/annexCommission Decision (EU) 2018/229 of 12 February 2018 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 and repealing Commission Decision 2013/480/EU (notified under document C(2018) 696) (Text with EEA relevance)Commission Decision (EU) 2018/229Commission Decision (EU) 2018/229 of 12 February 2018 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 and repealing Commission Decision 2013/480/EU (notified under document C(2018) 696) (Text with EEA relevance)King's Printer of Acts of Parliamenthttps://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/eu-exit/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32018D0229texttext/xmlen2024-07-18Expert Participation2020-12-31 ANNEX

Part 1 of this annex includes the results of the intercalibration exercise for which all steps of the intercalibration process have been fully completed, including their respective boundary values.

Part 2 includes national methods and their boundary values which are consistent with the normative definition set out in Section 1.2 of Annex V to Directive 2000/60/EC but where it has not been technically feasible to complete the comparability assessment within a Geographical Intercalibration Group due to lack of common types, different pressures addressed or different assessment concepts.

-- PART 1 -- <Span> <Strong>Water category</Strong> </Span> <Span>Rivers</Span> <Span> <Strong>Geographical Intercalibration Group</Strong> </Span> <Span>Alpine rivers</Span>

Description of types that have been intercalibrated

TypeRiver characterisationCatchment (km2)Altitude (m a.s.l.) and geomorphologyAlkalinityFlow regime
R-A1Pre-Alpine, small to medium, high altitude calcareous10 — 1 000800 — 2 500 m (catchment), boulders/cobbleHigh (but not extremely high) alkalinity
R-A2Small to medium, high altitude, siliceous10 — 1 000500 — 1 000 m (max altitude of catchment 3 000 m, mean 1 500 m), bouldersNon-calcareous (granite, metamorphic) medium to low alkalinityNival-glacial flow regime

Countries sharing types that have been intercalibrated:

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

<Span> <Strong>ALPINE RIVERS GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Benthic invertebrate fauna</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated

Country and TypeNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundary
Type R-A1
AustriaAssessment of the biological quality elements — part benthic invertebrates [Erhebung der biologischen Qualitätselemente — Teil Makrozoobenthos (Detaillierte MZB-Methode)]0,80,6
FranceClassification française DCE Indice Biologique Global Normalisé (IBGN). AFNOR NF-T-90-350 and arrêté ministériel du 25 janvier 2010 modifié relatif aux méthodes et critères d’évaluation de l’état écologique {…} des eaux de surface0,930,79
GermanyPERLODES — Bewertungsverfahren von Fließgewässern auf Basis des Makrozoobenthos0,80,6
ItalyMacrOper, based on STAR Intercalibration Common Metric Index (STAR_ICMi)0,970,73
SloveniaMetodologija vrednotenja ekološkega stanja vodotokov na podlagi bentoških nevretenčarjev0,80,6
Type R-A2
AustriaAssessment of the biological quality elements — part benthic invertebrates [Erhebung der biologischen Qualitätselemente — Teil Makrozoobenthos (Detaillierte MZB-Methode)]0,80,6
France (Alps)Classification française DCE Indice Biologique Global Normalisé (IBGN). AFNOR NF-T-90-350 and arrêté ministériel du 25 janvier 2010 modifié relatif aux méthodes et critères d’évaluation de l’état écologique {…} des eaux de surface0,930,71
France (Pyrenees)Classification française DCE Indice Biologique Global Normalisé (IBGN). AFNOR NF-T-90-350 and arrêté ministériel du 25 janvier 2010 modifié relatif aux méthodes et critères d’évaluation de l’état écologique {…} des eaux de surface0,940,81
ItalyMacrOper, based on STAR Intercalibration Common Metric Index (STAR_ICMi)0,950,71
SpainIberian BMWP (IBMWP)0,830,53

<Span> <Strong>ALPINE RIVERS GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macrophytes and Phytobenthos</Span> <Span> <Strong>Sub-Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Phytobenthos</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated

Type and countryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundary
Type R-A1
AustriaAssessment of the biological quality elements — part phytobenthos [Leitfaden zur Erhebung der biologischen Qualitätselemente, Teil A3 — Fließgewässer/Phytobenthos]0,880,56
FranceIBD 2007 (Coste et al, Ecol. Ind. 2009). AFNOR NF-T-90-354, December 2007. Arrêté ministériel du 25 janvier 2010 modifié relatif aux méthodes et critères d’évaluation de l’état écologique {…} des eaux de surface0,940,78
GermanyVerfahrensanleitung für die ökologische Bewertung von Fließgewässern zur Umsetzung der EG-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie: Makrophyten und Phytobenthos (PHYLIB), Modul Diatomeen0,7350,54
ItalyIntercalibration Common Metric Index (ICMi) (Mancini & Sollazzo, 2009)0,870,7
SloveniaMetodologija vrednotenja ekološkega stanja vodotokov na podlagi fitobentosa in makrofitov, fitobentos0,80,6
Type R-A2
AustriaAssessment of the biological quality elements — part phytobenthos [Leitfaden zur Erhebung der biologischen Qualitätselemente, Teil A3 — Fließgewässer/Phytobenthos]0,880,56
FranceIBD 2007 (Coste et al, Ecol. Ind. 2009). AFNOR NF-T-90-354, December 2007. Arrêté ministériel du 25 janvier 2010 modifié relatif aux méthodes et critères d’évaluation de l’état écologique {…} des eaux de surface0,940,78
SpainIPS (Coste in Cemagref, 1982)0,940,74
ItalyIntercalibration Common Metric Index (ICMi) (Mancini & Sollazzo, 2009)0,850,64

<Span> <Strong>Water category</Strong> </Span> <Span>Rivers</Span> <Span> <Strong>Geographical Intercalibration Group</Strong> </Span> <Span>Central-Baltic rivers</Span>

Description of types that have been intercalibrated

TypeRiver characterisationCatchment (km2)Altitude and geomorphologyAlkalinity (meq/l)
R-C1Small lowland siliceous sand10 — 100Lowland, dominated by sandy substrate (small particle size), 3 — 8 m width (bankfull size)> 0,4
R-C2Small lowland siliceous — rock10 — 100 Lowland, rock material 3 — 8m width (bankfull size) < 0,4
R-C3Small mid-altitude siliceous10 — 100Mid-altitude, rock (granite) — gravel substrate, 2 — 10 m width (bankfull size)< 0,4
R-C4Medium lowland mixed100 — 1 000Lowland, sandy to gravel substrate, 8 — 25 m width (bankfull size)> 0,4
R-C5Large lowland mixed1 000 — 10 000Lowland, barbel zone, variation in velocity, max. altitude in catchment: 800 m a.s.l., > 25 m width (bankfull size)> 0,4
R-C6Small, lowland, calcareous10 — 300Lowland, gravel substrate (limestone), width 3 — 10 m (bankfull size)> 2

Countries sharing types that have been intercalibrated:

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

<Span> <Strong>CENTRAL-BALTIC RIVERS GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Benthic invertebrate fauna</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated

CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundary
AustriaAssessment of the biological quality elements — part benthic invertebrates0,80,6
Belgium (Flanders)Multimetric Macroinvertebrate Index Flanders (MMIF)0,90,7
Belgium (Wallonia)Indice Biologique Global Normalisé (IBGN) (Norme AFNOR NF T 90 350, 1992) and Arrêté du Gouvernement wallon du 13 septembre 2012 relatif à l’identification, à la caractérisation et à la fixation des seuils d’état écologique applicables aux masses d’eau de surface et modifiant le Livre II du Code de l’Environnement, contenant le Code de l’Eau. Moniteur belge 12.10.2012 0,94 (type R-C1) 0,97 (types R-C3, R-C5, R-C6) 0,75 (type R-C1) 0,74 (types R-C3, R-C5, R-C6)
Czech RepublicCzech system for ecological status assessment of rivers using benthic macroinvertebrates0,80,6
DenmarkDanish Stream Fauna Index (DSFI)1,00,71
EstoniaEstonian surface water ecological quality assessment — river macroinvertebrates0,90,7
GermanyPERLODES — Bewertungsverfahren von Fließgewässern auf Basis des Makrozoobenthos0,80,6
FranceClassification française DCE Indice Biologique Global Normalisé (IBGN). AFNOR NF T90-350 et arrêté ministériel du 25 janvier 2010 modifié relatif aux méthodes et critères d’évaluation de l’état écologique {…} des eaux de surface0,940,8
IrelandQuality Rating System (Q-value)0,850,75
ItalyMacrOper, based on STAR_ICM index calculation0,960,72
LatviaLatvian Macroinvertebrate Index (LMI)0,920,72
LithuaniaLithuanian River Macroinvertebrate Index (LRMI)0,80,6
LuxembourgClassification luxembourgeoise DCE Indice Biologique Global Normalisé (IBGN). AFNOR NF-T-90-350, AFNOR XP T 90-333 and XP T 90-3880,960,72
NetherlandsKRW-maatlat0,80,6
PolandRIVECOmacro — MMI_PL0,91(type R-C1)0,72 (type R-C1)
SpainMETI0,930,7
SwedenDJ-index (Dahl & Johnson 2004)0,80,6
United KingdomRiver Invertebrate Classification Tool (RICT)- WHPT0,970,86

<Span> <Strong>CENTRAL-BALTIC RIVERS GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macrophytes and Phytobenthos</Span> <Span> <Strong>Sub-Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macrophytes</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated

For the United Kingdom these results also apply to the common intercalibration types belonging to the Northern Geographical Intercalibration Group
CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedTypeEcological Quality Ratios
High-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundary
AustriaAIM for Rivers (Austrian Index Macrophytes for rivers)RC-30,8750,625
Belgium (Flanders)MAFWAT — Flemish macrophyte assessment systemR-C10,80,6
Belgium (Wallonia)IBMR-WL — Biological Macrophyte Index for Rivers (Arrêté du Gouvernement wallon du 13 septembre 2012 relatif à l’identification, à la caractérisation et à la fixation des seuils d’état écologique applicables aux masses d’eau de surface et modifiant le Livre II du Code de l’Environnement, contenant le Code de l’Eau. Moniteur belge 12.10.2012)R-C30,9250,607
Czech RepublicAssessment method of surface running water bodies in the Czech Republic using biological quality element macrophytesR-C3 (national type 1)0,830,67
R-C3 (national type 4)0,820,64
R-C40,860,62
DenmarkDSPI — Danish Stream Plant IndexR-C1, R-C40,70,5
GermanyVerfahrensanleitung für die ökologische Bewertung von Fließgewässern zur Umsetzung der EG-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie: Makrophyten und Phytobenthos (PHYLIB), Modul MakrophytenR-C10,7450,495
R-C30,80,55
R-C40,5750,395
GermanyNRW-Verfahren zur Bewertung von Fließgewässern mit MakrophytenR-C1, R-C3, R-C40,9950,695
FranceIBMR — Indice Biologique Macrophytique en Rivière French standard NF T90-395 (2003-10-01)R-C30,930,79
R-C40,9050,79
IrelandMTR — IE — Mean Trophic RankingR-C40,740,62
ItalyIBMR — IT — Biological Macrophyte Index for RiversR-C10,90,8
R-C40,90,8
LithuaniaLithuanian River Macrophyte IndexR-C40,610,41
LatviaLatvian assessment method using macrophytesR-C40,750,55
LuxembourgIBMR — LU — Biological Macrophyte Index for RiversR-C3, R-C4, R-C5 and R-C60,890,79
NetherlandsRevised assessment method for rivers in The Netherlands using macrophytesR-C1 and R-C0,80,6
PolandMIR — Macrophyte Index for RiversR-C10,90,65
R-C30,910,684
R-C40,90,65
United KingdomRiver LEAFPACS 2R-C1, R-C3 and R-C4 0,80,6

<Span> <Strong>CENTRAL-BALTIC RIVERS GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macrophytes and Phytobenthos</Span> <Span> <Strong>Sub-Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Phytobenthos</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated

CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedTypeEcological Quality Ratios
High-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundary
AustriaAssessment of the biological quality elements — part Phytobenthos [Leitfaden zur Erhebung der biologischen Qualitätselemente, Teil A3 -Fließgewässer/Phytobenthos]All types, altitude < 500 m0,70,42
All types, altitude > 500 m0,710,43
Belgium (Flanders)Proportions of Impact-Sensitive and Impact-Associated Diatoms (PISIAD)All types0,80,6
Belgium (Wallonia)IPS (Coste, in CEMAGREF, 1982; Lenoir & Coste, 1996 and Arrêté du Gouvernement wallon du 13 septembre 2012 relatif à l’identification, à la caractérisation et à la fixation des seuils d’état écologique applicables aux masses d’eau de surface et modifiant le Livre II du Code de l’Environnement, contenant le Code de l’Eau. Moniteur belge 12.10.2012)All types0,980,73
Czech RepublicCzech assessment method for rivers using phytobenthosR-C3, R-C4, R-C50,80,63
EstoniaIndice de Polluosensibilité Spécifique (IPS)All types0,850,7
FranceIBD 2007 (Coste et al, Ecol. Ind. 2009). AFNOR NF-T-90-354, December 2007. Arrêté ministériel du 25 janvier 2010 modifié relatif aux méthodes et critères d’évaluation de l’état écologique {…} des eaux de surfaceAll types0,940,78
GermanyVerfahrensanleitung für die ökologische Bewertung von Fließgewässern zur Umsetzung der EG-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie: Makrophyten und Phytobenthos (PHYLIB), Modul DiatomeenR-C10,670,43
R-C30,670,43
R-C40,610,43
R-C50,730,55
IrelandRevised form of Trophic Diatom Index (TDI)All types0,930,78
ItalyIntercalibration Common Metric Index (ICMi) (Mancini & Sollazzo, 2009)All types0,890,7
IrelandRevised form of Trophic Diatom Index (TDI)All types0,930,78
LithuaniaLithuanian Phytobenthos IndexR-C1, R-C4, R-C5, R-C60,730,55
LuxembourgIndice de Polluosensibilité Spécifique (IPS)R-C3, R-C4 (low alkalinity)0,980,78
R-C4 (high alkalinity), R-C5 and R-C60,990,78
NetherlandsKRW MaatlatAll types0,80,6
PolandIndeks Okrzemkowy IO dla rzek (Diatom Index for rivers)All types0,80,58
SpainDiatom multimetric (MDIAT)R-C2, R-C3, R-C40,930,7
SwedenSwedish assessment methods, Swedish EPA regulations (NFS 2008:1) based on Indice de Polluosensibilité Spécifique (IPS)All types0,890,74
United KingdomDiatom Assessment for River Ecological Status (DARLEQ2)All types1,00,75

<Span> <Strong>Water category</Strong> </Span> <Span>Rivers</Span> <Span> <Strong>Geographical Intercalibration Group</Strong> </Span> <Span>Eastern Continental rivers</Span>

Description of types that have been intercalibrated

TypeRiver characterisationEcoregionCatchment (km2)Altitude (m a.s.l.)GeologySubstrate
R-E1aCarpathians: small to medium, mid-altitude1010 — 1 000500 — 800Mixed
R-E1bCarpathians: small to medium, mid-altitude1010 — 1 000200 — 500Mixed
R-E2Plains: medium-sized, lowland11 and 12100 — 1 000< 200MixedSand and silt
R-E3Plains: large, lowland11 and 12> 1 000< 200MixedSand, silt and gravel
R-E4Plains: medium-sized, mid-altitude11 and 12100 — 1 000200 — 500MixedSand and gravel
R-EX4Large, mid-altitude10, 11 and 12> 1 000200 — 500MixedGravel and boulder
R-EX5Plains: small lowland11 and 1210 — 100< 200MixedSand and silt
R-EX6Plains: small, mid-altitude11 and 1210 — 100200 — 500MixedGravel
R-EX7Balkan: small, calcareous, mid-altitude510 — 100200 — 500CalcareousGravel
R-EX8Balkan: small to medium-sized, calcareous karst spring510 — 1 000CalcareousGravel, sand and silt

Countries sharing types that have been intercalibrated:

R-E1a: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia R-E1b: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia R-E2: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia R-E3: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia R-E4: Austria, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia R-EX4: Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia R-EX5: Hungary, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia R-EX6: Hungary, Romania, Slovenia R-EX7: Slovenia R-EX8: Slovenia

<Span> <Strong>EASTERN CONTINENTAL RIVERS GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Benthic invertebrate fauna</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated

CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedTypeEcological Quality Ratios
High-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundary
AustriaAssessment of the biological quality elements — part benthic invertebratesR-E40,80,6
BulgariaIBI (BG) (Irish Biotic Index (BG))R-E1a, R-E1b0,860,67
R-E2, R-E30,80,6
Czech RepublicCzech system for ecological status assessment of rivers using benthic macroinvertebratesR-E1a, R-E1b, R-E2, R-E30,80,6
HungaryHungarian Multimetric Macroinvertebrate IndexR-E1b, R-E3, R-E4, R-EX5, R-EX60,80,6
RomaniaAssessment method for ecological status of water bodies based on macroinvertebratesR-E1a, R-E1b, R-E3, R-EX40,740,58
SloveniaMetodologija vrednotenja ekološkega stanja vodotokov na podlagi bentoških nevretenčarjevR-E4, R-EX5, R-EX60,80,6
SlovakiaSlovak assessment of benthic invertebrates in riversR-E1a, R-E1b, R-E2, R-E3, R-E4, R-EX40,80,6

<Span> <Strong>EASTERN CONTINENTAL RIVERS GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macrophytes and Phytobenthos</Span> <Span> <Strong>Sub-Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macrophytes</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated

CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedTypeEcological Quality Ratios
High-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundary
AustriaAIM for Rivers (Austrian Index Macrophytes for rivers)R-E40,8750,625
BulgariaReference IndexR-E2, R-E30,570,37
R-E40,510,27
Czech RepublicAssessment method of surface running water bodies in the Czech Republic using biological quality element macrophytesR-E2, R-E30,750,5
Czech RepublicAssessment method of surface running water bodies in the Czech Republic using biological quality element macrophytesR-E40,770,56
HungaryReference IndexR-E2, R-E30,70,37
RomaniaRomanian Macrophyte-based assessment system for rivers (Macrophyte River Index (MARI))R-E2, R-E3, R-E4R-E2 and R-E3: 0,875, R-E4: 0,783all types: 0,625
SloveniaMetodologija vrednotenja ekološkega stanja vodotokov na podlagi fitobentosa in makrofitov, makrofitiR-E2, R-E3, R-E40,80,6
SlovakiaMacrophyte Biological Index for Rivers (IBMR-SK)R-E2, R-E3, R-E40,80,6

<Span> <Strong>EASTERN CONTINENTAL RIVERS GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macrophytes and Phytobenthos</Span> <Span> <Strong>Sub-Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Phytobenthos</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated

CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedTypeEcological Quality Ratios
High-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundary
AustriaAssessment of the biological quality elements — part phytobenthosR-E40,70,42
BulgariaEcological status assessment of rivers in Bulgaria based on IPS diatom indexR-E1a, R-E1b, R-E3 0,87 (national type R2, R4) 0,85 (national type R7, R8) 0,66 (national type R2, R4) 0,64 (national type R7, R8)
Czech RepublicAssessment system for rivers using phytobenthosR-E1a, R-E1b, R-E2, R-E3, R-EX40,80,6
HungaryEcological status assessment for rivers based on diatomsR-E2, R-E3, R-EX50,80,6
RomaniaNational (Romanian) Assessment Method for Rivers Ecological Status based on Phytobenthos (Diatoms) RO-AMRPR-E1a, R-E1b, R-E30,80,6
SloveniaMetodologija vrednotenja ekološkega stanja vodotokov na podlagi fitobentosa in makrofitov, fitobentosR-E4, R-EX5, R-EX6, R-EX7, R-EX80,80,6
SlovakiaEcological status assessment system for rivers using phytobenthosR-E1a, R-E1b, R-E2, R-E3, R-E4, R-EX40,90,7

<Span> <Strong>Water category</Strong> </Span> <Span>Rivers</Span> <Span> <Strong>Geographical Intercalibration Group</Strong> </Span> <Span>Mediterranean rivers</Span>

Description of types that have been intercalibrated

TypeRiver characterisationCatchment (km2)GeologyFlow regime
R-M1Small Mediterranean streams< 100Mixed (except silicious)Highly seasonal
R-M2Medium Mediterranean streams100 — 1 000Mixed (except silicious)Highly seasonal
R-M4Mediterranean mountain streamsNon-siliciousHighly seasonal
R-M5Temporary streamsTemporary

Countries sharing types that have been intercalibrated:

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

<Span> <Strong>MEDITERRANEAN RIVERS GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Benthic invertebrate fauna</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated

Type and CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundary
R-M1
FranceClassification française DCE Indice Biologique Global Normalisé (IBGN). AFNOR NF T90-350 et arrêté ministériel du 25 janvier 2010 modifié relatif aux méthodes et critères d’évaluation de l’état écologique {…} des eaux de surface0,940,7
GreeceHellenic Evaluation System-2 (HESY-2)0,9430,75
ItalyMacrOper (based on STAR Intercalibration Common Metric Index ICMi)0,970,72
PortugalRivers Biological Quality Assessment Method-Benthic Invertebrates (IPtIN, IPtIS)0,87 (type 1)0,678 (type 1)
0,85 (type 3)0,686 (type 3)
SloveniaMetodologija vrednotenja ekološkega stanja vodotokov na podlagi bentoških nevretenčarjev0,80,6
SpainIberian Biological Monitoring Working Party (IBMWP)0,8450,698
SpainIberian Mediterranean Multimetric Index—using quantitative data (IMMi-T)0,8110,707
R-M2
BulgariaIBI (BG) (Irish Biotic Index (BG))0,80,6
FranceClassification française DCE Indice Biologique Global Normalisé (IBGN). AFNOR NF T90-350 et arrêté ministériel du 25 janvier 2010 modifié relatif aux méthodes et critères d’évaluation de l’état écologique {…} des eaux de surface0,940,7
GreeceHellenic Evaluation System-2 (HESY-2)0,9440,708
ItalyMacrOper (based on STAR Intercalibration Common Metric Index ICMi)0,940,7
PortugalRivers Biological Quality Assessment Method-Benthic Invertebrates (IPtIN, IPtIS)0,83 (type 2)0,693 (type 2)
0,88 (type 4)0,676 (type 4)
SloveniaMetodologija vrednotenja ekološkega stanja vodotokov na podlagi bentoških nevretenčarjev0,80,6
SpainIberian Biological Monitoring Working Party (IBMWP)0,8450,698
SpainIberian Mediterranean Multimetric Index—using quantitative data (IMMi-T)0,8110,707
R-M4
CyprusSTAR Intercalibration Common Metric Index (STAR_ICMi)0,9720,729
FranceClassification française DCE Indice Biologique Global Normalisé (IBGN). AFNOR NF T90-350 et arrêté ministériel du 25 janvier 2010 modifié relatif aux méthodes et critères d’évaluation de l’état écologique {…} des eaux de surface0,940,7
GreeceHellenic Evaluation System-2 (HESY-2)0,850,637
ItalyMacrOper (based on STAR Intercalibration Common Metric Index ICMi)0,940,7
SpainIberian Biological Monitoring Working Party (IBMWP)0,840,7
SpainIberian Mediterranean Multimetric Index—using quantitative data (IMMi-T)0,850,694
R-M5
CyprusSTAR Intercalibration Common Metric Index (STAR_ICMi)0,9820,737
GreeceHellenic Evaluation System-2 (HESY-2)0,9630,673
ItalyMacrOper (based on STAR Intercalibration Common Metric Index ICMi)0,970,73
PortugalRivers Biological Quality Assessment Method-Benthic Invertebrates (IPtIN, IPtIS)0,973 (type 5)0,705 (type 5)
0,961 (type 6)0,708 (type 6)
SloveniaMetodologija vrednotenja ekološkega stanja vodotokov na podlagi bentoških nevretenčarjev0,80,6
SpainIberian Biological Monitoring Working Party (IBMWP)0,830,63
SpainIberian Mediterranean Multimetric Index—using quantitative data (IMMi-T)0,830,62

<Span> <Strong>MEDITERRANEAN RIVERS GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macrophytes and Phytobenthos</Span> <Span> <Strong>Sub-Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macrophytes</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated

Type and CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundary
R-M1, M2, M4
Bulgaria (R-M1 and R-M2)RI (BG) (Reference Index (BG))0,640,35
CyprusIBMR — Biological Macrophyte Index for Rivers0,7950,596
FranceIBMR — Indice Biologique Macrophytique en Rivière French standard NF T90-395 (2003-10-01)0,930,745
GreeceIBMR — Biological Macrophyte Index for Rivers0,750,56
ItalyIBMR — Biological Macrophyte Index for Rivers0,90,8
PortugalIBMR — Biological Macrophyte Index for Rivers0,920,69
SloveniaMetodologija vrednotenja ekološkega stanja vodotokov na podlagi fitobentosa in makrofitov, makrofiti0,80,6
SpainIBMR — Biological Macrophyte Index for Rivers0,950,74

<Span> <Strong>MEDITERRANEAN RIVERS GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macrophytes and Phytobenthos</Span> <Span> <Strong>Sub-Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Phytobenthos</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated

Type and CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundary
R-M1
BulgariaIPS (Indice de polluo-sensibilité)0,820,63
FranceIBD 2007 (Coste et al, Ecol. Ind. 2009). AFNOR NF-T-90-354, December 2007. Arrêté ministériel du 25 janvier 2010 modifié relatif aux méthodes et critères d’évaluation de l’état écologique {…} des eaux de surface0,940,78
GreeceIPS (Coste in Cemagref, 1982) Intercalibrated (EQR IPS)0,9560,717
ItalyIntercalibration Common Metric Index (ICMi) (Mancini & Sollazzo, 2009)0,80,61
PortugalIPS (Coste in Cemagref, 1982)0,97 (type 1)0,73 (type 1)
0,91 (type 3)0,68 (type 3)
SloveniaMetodologija vrednotenja ekološkega stanja vodotokov na podlagi fitobentosa in makrofitov, fitobentos0,80,6
SpainIPS (Coste in Cemagref, 1982)0,9370,727
R-M2
BulgariaIPDS (Indice de polluo-sensibilité)0,820,63
FranceIBD 2007 (Coste et al, Ecol. Ind. 2009). AFNOR NF-T-90-354, December 2007. Arrêté ministériel du 25 janvier 2010 modifié relatif aux méthodes et critères d’évaluation de l’état écologique {…} des eaux de surface0,940,78
GreeceIPS (Coste in Cemagref, 1982) Intercalibrated (EQR IPS)0,9530,732
Italy Intercalibration Common Metric Index (ICMi) (Mancini & Sollazzo, 2009) 0,80,61
PortugalIPS (Coste in Cemagref, 1982))0,91 (type 2)0,68 (type 2)
0,97 (type 4)0,73 (type 4)
SloveniaMetodologija vrednotenja ekološkega stanja vodotokov na podlagi fitobentosa in makrofitov, fitobentos0,80,6
SpainIPS (Coste in Cemagref, 1982)0,9380,727
R-M4
CyprusIPS (Coste in Cemagref, 1982)0,910,683
FranceIBD 2007 (Coste et al, Ecol. Ind. 2009). AFNOR NF-T-90-354, December 2007. Arrêté ministériel du 25 janvier 2010 modifié relatif aux méthodes et critères d’évaluation de l’état écologique {…} des eaux de surface0,940,78
GreeceIPS (Coste in Cemagref, 1982) Intercalibrated (EQR IPS)0,9320,716
Italy Intercalibration Common Metric Index (ICMi) (Mancini & Sollazzo, 2009) 0,80,61
SpainIPS (Coste in Cemagref, 1982)0,9350,727
R-M5
CyprusIPS (Coste in Cemagref, 1982)0,9580,718
Italy Intercalibration Common Metric Index (ICMi) (Mancini & Sollazzo, 2009) 0,880,65
PortugalIPS (Coste in Cemagref, 1982)0,8 (Type 5)0,651 (Type 5)
0,94 (Type 6)0,7 (Type 6)
SloveniaMetodologija vrednotenja ekološkega stanja vodotokov na podlagi fitobentosa in makrofitov, fitobentos0,80,6
SpainIPS (Coste in Cemagref, 1982)0,9350,7

<Span> <Strong>Water category</Strong> </Span> <Span>Rivers</Span> <Span> <Strong>Geographical Intercalibration Group</Strong> </Span> <Span>Northern rivers</Span>

Description of types that have been intercalibrated

TypeRiver characterisationCatchment areaof stretch (km2)Altitude and geomorphologyAlkalinity(meq/l)Organic material(mg Pt/l)
R-N1Small lowland siliceous moderate alkalinity10 — 100< 200 m a.s.l. or below the highest coastline0,2 — 1 < 30 (< 150 in Ireland)
R-N3Small/medium lowland organic low alkalinity10 — 1 000< 0,2> 30
R-N4Medium lowland siliceous moderate alkalinity100 — 1 0000,2 — 1< 30
R-N5Small mid-altitude siliceous low alkalinity10 — 100Between lowland and highland< 0,2< 30
R-N9Small/medium mid-altitude siliceous low alkalinity organic (humic)10 — 1 000Between lowland and highland< 0,2> 30

Countries sharing types that have been intercalibrated:

R-N1: Finland, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom R-N3: Finland, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom R-N4: Finland, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom R-N5: Finland, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom R-N9: Finland, Norway, Sweden

<Span> <Strong>NORTHERN RIVERS GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Benthic invertebrate fauna (methods sensitive for organic enrichment and general degradation)</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated

CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundary
FinlandRevised Finnish river invertebrate fauna assessment method0,80,6
IrelandQuality Rating System (Q-value)0,850,75
NorwayASPT0,990,87
SwedenDJ-index (Dahl & Johnson 2004)0,80,6
United KingdomRiver Invertebrate Classification Tool (RICT)- WHPT0,970,86

<Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Benthic invertebrate fauna (methods sensitive for acidification)</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated

The following results apply to clear, low alkalinity river types

CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundary
NorwayAcidIndex2 (Modified Raddum index2) (river acidification)0,6750,515
United Kingdom — ScotlandWFD-AWIC0,910,83
United Kingdom — England and WalesWFD-AWIC0,980,89

Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated

The following results apply to humic, low alkalinity river types

CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundary
SwedenMISA: Multimetric Invertebrate Stream Acidification index0,550,4
United KingdomWFD-AWIC0,930,83

<Span> <Strong>NORTHERN RIVERS GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macrophytes and Phytobenthos</Span> <Span> <Strong>Sub-Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macrophytes</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated

Type and CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundary
R-N3 and R-N9
FinlandTrophic index TIc0,8890,61
SwedenTrophic index TIc0,8890,61
NorwayTrophic index TIc0,8890,61

<Span> <Strong>NORTHERN RIVERS GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macrophytes and Phytobenthos</Span> <Span> <Strong>Sub-Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Phytobenthos</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated

CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundary
FinlandFinnish river phytobenthos method0,80,6
SwedenIndice de Polluosensibilité Spécifique (IPS)0,890,74
IrelandRevised form of Trophic Diatom Index (TDI)0,930,78
United KingdomDARLEQ 21,00,75
NorwayPeriphyton Index of Trophic Status (PIT) 0,99 (Ca ≤ 1 mg/l) 0,83
0,95 (Ca > 1 mg/l)

<Span> <Strong>Water category</Strong> </Span> <Span>Rivers</Span> <Span> <Strong>Geographical Intercalibration Groups</Strong> </Span> <Span>All</Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Fish fauna</Span>

Overview of regional groups that have been established for the river fish intercalibration:

Lowland-Midland group  — Belgium (Flanders), Belgium (Wallonia), France, Germany, Netherlands, Lithuania, Luxembourg, United Kingdom (England and Wales), Poland, Latvia, Estonia, Denmark, Hungary

Nordic group  — Finland, Ireland, Sweden, United Kingdom (Scotland and Northern Ireland), Norway

Alpine-type Mountains group  — Austria, France, Germany, Slovenia, Italy

Mediterranean South Atlantic group  — Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, Bulgaria

Danubian group  — Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Bulgaria

Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated

Lowland-Midland group

CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundary
Belgium FlandersUpstream and Lowland IBI0,850,65
Belgium WalloniaIBIP (Arrêté du Gouvernement wallon du 13 septembre 2012 relatif à l’identification, à la caractérisation et à la fixation des seuils d’état écologique applicables aux masses d’eau de surface et modifiant le Livre II du Code de l’Environnement, contenant le Code de l’Eau. Moniteur belge 12.10.2012)0,9580,792
FranceFBI (Fish-Based Index): Indice Poissons Rivière (IPR). AFNOR NF-T-90-344.1,1310,835
GermanyFIBS — fischbasiertes Bewertungssystem für Fließgewässer zur Umsetzung der EG-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie in Deutschland1,0860,592
LatviaLatvian Fish Index0,880,66
LithuaniaLithuanian River Fish Index0,940,72
LuxembourgClassification française DCE Indice Poissons Rivière (IPR). AFNOR NF-T-90-3441,1310,835
NetherlandsNLFISR0,80,6
PolandEFI+PL index0,80,6

Nordic group

CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundary
FinlandFinnish Fish Index (FiFi) — type L20,6650,499
FinlandFinnish Fish Index (FiFi) — type L30,6580,493
FinlandFinnish Fish Index (FiFi) — type M10,7090,532
FinlandFinnish Fish Index (FiFi) — type M20,7340,55
FinlandFinnish Fish Index (FiFi) — type M30,7230,542
IrelandFish Classification Scheme 2 Ireland (FCS2)0,8450,54
SwedenSwedish method VIX0,7390,467
United Kingdom — Northern IrelandIR_FCS20,8450,54
United Kingdom — ScotlandFCS2 Scotland0,850,6

Mediterranean group

CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundary
GreeceHellenic Fish Index (HeFI)0,80,6
PortugalF-IBIP — Fish-based Index of Biotic Integrity for Portuguese Wadeable Streams0,850,675
SpainIBIMED — type T20,8160,705
SpainIBIMED — type T30,9290,733
SpainIBIMED — type T40,8640,758
SpainIBIMED — type T50,8660,65
SpainIBIMED — type T60,9160,764

Alpine group

CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundary
AustriaFIA0,8750,625
FranceFBI (Fish-Based Index): Indice Poissons Rivière (IPR). AFNOR NF-T90-3441,1310,876
GermanyFIBS — fischbasiertes Bewertungssystem für Fließgewässer zur Umsetzung der EG-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie in Deutschland1,0860,592
ItalyNISECI index (New Index of Ecological Status of Fish Communities)0,80,52
SloveniaMetodologija vrednotenja ekološkega stanja vodotokov na podlagi rib0,80,6

Danubian group

CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundary
BulgariaTsBRI (Type Specific Bulgarian Fish Index)0,860,65
Czech RepublicCzech multimetric method CZI0,780,585
RomaniaEFI+ European Fish index (cyprinid wading type)0,9390,7
RomaniaEFI+ European Fish index (salmonid type)0,9110,755
SlovakiaFish Index of Slovakia FIS0,710,57

<Span> <Strong>Water Category</Strong> </Span> <Span>Rivers</Span> <Span> <Strong>Geographical Intercalibration Groups</Strong> </Span> <Span>All — Very Large Rivers</Span>

Description of types that have been intercalibrated

TypeRiver characterisationCatchment area of stretch (km2)Alkalinity (meq/l)
R-L1Very large low alkalinity rivers> 10 000< 0,5
R-L2Very large medium to high alkalinity rivers> 10 000> 0,5

Countries sharing types that have been intercalibrated:

R-L1: Finland, Norway, Sweden R-L2: Austria, Belgium (Flanders), Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden

<Span> <Strong>VERY LARGE RIVERS GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Benthic invertebrate fauna</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated

CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundary
AustriaAssessment of the Biological Quality Elements — part benthic invertebrates (for large alpine rivers)0,80,6
AustriaSlovak assessment of benthic invertebrates in large rivers (for large lowland rivers)0,80,6
Belgium (Flanders)Multimetric Macroinvertebrate Index Flanders (MMIF)0,90,7
BulgariamRBA — Modified Rapid Biological Assessment0,80,6
CroatiaEcological status assessment system based on benthic invertebrates in very large rivers0,80,6
Czech RepublicCzech system for ecological status assessment of large non-wadeable rivers using benthic macroinvertebrates0,80,6
GermanyGermany PTI — Potamon-Typie-Index0,80,6
EstoniaEstonian surface water ecological quality assessment _ large river macroinvertebrates0,90,7
SpainIBMWP — Iberian Biological Monitoring Working Party0,790,48
FinlandRevised Finnish river invertebrate fauna assessment method0,80,6
HungaryHungary HMMI_II — Hungarian Multimetric Macroinvertebrate Index for large and very large rivers0,80,6
ItalyISA (Indice per la classificazione sulla base dei Substrati Artificiali) — mediterranean rivers0,940,7
ItalyISA (Indice per la classificazione sulla base dei Substrati Artificiali) — non-mediterranean rivers0,960,72
LithuaniaLithuanian River Macroinvertebrate Index0,80,6
LatviaLRMI — Latvian large River Macroinvertebrate Index0,880,63
NetherlandsWFD metrics for natural water types0,80,6
NorwayNorway ASPT — Average Score Per Taxon0,990,87
PolandRIVECOmacro — MMI_PL0,910,71
RomaniaECO-BENT — Assessment method for ecological status of water bodies based on macroinvertebrates0,790,53
SwedenAverage Score Per Taxon (ASPT) and DJ-index0,80,6
SloveniaMetodologija vrednotenja ekološkega stanja vodotokov na podlagi bentoških nevretenčarjev0,80,6
SlovakiaSlovak assessment of benthic invertebrates in large rivers0,80,6

<Span> <Strong>VERY LARGE RIVERS GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Phytoplankton</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated

CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundary
AustriaGerman PhytoFluss-Index 4.00,80,6
Belgium (Flanders)German PhytoFluss-Index 2.00,80,6
BulgariaGerman PhytoFluss-Index 4.00,80,6
CroatiaHRPI — Hungarian River Phytoplankton Index0,80,6
Czech RepublicCZ — Assessment method for ecological status of rivers based on phytoplankton0,80,6
GermanyGerman PhytoFluss-Index0,80,6
EstoniaEST_PHYPLA_R — Estonian Large River Phytoplankton Index0,850,65
HungaryHRPI — Hungarian River Phytoplankton Index0,80,6
LithuaniaGerman PhytoFluss-Index for lowland rivers of type 15.20,80,6
LatviaLatvian Large River Phytoplankton Index0,80,6
PolandIFPL metric — Method for large rivers assessment using phytoplankton1,080,92
RomaniaECO-FITO — Assessment Method for Ecological Status of the Water Bodies based on Phytoplankton0,920,76
SlovakiaPhytoplankton-SK — Slovak assessment of phytoplankton in large rivers0,80,6

<Span> <Strong>VERY LARGE RIVERS GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macrophytes and Phytobenthos</Span> <Span> <Strong>Sub-Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Phytobenthos</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated

Country and TypeNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundary
R-L1
FinlandFinnish river phytobenthos method0,80,6
SwedenBenthic algae in running water — diatom analysis0,890,74
R-L2
AustriaAssessment of the Biological Quality Elements — part phytobenthos0,850,57
BulgariaIPS (Indice de Polluo-Sensibilité)0,760,58
Czech RepublicAssessment system for rivers using phytobenthos0,80,6
EstoniaEstonian surface water ecological quality assessment — river phytobenthos0,830,64
FranceIBD 2007 (Coste et al, Ecol. Ind. 2009). AFNOR NF T90-354, April 2016. Arrêté ministériel du 25 janvier 2010 modifié relatif aux méthodes et critères d’évaluation de l’état écologique {…} des eaux de surface0,920,76
SpainIPS (Coste in Cemagref, 1982)0,680,48
GermanyVerfahrensanleitung für die ökologische Bewertung von Fließgewässern zur Umsetzung der EG-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie: Makrophyten und Phytobenthos (PHYLIB), Modul Diatomeen0,7250,55
CroatiaEcological status assessment system for phytobenthos in rivers based on diatoms0,80,61
HungaryEcological status assessment for rivers based on diatoms0,7620,6
ItalyIntercalibration Common Metric Index (ICMi) (Mancini &Sollazzo 2009)0,89 (national type C)0,7 (national type C)
0,82 (national type M3)0,62 (national type M3)
NetherlandsWFD-metrics for natural water types0,80,6
PortugalIPS — Specific Pollution Sensitivity Index0,9 (national type R_GRS/Guadiana river)0,67 (national type R_GRS/Guadiana river)
SlovakiaEcological status assessment system for rivers using phytobenthos0,90,7
SloveniaMetodologija vrednotenja ekološkega stanja vodotokov na podlagi fitobentosa in makrofitov, fitobentos0,80,6

<Span> <Strong>Water category</Strong> </Span> <Span>Lakes</Span> <Span> <Strong>Geographical Intercalibration Group</Strong> </Span> <Span>Alpine lakes</Span>

Description of types that have been intercalibrated

TypeLake characterisationAltitude (m above sea level)Mean depth (m)Alkalinity (meq/l)Lake size (km2)
L-AL3Lowland or mid-altitude, deep, moderate to high alkalinity (alpine influence), large50 — 800> 15> 1> 0,5
L-AL4Mid-altitude, shallow, moderate to high alkalinity (alpine influence), large200 — 8003 — 15> 1> 0,5

Countries sharing types that have been intercalibrated:

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

<Span> <Strong>ALPINE LAKES GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Phytoplankton</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated

CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
AustriaEvaluation of the biological quality elements, Part B2 — phytoplankton0,80,6
FrancePhytoplankton Index for Lakes (IPLAC): Indice Phytoplancton Lacustre0,80,6
GermanyPSI (Phyto-Seen-Index) — Bewertungsverfahren für Seen mittels Phytoplankton zur Umsetzung der EG-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie in Deutschland0,80,6
ItalyItalian Phytoplankton Assessment Method (IPAM)0,80,6
SloveniaMetodologija vrednotenja ekološkega stanja jezer na podlagi fitoplanktona0,80,6

<Span> <Strong>ALPINE LAKES GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macrophytes and Phytobenthos</Span> <Span> <Strong>Sub-Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macrophytes</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated

CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedIC typeEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
AustriaAIM for Lakes (Austrian Index Macrophytes for lakes) L-AL3+ L-AL4 0,80,6
FranceFrench Macrophyte Index for Lakes (IBML): Indice Biologique Macrophytique en Lacs L-AL3+ L-AL4 0,920,72
GermanyVerfahrensanleitung für die ökologische Bewertung von Seen zur Umsetzung der EG-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie: Makrophyten und Phytobenthos (PHYLIB), Modul Makrophyten L-AL3+ L-AL4 0,760,51
GermanyVerfahrensanleitung für die ökologische Bewertung von Seen zur Umsetzung der EG-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie: Makrophyten und Phytobenthos (PHYLIB), Modul Makrophyten und PhytobenthosLAL40,740,47
ItalyMacroIMMI (Macrophytic index for the evaluation of the ecological quality of the Italian lakes) L-AL3+ L-AL4 0,80,6
SloveniaMetodologija vrednotenja ekološkega stanja jezer na podlagi fitobentosa in makrofitov, makrofitiL-AL30,80,6

<Span> <Strong>ALPINE LAKES GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Benthic invertebrate fauna</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated

CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
SloveniaMetodologija vrednotenja ekološkega stanja jezer na podlagi bentoških nevretenčarjev0,80,6
GermanyAESHNA — Bewertungsverfahren für das eulitorale Makrozoobenthos in Seen zur Umsetzung der EG-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie in Deutschland0,80,6

<Span> <Strong>ALPINE LAKES GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Fish fauna</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated

CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
AustriaALFI (Austrian lake fish index): A multimetric index to assess the ecological status of alpine lakes based on fish fauna0,80,6
GermanyDeLFI_SITE — Deutsches probennahmestandort-spezifisches Bewertungsverfahren für Fische in Seen zur Umsetzung der EG-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie0,850,69
ItalyLake Fish Index (LFI)0,820,64

<Span> <Strong>Water category</Strong> </Span> <Span>Lakes</Span> <Span> <Strong>Geographical Intercalibration Group</Strong> </Span> <Span>Central/Baltic lakes</Span>

Description of types that have been intercalibrated

TypeLake characterisationAltitude (m above sea level)Mean depth (m)Alkalinity (meq/l)Residence time (years)
L-CB1Lowland, shallow, calcareous< 2003 — 15> 11 — 10
L-CB2Lowland, very shallow, calcareous< 200< 3> 10,1 — 1

Countries sharing types that have been intercalibrated

Types L-CB1: Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Ireland, Lithuania, Latvia, Netherlands, Poland, United Kingdom Types L-CB2: Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Ireland, Lithuania, Latvia, Netherlands, Poland, United Kingdom

<Span> <Strong>CENTRAL-BALTIC LAKES GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Phytoplankton</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated

CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
Belgium (Flanders)Flemish phytoplankton assessment method for lakes0,80,6
DenmarkDanish Lake Phytoplankton Index0,80,6
EstoniaEstonian surface water ecological quality assessment — lake phytoplankton0,80,6
GermanyPSI (Phyto-Seen-Index) — Bewertungsverfahren für Seen mittels Phytoplankton zur Umsetzung der EG-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie in Deutschland — German Phyto-Lake-Index (Phyto-See-Index)0,80,6
IrelandIE Lake Phytoplankton Index0,80,6
LatviaLatvian Lake Phytoplankton Index0,810,61
LithuaniaGerman Phytoplankton Index (PSI)0,810,61
NetherlandsWFD — metrics for natural water types0,80,6
PolandPhytoplankton method for Polish Lakes (PMPL)0,80,6
UKPhytoplankton Lake Assessment Tool with Uncertainty Module (PLUTO)0,80,6

<Span> <Strong>CENTRAL-BALTIC LAKES GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macrophytes and Phytobenthos</Span> <Span> <Strong>Sub-Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macrophytes</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated

Will be used in England, Wales and Scotland
CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedIC typeEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
Belgium (Flanders)Flemish macrophyte assessment systemAll types0,80,6
DenmarkDanish Lake Macrophytes IndexAll types0,80,6
EstoniaEstonian surface water ecological quality assessment — lake macrophytesLCB10,780,52
LCB20,760,5
GermanyVerfahrensanleitung für die ökologische Bewertung von Seen zur Umsetzung der EG-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie: Makrophyten und Phytobenthos (PHYLIB), Modul MakrophytenAll types0,80,6
LatviaLatvian macrophyte assessment methodAll types0,80,6
LithuaniaLithuanian Lake Macrophyte IndexAll types0,750,5
NetherlandsWFD-metrics for natural water typesAll types0,80,6
PolandMacrophyte based indication method for lakes — Ecological Status Macrophyte Index ESMI (multimetric)All types0,680,41
UKLake LEAFPACS 2 All types0,80,66

<Span> <Strong>CENTRAL-BALTIC LAKES GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Benthic invertebrate fauna</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated

CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate
Belgium (Flanders)Multimetric Macroinvertebrate Index Flanders (MMIF)0,90,7
EstoniaEstonian surface water ecological quality assessment — lake macroinvertebrates0,860,7
GermanyAESHNA — Bewertungsverfahren für das eulitorale Makrozoobenthos in Seen zur Umsetzung der EG-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie in Deutschland0,80,6
LatviaLatvian Lake Macroinvertebrate Multimetric Index (LLMMI)0,850,52
LithuaniaLithuanian Lake Macroinvertebrate Index0,740,5
NetherlandsWFDi — Metric for Natural Watertypes0,80,6
UKChironomid Pupal Exuvial Technique (CPET)0,770,64

<Span> <Strong>CENTRAL-BALTIC LAKES GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Fish fauna</Span>

Description of common intercalibration types

TypeLake characterisationAltitude (m above sea level)Mean depth (m)Alkalinity (meq/l)Residence time (years)
L-CB1Lowland, shallow, calcareous< 2003 — 15> 11 — 10
L-CB2Lowland, very shallow, calcareous< 200< 3> 10,1 — 1
L-CB3Lowland, shallow, small, siliceous (moderate alkalinity)< 2003 — 150,2 — 11 — 10
L-CB4Heavily modified water bodies200 — 7003 — 30> 0,20,1 — 5

Countries sharing types that have been intercalibrated

Types L-CB1: Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Ireland, Lithuania, Latvia, Netherlands, Poland, United Kingdom Types L-CB2: Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Ireland, Lithuania, Latvia, Netherlands, Poland, United Kingdom Types L-CB3: Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, France, Latvia, Poland Types L-CB4: Czech Republic

Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated

CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate
Czech RepublicCZ-FBI0,870,619
DenmarkDanish Lake Fish Index0,750,54
EELAFIEE0,80,61
GermanyDeLFI_SITE — Deutsches probennahmestandort-spezifisches Bewertungsverfahren für Fische in Seen zur Umsetzung der EG-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie0,950,8
FranceELFI (European Lake Fish Index): Indice Ichtyofaune Lacustre (IIL)0,730,49
LatviaLatvian Lake Fish Index0,760,57
LithuaniaLithuanian Lake Fish Index0,8650,605
NetherlandsVISMAATLAT0,80,6
PolandLFI+0,8660,595
PolandLFI EN0,8040,557

<Span> <Strong>Water category</Strong> </Span> <Span>Lakes</Span> <Span> <Strong>Geographical Intercalibration Group</Strong> </Span> <Span>Eastern Continental lakes</Span>

Description of common intercalibration types

TypeLake characterisationAltitude (m above sea level)Mean depth (m)Alkalinity (meq/l)Conductivity (μS/cm)
L-EC1Lowland very shallow hard-water< 200< 61 — 4300 — 1 000

Countries sharing types that have been intercalibrated

Types L-EC1: Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania

<Span> <Strong>EASTERN CONTINENTAL LAKES GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Phytoplankton</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated

CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
BulgariaHLPI-Hungarian lake phytoplankton index0,80,6
HungaryHLPI-Hungarian lake phytoplankton index0,80,6
RomaniaHLPI-Hungarian lake phytoplankton index0,80,6

<Span> <Strong>EASTERN CONTINENTAL LAKES GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macrophytes and Phytobenthos</Span> <Span> <Strong>Sub-Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macrophytes</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated

CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-goodboundaryGood-moderateboundary
BulgariaRI-BG — Adapted Reference Index0,830,58
HungaryHU-RI — Adapted Reference Index0,890,67
RomaniaMIRO — Macrophyte Index for Romanian Lakes (Adapted Reference Index)0,860,66

<Span> <Strong>EASTERN CONTINENTAL LAKES GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Benthic invertebrate fauna</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated

CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
BulgariaHMMI_lakes (Hungarian Macrozoobenton Multimetric Index for Lakes0,850,65
HungaryHMMI_lakes (Hungarian Macrozoobenton Multimetric Index for Lakes0,850,65
RomaniaECO-NL-BENT Romanian ecological status assessment system for natural lakes using benthic invertebrates0,930,6

<Span> <Strong>EASTERN LAKES GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Fish fauna</Span>

INTERCALIBRATION RESULTS NOT COMPLETED

<Span> <Strong>Water category</Strong> </Span> <Span>Lakes</Span> <Span> <Strong>Geographical Intercalibration Group</Strong> </Span> <Span>Mediterranean lakes</Span>

Description of types that have been intercalibrated

TypeLake characterizationAltitude(m)Annual mean precipitation (mm) and T ( oC)Mean depth (m)Area (km2)Catchment (km2)Alkalinity (meq/l)
L-M5/7Reservoirs, deep, large, siliceous, ‘wet’ areas< 1 000> 800 and/or < 15> 150,5 — 50< 20 000< 1
L-M8Reservoirs, deep, large, calcareous< 1 000—> 150,5 — 50< 20 000> 1

Countries sharing types that have been intercalibrated

Types L-M5/7: France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain Types L-M8: Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Spain

<Span> <Strong>MEDITERRANEAN LAKES GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Phytoplankton</Span>

High-Good boundary is not defined for reservoirs (both LM5/7 and LM8 types are reservoirs)
Country and TypeNational classificationmethods intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-goodboundaryGood-moderateboundary
LM 5/7
FrancePhytoplankton Index for Lakes (IPLAC): Indice Phytoplancton Lacustren.d. 0,6
GreeceNew Mediterranean Assessment System for Reservoirs (NMASRP)n.d. 0,6
ItalyNew Italian Method (NITMET)n.d. 0,6
PortugalReservoirs Biological Quality Assessment Method — Phytoplankton (New Mediterranean Assessment System for Reservoirs Phytoplankton: NMASRP).n.d. 0,6
SpainMediterranean Assessment System for Reservoirs Phytoplankton (MASRP).n.d. 0,58
L-M8
CyprusNew Mediterranean Assessment System for Reservoirs Phytoplankton (NMASRP).n.d. 0,6
FrancePhytoplankton Index for Lakes (IPLAC): Indice Phytoplancton Lacustren.d. 0,6
GreeceNew Mediterranean Assessment System for Reservoirs (NMASRP)n.d. 0,6
ItalyNew Italian Method (NITMET)n.d. 0,6
SpainMediterranean Assessment System for Reservoirs Phytoplankton (MASRP).n.d. 0,6

<Span> <Strong>Water category</Strong> </Span> <Span>Lakes</Span> <Span> <Strong>Geographical Intercalibration Group</Strong> </Span> <Span>Northern lakes</Span> <Span> <Strong>NORTHERN LAKES GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Phytoplankton</Span>

Description of types that have been intercalibrated

TypeLake characterisationAltitude (m above sea level)Mean depth (m)Alkalinity (meq/l)Colour(mg Pt/l)
L-N1Lowland, shallow, moderate alkalinity, clear< 2003 — 150,2 — 1< 30
L-N2aLowland, shallow, low alkalinity, clear< 2003 — 15< 0,2< 30
L-N2bLowland, deep, low alkalinity, clear< 200> 15< 0,2< 30
L-N3aLowland, shallow, low alkalinity, meso-humic< 2003 — 15< 0,230 — 90
L-N5Mid-altitude, shallow, low alkalinity, clear200 — 8003 — 15< 0,2< 30
L-N6aMid-altitude, shallow, low alkalinity, meso-humic200 — 8003 — 15< 0,230 — 90
L-N8aLowland, shallow, moderate alkalinity, meso-humic< 2003 — 150,2 — 130 — 90

Types L-N1, L-N2a, L-N3a, LN-8a: Ireland, Finland, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom. Types L-N2b: Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom Types L-N5, L-N6a: Norway, Sweden

Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated

CountryNational classificationmethods intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-goodboundaryGood-moderateboundary
FinlandFinnish phytoplankton assessment method for lakes0,80,6
IrelandIE Lake Phytoplankton Index0,80,6
NorwayLake phytoplankton ecological status classification method0,80,6
SwedenEcological assessment methods for lakes. quality factor phytoplankton0,80,6
UKPhytoplankton Lake Assessment Tool with Uncertainty Module (PLUTO)0,80,6

<Span> <Strong>NORTHERN LAKES GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macrophytes and Phytobenthos</Span> <Span> <Strong>Sub-Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macrophytes</Span>

Description of types that have been intercalibrated

TypeLake characterisationAlkalinity (meq/l)Color(mg Pt/l)
L-N-M 101Low alkalinity, clear0,05 — 0,2< 30
L-N-M 102Low alkalinity, humic0,05 — 0,2> 30
L-N-M 201Moderate alkalinity, clear0,2 — 1,0< 30
L-N-M 202Moderate alkalinity, humic0,2 — 1,0> 30
L-N-M 301aHigh alkalinity, clear, atlantic subtype> 1,0< 30
L-N-M 302aHigh alkalinity, humic, atlantic subtype> 1,0> 30

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

Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated

Will be used in England, Wales and Scotland
Will be used also in the UK (North Ireland)
CountryNational classificationmethods intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate
FinlandFinnish macrophyte classification system (Finnmac)0,8 (all types)0,6 (all types)
IrelandFree Macrophyte Index0,9 (all types)0,68 (all types)
NorwayNational macrophyte index (Trophic Index — TIc) Type 101: 0,98 Type 102: 0,96 Type 201: 0,95 Type 202: 0,99 Type 101: 0,87 Type 102: 0,87 Type 201: 0,75 Type 202: 0,77
SwedenTrophic Macrophyte Index (TMI) Type 101: 0,93 Type 102: 0,93 Type 201: 0,89 Type 202: 0,91 Type 101: 0,8 Type 102: 0,83 Type 201: 0,78 Type 202: 0,78
UKLake LEAFPACS 2 0,8 (all types)0,66 (all types)
UKFree Macrophyte Index 0,9 (all types)0,68 (all types)

<Span> <Strong>NORTHERN LAKES GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Benthic invertebrates Fauna</Span>

Description of types that have been intercalibrated

TypeLake characterisationEcoregionAltitude(m absl)Alkalinity (meq/l)Colour (mg Pt/l)
Lake littoral acidification
L-N-BF1Lowland/mid-altitude, low alkalinity, clearn.d.< 8000,05 — 0,2< 30
Lake profundal eutrophication
L-N-BF2Ecoregion 22, low alkalinity, clear and humic22Area > 1 km2, max depth > 6 m< 0,2n.d.

Types L-N-BF1: Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom, Ireland, Finland Types L-N-BF2: Finland, Sweden

Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated

CountryNational classificationmethods intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-goodGood-moderate
Lake littoral acidification
NorwayMultiClear: Multimetric Invertebrate Index for Clear Lakes0,950,74
SwedenMILA: Multimetric Invertebrate Lake Acidification index0,850,6
UKLAMM (Lake Acidification Macroinvertebrate Metric)0,860,7
Lake profundal eutrophication
FinlandRevised Finnish lake invertebrate fauna assessment method (PICM)0,80,6
SwedenBQI (Benthic Quality Index)0,840,67

<Span> <Strong>NORTHERN LAKES GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Fish fauna</Span>

Description of types that have been intercalibrated

TypeLake characterisationLake area km2 Alkalinity (meq/l)Colour (mg Pt/l)
L-N-F1Dimictic clear water lakes< 40< 0,2< 30
L-N-F2Dimictic humic lakes< 5< 0,230 — 90

Types L-N-F1: Ireland, Finland, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom Types L-N-F2: Ireland, Finland, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom

Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated

CountryNational classificationmethods intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
Eutrophication
FinlandEQR40,80,6
IrelandFIL20,760,53
UK (Northern Ireland)FIL20,760,53
NorwayEindexW30,750,56
SwedenEindexW30,750,56
Acidification
NorwayAindexW50,740,55
SwedenAindexW50,740,55

<Span> <Strong>Water category</Strong> </Span> <Span>Lakes</Span> <Span> <Strong>Geographical Intercalibration Group</Strong> </Span> <Span>Cross-GIG Phytobenthos</Span>

Description of types that have been intercalibrated

TypeLake characterisationAlkalinity (meq/l)Ecoregions
HAHigh alkalinity lakes> 1Alpine, Central-Baltic, Eastern Continental, Mediterranean
MAModerate alkalinity lakes0,2 — 1Alpine, Central-Baltic, Eastern Continental, Mediterranean, Northern
LALow alkalinity lakes< 0,2Northern

Types HA: Belgium, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Sweden, Slovenia, United Kingdom Types MA: Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Romania, Sweden, United Kingdom Types LA: Finland, Ireland, Sweden, United Kingdom

Country a and TypeNational classificationmethods intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
HA type
Belgium (Flanders)Proportions of Impact-Sensitive and Impact-Associated Diatoms (PISIAD)0,80,6
GermanyVerfahrensanleitung für die ökologische Bewertung von Seen zur Umsetzung der EG-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie: Makrophyten und Phytobenthos (PHYLIB), Modul Phytobenthos0,80,55
HungaryMIL — Multimetric Index for Lakes0,80,69
IrelandLake Trophic Diatom Index (IE)0,90,63
ItalyItalian national method for the evaluation of the ecological quality of lake waterbodies using benthic diatoms (EPI-L)0,750,5
LithuaniaLithuanian Lake Phytobenthos Index0,630,47
PolandPL IOJ (Multimetryczny Indeks Okrzemkowy dla Jezior = Multimetric Diatom Index for Lakes)0,910,76
SwedenIPS0,890,74
SloveniaMetodologija vrednotenja ekološkega stanja jezer na podlagi fitobentosa in makrofitov, fitobentos0,80,6
UKDARLEQ 20,920,7
MA type
Belgium (Flanders)Proportions of Impact-Sensitive and Impact-Associated Diatoms (PISIAD)0,80,6
FinlandFinnish lake phytobenthos method0,80,6
IrelandLake Trophic Diatom Index (IE)0,90,63
ItalyItalian national method for the evaluation of the ecological quality of lake waterbodies using benthic diatoms (EPI-L)0,750,5
RomaniaNational (Romanian) Assessment Method for Natural Lakes Ecological Status based on Phytobenthos (Diatoms) RO-AMLP0,80,6
SwedenIPS0,890,74
UKDARLEQ 20,930,66
LA type
IrelandLake Trophic Diatom Index (IE)0,90,66
UKDARLEQ 20,920,7

<Span> <Strong>Water category</Strong> </Span> <Span>Coastal waters</Span> <Span> <Strong>Geographical Intercalibration Group</Strong> </Span> <Span>Baltic Sea</Span>

Description of types that have been intercalibrated

TypeSurface salinity (psu)Bottom salinity(psu)ExposureIce daysOther Characteristics
BC10,5 — 6 Oligohaline1 — 6Exposed90 — 150Sites in the Quark and the Bothnian Sea, extending to the Archipelago Sea (for phytoplankton the latter is excluded and integrated in type BC9). Influence of humic substances
BC26 — 22 Mesohaline2 — 6Very ShelteredLagoons
BC33 — 6 Oligohaline3 — 6Sheltered90 — 150Finnish and Estonian coasts of Gulf of Finland
BC45 — 8 Lower mesohaline5 — 8Sheltered< 90Sites of Estonia and Latvia in the Gulf of Riga
BC56 — 8 Lower mesohaline6 — 12Exposed< 90Sites in the southeastern Baltic Sea along the coast of Latvia, Lithuania and Poland
BC68 — 12 Mid mesohaline8 — 12Sheltered< 90Sites along the Western Baltic Sea at the southern Swedish coast and the southeastern Danish coast
BC76 — 8 Mid mesohaline8 — 11Exposed< 90Western Polish coast and eastern German coast
BC813 — 18 Upper mesohaline18 — 23Sheltered< 90Danish and German coasts in the Western Baltic Sea
BC93 — 6 Lower mesohaline3 — 6Moderately exposed to exposed90 — 150Sites in the western Gulf of Finland, Archipelago Sea and Asko archipelago (only for phytoplankton)

Countries sharing types that have been intercalibrated:

Type BC1: Finland Sweden Type BC2: Germany Type BC3: Estonia, Finland Type BC4: Estonia, Latvia Type BC5: Latvia, Lithuania Type BC6: Sweden, Denmark Type BC7: Germany, Poland Type BC8: Germany, Denmark Type BC9: Finland, Sweden, Estonia (type only relevant for phytoplankton)

<Span> <Strong>BALTIC SEA GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Phytoplankton</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated

Country and TypeNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
BC7
GermanyGerman coastal phytoplankton method0,80,6
PolandPolish coastal phytoplankton method0,80,6
BC8
DenmarkDanish coastal phytoplankton method0,80,6
GermanyGerman coastal phytoplankton method0,80,6

Results for parameter indicative of biomass (Chlorophyll-a)

Country and TypeEcological Quality RatiosValues (μg/l)
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
BC1
Finland (Quark outer)0,760,591,72,2
Finland (Bothnian Sea outer)0,780,61,62,1
Sweden (Quark outer)0,750,581,62,1
Sweden (Bothnian Sea outer)0,80,61,52,0
BC4
Estonia0,830,672,43,0
Latvia0,820,672,22,7
BC5
Latvia0,650,391,853,1
Lithuania0,880,62,54,9
BC6
Denmark0,780,621,361,72
Sweden0,790,641,441,78
BC9
Estonia0,820,672,22,7
Finland0,790,651,92,3
Sweden0,80,671,51,8

<Span> <Strong>BALTIC SEA GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macroalgae and Angiosperms</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated

Country and TypeNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
BC3
EstoniaEPI — Estonian coastal water phytobenthos Index (macroalgae and angiosperms)0,980,86
FinlandFucus depth limit (macroalgae)0,920,79
BC4
EstoniaEPI — Estonian Phytobenthos Index (macroalgae and angiosperms)0,910,7
LatviaPEQI — Phytobenthos Ecological Quality Index0,90,75
BC5
LatviaMDFLD — Maximum depth of the red alga Furcellaria lumbricalis distribution (macroalgae)0,90,75
LithuaniaMDFLD — Lithuanian maximum depth of the red alga Furcellaria lumbricalis distribution (macroalgae)0,840,68

<Span> <Strong>BALTIC SEA GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Benthic invertebrate fauna</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated

Country and TypeNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
BC1
FinlandBBI — Finnish Brackish water Benthic Index0,960,56
SwedenBQI — Swedish multimetric biological quality index (soft sediment infauna)0,770,31
BC3
EstoniaZKI — Estonian coastal water macrozoobenthos community index0,390,24
FinlandBBI — Finnish Brackish water Benthic Index0,940,56
BC5
LatviaBQI — Benthic quality index0,870,61
LithuaniaBQI — Lithuanian benthic quality index0,940,81
BC6
DenmarkDanish Quality Index version 2 (DKI ver2)0,840,68
SwedenBQI — Swedish multimetric biological quality index (soft sediment infauna)0,760,27
BC7
GermanyMarBIT- Marine Biotic Index Tool—0,6
PolandB — Macrozoobenthos BQE assessment by multimetric index—0,58
BC8
DenmarkDanish Quality Index version 2 (DKI ver2)0,860,72
GermanyMarBIT — Marine Biotic Index Tool0,80,6

<Span> <Strong>Water category</Strong> </Span> <Span>Coastal waters</Span> <Span> <Strong>Geographical Intercalibration Group</Strong> </Span> <Span>North East Atlantic</Span>

Description of types that have been intercalibrated

TypeCharacterisationSalinity (psu)Tidal range (m)Depth (m)Current Velocity (knots) ExposureMixingResidence Time
Type for opportunistic blooming macroalgae, seagrasses, saltmarshes and benthic invertebrate fauna
NEA 1/26Open oceanic or enclosed seas, exposed or sheltered, euhaline, shallow < 30 Mesotidal 1-5 < 30 Medium 1 — 3 Exposed or sheltered Fully mixed Days (to weeks in the Wadden Sea)
Subtypes for intertidal macroalgae
NEA 1/26 A2Open oceanic, exposed or sheltered, euhaline, shallow, Temperate waters (mainly, > 13 oC) and high irradiance (mainly, PAR > 29 Mol/m2 day) > 30 Mesotidal 1 — 5 < 30 Medium 1 — 3 Exposed or sheltered Fully mixed Days
NEA 1/26 B21Open oceanic or enclosed seas, exposed or sheltered, euhaline, shallow Cool waters (mainly, < 13 oC) and medium irradiance (mainly, PAR < 29 Mol/m2 day)> 30 Mainly mesotidal 1 — 5 < 30Medium 1 — 3 Exposed or shelteredFully mixed Days
Subtypes for phytoplankton
NEA 1/26aOpen oceanic, exposed or sheltered, euhaline, shallow> 30 Mesotidal 1 — 5 < 30Medium 1 -3 Exposed or shelteredFully mixed Days
NEA 1/26bEnclosed seas, exposed or sheltered, euhaline, shallow> 30 Mesotidal 1 — 5 < 30Medium 1 — 3 Exposed or shelteredFully mixed Days
NEA 1/26cEnclosed seas, enclosed or sheltered, partly stratified> 30 Microtidal/Mesotidal < 1 — 5 < 30Medium 1 — 3 Exposed or shelteredPartly stratified Days to weeks
NEA 1/26dScandinavian coast, exposed or sheltered, shallow> 30 Microtidal < 1 < 30Low < 1 Exposed or moderately exposedPartly stratified Days to weeks
NEA 1/26eAreas of upwelling, exposed or sheltered, euhaline, shallow> 30 Mesotidal < 1 < 30Medium 1 — 3 Exposed or shelteredFully mixed Days
Types for phytoplankton, macroalgae, seagrasses, saltmarshes, benthic invertebrate fauna
NEA 5Helgoland (German Bight), rocky, exposed and partly stratified > 30 Mesotidal < 30 Medium 1 — 3 ExposedPartly stratified Days
NEA 3/4Polyhaline, Exposed or moderately exposed (Wadden Sea type)Polyhaline 18 — 30 Mesotidal 1 — 5 < 30Medium 1 — 3 Exposed or moderately exposedFully mixed Days
NEA 7Deep fjordic and sea loch systems> 30 Mesotidal 1 -5 > 30Low < 1 ShelteredFully mixed Days
NEA 8aSkagerrak Inner Arc Type, polyhaline, microtidal, moderately exposed, shallowPolyhaline 25 — 30 Microtidal < 1 > 30Low < 1 Moderately exposedFully mixed Days to weeks
NEA 8bSkagerrak Inner Arc Type, polyhaline, microtidal, moderately sheltered, shallowPolyhaline 10 — 30 Microtidal < 1 < 30Low < 1 Sheltered to moderately exposedPartly stratified Days to weeks
NEA 9Fjord with a shallow sill at the mouth with a very deep maximum depth in the central basin with poor deepwater exchangePolyhaline 25 — 30 Microtidal < 1 > 30Low < 1 ShelteredPartly stratified Weeks
NEA 10Skagerrak Outer Arc Type, polyhaline, microtidal, exposed, deepPolyhaline 25 — 30 Microtidal < 1 > 30Low < 1 ExposedPartly stratified Days

Countries sharing types that have been intercalibrated:

Type NEA1/26 opportunistic blooming macroalgae, seagrasses, saltmarshes, benthic invertebrate fauna: Belgium, France, Germany, Denmark, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom Type NEA1/26 A2: intertidal macroalgae: France, Spain, Portugal Type NEA1/26 B21: intertidal macroalgae: France, Ireland, Norway, United Kingdom Type NEA1/26a phytoplankton: Spain, France, Ireland, Norway, United Kingdom Type NEA1/26b phytoplankton: Belgium, France, Netherlands, United Kingdom Type NEA1/26c phytoplankton: Germany, Denmark Type NEA1/26d phytoplankton: Denmark Type NEA1/26e phytoplankton: Portugal, Spain Type NEA 5: Germany Type NEA3/4: Germany, Netherlands Type NEA7: Norway, United Kingdom Type NEA8a: Norway, Sweden Type NEA8b: Denmark, Sweden Type NEA9: Norway, Sweden Type NEA10: Norway, Sweden

<Span> <Strong>NORTH EAST ATLANTIC GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Phytoplankton</Span> <Span> <Strong>Phytoplankton:</Strong> parameter indicative of biomass parameter (Chlorophyll a)</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios and parameter values

Parameter values are expressed in μg/l as the 90 %ile value calculated over the defined growing season in a six year period.

Country and TypeEcological Quality RatiosValues (μg/l)
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
NEA 1/26a
France0,760,334,410,0
Ireland0,820,69,915,0
Norway0,670,332,55,0
Spain (Eastern Cantabrian coast)0,670,331,53,0
Spain (Western-Central Cantabrian Coast)0,670,333,06,0
Spain (Gulf of Cadiz coast)0,670,335,010,0
United Kingdom0,80,65,010,0
NEA 1/26b
Belgium0,80,6712,515,0
France0,670,4410,015,0
Netherlands0,670,4410,015,0
United Kingdom (south)0,820,639,814,3
United Kingdom (north)0,80,610,015,0
NEA 1/26c
Germany0,670,445,07,5
Denmark0,670,445,07,5
NEA 1/26e
Portugal (Iberian strong upwelling-A5)0,670,448,012,0
Portugal (upwelling-A6,A7)0,880,494,58,2
Spain (Western Iberian upwelling coast)0,670,446,09,0
Spain (Western Iberian upwelling coast — rías)0,670,448,012,0
NEA 3/4
Germany (Eems Dollard)0,80,67,011,0
Germany (Wadden Sea)0,80,67,011,0
Netherlands (Eems Dollard)0,80,66,7510,13
Netherlands (Wadden Sea)0,80,69,614,4
Netherlands (North Sea)0,80,611,2516,88
NEA 8a
Norway0,790,573,955,53
Sweden0,750,491,542,35
NEA 8b (The Sound)
Denmark0,790,591,221,63
Sweden0,80,61,181,56
NEA 8b (The Kattegat and Great Belt)
Denmark0,830,641,221,58
Sweden0,840,651,181,52
NEA 9
Norway0,760,433,926,9
Sweden0,730,381,893,6
NEA 10
Norway0,730,493,535,26
Sweden0,710,461,392,14

<Span> <Strong>NORTH EAST ATLANTIC GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macroalgae and Angiosperms</Span> <Span> <Strong>Sub-Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macroalgae</Span>

Intertidal or subtidal macroalgae rocky bottom

Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated

Country and TypeNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
Type NEA1/26 A2 intertidal macroalgae
FranceCCO — Cover, Characteristic species, Opportunistic species on intertidal rocky bottoms0,80,6
PortugalPMarMAT — Marine Macroalgae Assessment Tool0,80,61
SpainCFR — Quality of Rocky Bottoms0,810,6
SpainRICQI — Rocky Intertidal Community Quality Index0,820,6
SpainRSL — Reduced Species List0,750,48
Type NEA1/26 B21 intertidal macroalgae
IrelandRSL — Rocky Shore Reduced Species List0,80,6
NorwayRSLA — Rocky Shore Reduced Species List with Abundance0,80,6
United KingdomRSL — Rocky Shore Reduced Species List0,80,6
Type NEA 7 intertidal macroalgae
NorwayRSLA — Rocky Shore Reduced Species List with Abundance0,80,6
United KingdomRSL — Rocky Shore Reduced Species List0,80,6
Type NEA8a/9/10 subtidal macroalgae
NorwayMSMDI — Multi Species Maximum Depth Index0,80,6
SwedenMSMDI — Multi Species Maximum Depth Index0,80,6

<Span> <Strong>NORTH EAST ATLANTIC GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macroalgae and Angiosperms</Span> <Span> <Strong>Sub-Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macroalgae</Span>

Intertidal blooming macroalgae soft bottom, indicative of abundance

Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated

Country and TypeNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
Type NEA 1/26
GermanyOMAI — Opportunistic Macroalgae-cover/acreage on soft sediment intertidal in coastal waters0,780,59
FranceCWOGA — Macroalgal Bloom Assessment0,8250,617
IrelandOGA tool — Opportunistic Green Macroalgal Abundance0,80,6
United KingdomOMBT — Opportunistic macroalgal blooming tool0,80,6

<Span> <Strong>NORTH EAST ATLANTIC GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macroalgae and Angiosperms</Span> <Span> <Strong>Sub-Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Angiosperms</Span>

Seagrasses

Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated

Country and TypeNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
Type NEA 1/26
GermanySG — Assessment tool for intertidal seagrass in coastal and transitional waters0,80,6
FranceSBQ — Seagrass beds quality in coastal and transitional water bodies0,80,645
IrelandIntertidal Seagrass tool0,80,61
NetherlandsSG — Monitoring beds of SG per waterbody using aerial photographs, ground truth and specifying surface & density per species0,80,6
PortugalSQI — Seagrass quality index0,80,6
United KingdomIntertidal Seagrass tool0,80,61
Type NEA 3/4
GermanySG — Bewertungssystem für Makroalgen und Seegräser der Küsten- und Übergangsgewässer zur Umsetzung der EG-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie in Deutschland0,80,6
NetherlandsMonitoring beds of SG per waterbody using aerial photographs, ground truth and specifying surface and density per species0,80,6

<Span> <Strong>NORTH EAST ATLANTIC GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Benthic invertebrate fauna</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated

Country and TypeNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
Type NEA 1/26
BelgiumBEQI — Benthic Ecosystem Quality Index0,80,6
DenmarkDanish Quality Index (DKI)0,80,6
GermanyM-AMBI — Multivariate AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index0,850,7
FranceM-AMBI — Multivariate AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index0,770,53
IrelandIQI — Infaunal Quality Index0,750,64
NetherlandsBEQI2 -Benthic Ecosystem Quality Index 20,80,6
NorwayNQI — Norwegian Quality Index0,720,63
PortugalBAT — Benthic Assessment Tool0,790,58
SpainM-AMBI — Multivariate AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index0,770,63
United KingdomIQI — Infaunal Quality Index0,750,64
Type NEA 3/4
GermanyM-AMBI — Multivariate AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index0,850,7
NetherlandsBEQI2 — Benthic Ecosystem Quality Index 20,80,6
Type NEA 7
NorwayNQI — Norwegian Quality Index0,720,63
United KingdomIQI — Infaunal Quality Index0,750,64
Type NEA 8b
DenmarkDanish Quality Index (DKI)0,840,68
SwedenBQI — Swedish multimetric biological quality index (soft sediment infauna)0,710,54
Type NEA 8a/9/10
NorwayNQI — Norwegian Quality Index0,820,63
SwedenBQI — Swedish multimetric biological quality index (soft sediment infauna)0,710,54

<Span> <Strong>Water category</Strong> </Span> <Span>Coastal waters</Span> <Span> <Strong>Geographical Intercalibration Group</Strong> </Span> <Span>Mediterranean Sea</Span>

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

For benthic invertebrate fauna, macroalgae and seagrasses the intercalibration results apply to the entire Mediterranean Sea covered by the Country

TypeDescriptionDensity (kg/m3)Annual mean salinity (psu)
Type IHighly influenced by freshwater input< 25< 34,5
Type IIA, IIA AdriaticModerately influenced by freshwater input (continent influence)25 — 2734,5 — 37,5
Type IIIWContinental coast, not influenced by freshwater input (Western Basin).> 27> 37,5
Type IIIENot influenced by freshwater input (Eastern Basin)> 27> 37,5
Type Island-W*Island coast (Western Basin)All rangeAll range

Countries sharing types that have been intercalibrated:

Type I: France, Italy Type IIA: France, Spain, Italy Type IIA Adriatic: Italy, Slovenia Type Island-W* (no boundaries for this type and no possible the intercalibration due to justified reasons): France, Spain, Italy Type IIIW: France, Spain, Italy Type IIIE: Greece, Cyprus

<Span> <Strong>MEDITERRANEAN SEA GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Phytoplankton</Span> Phytoplankton:

parameter indicative of biomass parameter (Chlorophyll a)

Results:

Ecological quality ratios and parameter values

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.

Country and TypeEcological Quality RatiosValues (μg/l)
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
Type II A
France0,670,371,923,5
Spain0,670,371,923,5
Type II A Adriatic
Croatia0,820,611,74,0
Italy0,820,611,74,0
Slovenia0,820,611,74,0
Type IIIW
France0,670,421,181,89
Spain0,670,421,181,89
Type IIIE
Cyprus0,660,370,290,53
Greece0,660,370,290,53

<Span> <Strong>MEDITERRANEAN SEA GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macroalgae and Angiosperms</Span> <Span> <Strong>Sub-Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macroalgae</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated

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

CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
CyprusEEI-c — Ecological Evaluation Index0,760,48
FranceCARLIT — Cartography of Littoral and upper-sublittoral rocky-shore communities0,750,6
GreeceEEI-c — Ecological Evaluation Index0,760,48
CroatiaCARLIT — Cartography of Littoral and upper-sublittoral rocky-shore communities0,750,6
ItalyCARLIT — Cartography of Littoral and upper-sublittoral rocky-shore communities0,750,6
MaltaCARLIT — Cartography of Littoral and upper-sublittoral rocky-shore communities0,750,6
SloveniaMetodologija vrednotenja ekološkega stanja obalnega morja na podlagi makroalg0,760,48
SpainCARLIT — Cartography of Littoral and upper-sublittoral rocky-shore communities0,750,6

<Span> <Strong>MEDITERRANEAN SEA GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macroalgae and Angiosperms</Span> <Span> <Strong>Sub-Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Angiosperms</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated

CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
CroatiaPOMI — Posidonia oceanica Multivariate Index0,7750,55
CyprusPREI — Posidonia oceanica Rapid Easy Index0,7750,55
FrancePREI — Posidonia oceanica Rapid Easy Index0,7750,55
ItalyPREI — Posidonia oceanica Rapid Easy Index0,7750,55
MaltaPREI — Posidonia oceanica Rapid Easy Index0,7750,55
SpainPOMI — Posidonia oceanica Multivariate Index0,7750,55
SpainValencian-CS0,7750,55

<Span> <Strong>MEDITERRANEAN SEA GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Benthic invertebrate fauna</Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span/> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated

CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
ItalyM-AMBI — Multivariate AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index0,810,61
SloveniaMetodologija vrednotenja ekološkega stanja obalnega morja na podlagi bentoških nevretenčarjev0,830,62
CyprusBentix0,750,58
FranceAMBI0,830,58
GreeceBentix0,750,58
SpainBOPA0,950,54
SpainMEDOCC0,730,47

<Span> <Strong>Water category</Strong> </Span> <Span>Coastal waters</Span> <Span> <Strong>Geographical Intercalibration Group</Strong> </Span> <Span>Black Sea</Span>

Description of types that have been intercalibrated

TypeDescription
CW-BL1Mesohaline, microtidal (< 1 m), shallow (< 30 m), moderately exposed to very exposed, mixed substratum (fine sand for zoobenthos)

Countries sharing types that have been intercalibrated: Bulgaria and Romania

<Span> <Strong>BLACK SEA GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Phytoplankton</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated

CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
BulgariaIBI0,80,63
RomaniaIBI0,80,63

<Span> <Strong>BLACK SEA GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macroalgae and Angiosperms</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated

CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
BulgariaEI-Ecological index0,8370,644
RomaniaEI-Ecological index0,8370,644

<Span> <Strong>BLACK SEA GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Benthic Invertebrate fauna</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated

CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
BulgariaM-AMBI(n) — Multivariate AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index Normalized0,90,68
RomaniaM-AMBI(n) — Multivariate AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index Normalized0,90,68

<Span> <Strong>Water category</Strong> </Span> <Span>Transitional waters</Span> <Span> <Strong>Geographical Intercalibration Group</Strong> </Span> <Span>Baltic Sea GIG</Span>

Description of types that have been intercalibrated

TypeSurface salinity psuBottom salinity (psu)ExposureIce daysOther Characteristics
BT10 — 8 Oligohaline0 — 8Very sheltered—Polish Vistula lagoon and Lithuanian Curonian lagoon

Countries sharing types that have been intercalibrated:

Lithuania and Poland

<Span> <Strong>BALTIC SEA GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Phytoplankton</Span>

Results for parameter indicative of biomass (Chrophyll a)

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

CountryEcological Quality RatiosValues (μg/l)
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
Lithuania0,830,5731,746,6
Poland0,770,6133,4642,2

<Span> <Strong>Water category</Strong> </Span> <Span>Transitional waters</Span> <Span> <Strong>Geographical Intercalibration Group</Strong> </Span> <Span>North East Atlantic</Span>

Description of types that have been intercalibrated

TypeCharacterisationSalinity (psu),Tidal range (m), Depth (m)Current Velocity (knots), ExposureMixingResidence Time
NEA 11Transitional Waters0 — 35 Micro to macrotidal < 30Variable Sheltered or moderately exposedPartly permanently stratified Days to weeks

Countries sharing type that have been intercalibrated:

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

Description of sub common intercalibration types for Biological quality element Benthic Invertebrate Fauna:

Sub typeCharacterisationMS sharing sub-type
ALagoonsIreland, Spain, United Kingdom
BFreshwater-oligohaline, medium river flowIreland, Spain, United Kingdom
CMesotidal estuary with irregular river flowPortugal, Spain
DLarge estuariesGermany, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom
ESmall-medium estuary with > 50 % intertidal areaIreland, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom
FSmall-medium estuary with < 50 % intertidal areaIreland, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom

<Span> <Strong>NORTH EAST ATLANTIC GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element:</Strong> </Span> <Span>Phytoplankton</Span> Phytoplankton:

parameter indicative of biomass parameter (Chlorophyll a)

Results:

Ecological quality ratios and parameter values

Parameter values are expressed in μg/l measured as the national chlorophyll-a metric calculated in a six year period. National metrics for France, Netherlands, Portugal and Spain typically use a measure of P90 Chl-a with salinity adjusted thresholds, Ireland uses a combination of P90 Chl-a and median values, and United Kingdom uses a metric based on a count of exceedances of certain statistical measures. In the case of UK, P90 values were calculated only for IC purposes.

Salinity ranges stablished by the median (P50) salinity as follows: Euhaline [30,1-34,4] PSU; Polyhaline [18,1-30,0] PSU; Mesohaline [5,1-18,0] PSU; Oligohaline [0,5-5,0] PSU
CountryEcological Quality RatiosValues (μg/l)
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
France0,670,3975,338,88
Ireland0,80,612,9625,96
Netherlands0,80,612,018,0
Portugal-North0,6670,46710,014,288
Spain — Central Cantabrian and Galician estuaries — Mixing zone 0,670,448,012,0
Spain — Central Cantabrian and Galician estuaries — Euhaline 0,670,334,08,0
Spain — East Cantabrian estuaries — Euhaline 0,670,331,953,9
Spain — East Cantabrian estuaries — Polyhaline 0,670,333,36,6
Spain — East Cantabrian estuaries — Mesohaline 0,670,335,110,2
Spain — East Cantabrian estuaries — Oligohaline 0,670,336,613,2
Spain — Gulf of Cádiz estuaries — Mixing zone 0,670,333,757,5
Spain — Gulf of Cádiz estuaries — Euhaline 0,670,333,06,0
United Kingdom0,80,610,015,0

<Span> <Strong>NORTH EAST ATLANTIC GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element:</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macroalgae and Angiosperms</Span> <Span> <Strong>Sub-Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macroalgae</Span>

Intertidal blooming macroalgae soft bottom, indicative of abundance

Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated

CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
FranceTWOGA — Macroalgal Bloom Assessment0,80,6
IrelandOGA Tool — Opportunistic Green Macroalgal Abundance0,80,6
United KingdomOMBT- Opportunistic macroalgal blooming tool0,80,6

<Span> <Strong>NORTH EAST ATLANTIC GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element:</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macroalgae and Angiosperms</Span> <Span> <Strong>Sub-Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Angiosperms</Span>

Seagrasses

Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated

CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
GermanySG-Assessment tool for intertidal seagrass in coastal and transitional waters0,80,6
FranceSBQ-Seagrass beds quality in coastal and transitional water bodies0,80,645
IrelandIntertidal Seagrass tool0,80,61
NetherlandsSG- Monitoring beds of SG per waterbody using aerial photographs, ground truth and specifying surface & density per species0,80,6
PortugalSQI-Seagrass quality index0,80,6
United KingdomIntertidal Seagrass tool0,80,61

<Span> <Strong>NORTH EAST ATLANTIC GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element:</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macroalgae and Angiosperms</Span> <Span> <Strong>Sub-Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Angiosperms</Span>

Saltmarshes

Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated

CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
Spain — CantabriaAQI — Angiosperm Quality Index0,880,73
PortugalAQuA — Angiosperm Quality Assessment Index0,80,6
United KingdomSM — UK Saltmarsh Tool0,80,6

<Span> <Strong>NORTH EAST ATLANTIC GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element:</Strong> </Span> <Span>Benthic invertebrate fauna</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated

CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
Sub type D
GermanyM-AMBI — Multivariate AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index0,850,7
NetherlandsBEQI2 — Benthic Ecosystem Quality Index 20,80,6
SpainM-AMBI — Multivariate AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index0,770,53
PortugalBAT — Benthic Assessment Tool0,8380,582
Sub type E
SpainM-AMBI — Multivariate AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index0,770,53
SpainQSB — Quality of Soft Bottoms0,80,6
Sub type F
SpainM-AMBI — Multivariate AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index0,770,53
PortugalBAT- Benthic Assessment Tool0,8060,58

<Span> <Strong>NORTH EAST ATLANTIC GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element:</Strong> </Span> <Span>Fish fauna</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated

CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
BelgiumEBI — Zeeschelde Estuarine Biotic Index0,850,615
FranceELFI — Estuarine and Lagoon Fish Index0,910,675
GermanyFAT — TW — Fischbasiertes Bewertungswerkzeug für Übergangsgewässer der norddeutschen Ästuare0,840,62
IrelandTFCI — Transitional Fish Classification Index0,810,58
IrelandEMFI — Estuarine Multi-metric Fish Index0,920,65
NetherlandsFAT — TW — WFD Fish index for transitional waters, type O20,80,6
PortugalEFAI — Estuarine Fish Assessment Index0,8650,7
SpainAFI — AZTI’s Fish Index0,780,55
SpainTFCI — Transitional Fish Classification Index0,90,65
United KingdomTFCI — Transitional Fish Classification Index0,810,58
United KingdomEMFI — Estuarine Multi-metric Fish Index0,920,65

<Span> <Strong>Water category</Strong> </Span> <Span>Transitional waters</Span> <Span> <Strong>Geographical Intercalibration Group</Strong> </Span> <Span>Mediterranean Sea</Span>

Description of types that have been intercalibrated

Spain and France do not consider distinction between restricted or chocked lagoons.
Common IC typeType characteristicsMS sharing IC common type
CL-OligohalineCoastal lagoons (Salinity < 5 psu)Spain, France, Italy
CL-Mesohaline chocked and restrictedCoastal lagoons (Salinity 5 — 18 psu)Spain, France, Italy, Greece
CL-Polyhaline chocked and restrictedCoastal lagoons (Salinity 18 — 40 psu)Spain, France, Italy, Greece
Hyperhalines (Salinity > 40 psu).Hyperhalines (Salinity > 40 psu)Spain
EstuariesEstuaries (salt wedge type)Spain, Croatia

<Span> <Strong>MEDITERRANEAN SEA GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element:</Strong> </Span> <Span>Phytoplankton</Span> Phytoplankton:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated

Country and typeNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
Coastal lagoons Polyhaline chocked
FrancePhIL — Phytoplankton index for Mediterranean polyhaline lagoons0,710,39
GreeceMPI — Multimetric Phytoplankton Index0,780,51
ItalyMPI — Multimetric Phytoplankton Index0,780,51
Coastal lagoons Polyhaline restricted
FrancePhIL — Phytoplankton index for Mediterranean polyhaline lagoons0,710,39
GreeceMPI — Multimetric Phytoplankton Index0,820,54
ItalyMPI — Multimetric Phytoplankton Index0,820,54

<Span> <Strong>MEDITERRANEAN SEA GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element:</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macroalgae and Angiosperms</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated

CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
FranceExclame0,80,6
GreeceEEI-c — Ecological Evaluation Index0,70,4
ItalyMaQI — Macrophyte Quality Index0,80,6

<Span> <Strong>MEDITERRANEAN SEA GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTS</Strong> </Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element:</Strong> </Span> <Span>Benthic invertebrate fauna</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated

Country and TypeNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
Coastal lagoons Polyhaline restricted
FranceM-AMBI — Multivariate AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index0,840,63
ItalyM-AMBI — Multivariate AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index0,960,71
GreeceM-AMBI — Multivariate AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index0,830,62
CL-Mesohaline chocked and restricted
ItalyM-AMBI — Multivariate AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index—0,71
GreeceM-AMBI — Multivariate AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index—0,62

-- PART 2 -- <Span> <Strong>Water category</Strong> </Span> <Span>Rivers</Span> <Span> <Strong>Geographical Intercalibration Group</Strong> </Span> <Span>Cross-GIG River fish fauna</Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Fish fauna</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods

Mediterranean group

CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundary
ItalyNISECI index (New Index of Ecological Status of Fish Communities)0,80,6
BulgariaTsBRI (Type Specific Bulgarian Fish Index)0,860,65

<Span> <Strong>Water category</Strong> </Span> <Span>Rivers</Span> <Span> <Strong>Geographical Intercalibration Group</Strong> </Span> <Span>Cross-GIG Very Large Rivers</Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macrophytes and Phytobenthos</Span> <Span> <Strong>Sub-biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Phytobenthos</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated — Type R-L2

CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios
High-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundary
Belgium (Flanders)PISIAD index (Proportions of Impact-Sensitive and Impact-Associated Diatoms)0,80,6

<Span> <Strong>Water category</Strong> </Span> <Span>Lakes</Span> <Span> <Strong>Geographical Intercalibration Group</Strong> </Span> <Span>Alpine lakes</Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Benthic invertebrates fauna</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods

CountryNational classification systemsEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
ItalyBQIES (Benthic Quality Index Expected Species number)0,880,76

<Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Fish fauna</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods

CountryNational classification systemsEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
FranceELFI (European Lake Fish Index): Indice Ichtyofaune Lacustre (IIL)0,730,49

<Span> <Strong>Water category</Strong> </Span> <Span>Lakes</Span> <Span> <Strong>Geographical Intercalibration Group</Strong> </Span> <Span>Central-Baltic lakes</Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Phytoplankton</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods

CountryNational classification methodsEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
FrancePhytoplankton Index for Lakes (IPLAC): Indice Phytoplancton Lacustre0,80,6

<Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macrophytes and Phytobenthos</Span> <Span> <Strong>Sub-biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macrophytes</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods

CountryNational classification methodsEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
FranceFrench Macrophyte Index for Lakes (IBML): Indice Biologique Macrophytique en Lacs0,80,6

<Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Fish fauna</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods

CountryNational classification methodsEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
Belgium (Flanders)Fish-based index for lakes and reservoirs in Flanders (Belgium)0,80,6

<Span> <Strong>Water category</Strong> </Span> <Span>Lakes</Span> <Span> <Strong>Geographical Intercalibration Group</Strong> </Span> <Span>Mediterranean lakes</Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Phytoplankton</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods

CountryNational classification methodsEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
FrancePhytoplankton Index for Lakes (IPLAC): Indice Phytoplancton Lacustre0,80,6
GreeceHeLPhy — Hellenic Lake Phytoplankton Assessment Method0,80,6
ItalyItalian phytoplankton assessment method (IPAM)0,80,6

<Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macrophytes and Phytobenthos</Span> <Span> <Strong>Sub-biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macrophytes</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods

CountryNational classification methodsEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
FranceFrench Macrophyte Index for Lakes (IBML): Indice Biologique Macrophytique en Lacs0,80,6
GreeceHeLM — Hellenic Lake Macrophytes Assessment Method0,80,6
ItalyVLMMI — Volcanic Lakes Multimetric Macrophyte Index0,70,5

<Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Benthic Invertebrate fauna</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods

CountryNational classification methodsEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
GreeceGLBiI — Greek Lake Benthic invertebrate Index0,80,6
ItalyBQIES (Benthic Quality Index Expected Species number)0,880,76

<Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Fish fauna</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods

CountryNational classification methodsEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
FranceELFI (European Lake Fish Index): Indice Ichtyofaune Lacustre (IIL)0,730,49
GreeceGLFI — Greek Lake Fish Index0,80,6
ItalyLake Fish Index (LFI)0,820,64

<Span> <Strong>Water category</Strong> </Span> <Span>Lakes</Span> <Span> <Strong>Geographical Intercalibration Group</Strong> </Span> <Span>Eastern Continental lakes</Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Fish fauna</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods

CountryNational classification methodsEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
BulgariaBulgarian fish based method for ecological classification and monitoring of lakes0,760,52

<Span> <Strong>Water category</Strong> </Span> <Span>Coastal waters</Span> <Span> <Strong>Geographical Intercalibration Group</Strong> </Span> <Span>Baltic Sea</Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Phytoplankton</Span> Phytoplankton:

parameter indicative of biomass parameter (Chlorophyll a)

Results:

Ecological quality ratios and parameter values

Country and TypeEcological Quality RatiosValues (μg/l)
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
BC2 (including German national types B1, B2a, B2b)
Germany (B1)0,910,679,312,7
Germany (B2a)0,890,671,82,4
Germany (B2b)0,930,671,41,95

<Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macroalgae and Angiosperms</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems

Country and TypeNational classification systemsEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
BC2
GermanyPHYBIBCO — PHYtoBenthic Index for Baltic inner coastal waters0,80,6
BC1
FinlandFucus depth limit(macroalgae)0,90,74
SwedenMSMDI (macroalgae and angiosperms)0,60,4
BC6
DenmarkDepth limit of eelgrass, Zostera marina (angiosperm)0,90,74
SwedenMSMDI(macroalgae and angiosperms)0,60,4
BC7
GermanyBalcosis — Baltic ALgae COmmunity AnalySIs System(macroalgae and angiosperms)0,80,6
PolandMQAI — Macrophyte Quality Assessment Index0,90,7
BC8
GermanyBalcosis — Baltic ALgae COmmunity AnalySIs System(macroalgae and angiosperms)0,80,6

Results:

Ecological quality ratios and parameters values for parameter indicative of abundance (Depth limit of eelgrass Zostera marina (angiosperm)

Country and TypeEcological Quality RatiosParameter values/ranges Depth limit (m) Eelgrass Zoster marina
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
BC8
Denmark Open coast 0,90,748,57

<Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Benthic Invertebrate fauna</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems

Country and TypeNational classification systemsEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
BC2
GermanyMarBIT- Marine Biotic Index Tool0,80,6
BC4
EstoniaZKI — Estonian coastal water macrozoobenthos community index0,390,24
LatviaBQI — Benthic quality index0,880,75

<Span> <Strong>Water category</Strong> </Span> <Span>Coastal waters</Span> <Span> <Strong>Geographical Intercalibration Group</Strong> </Span> <Span>North East Atlantic</Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Phytoplankton</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems

Country and TypeNational classification systemsEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
NEA 7
United KingdomPhytoplankton tool0,80,6

Phytoplankton:

parameter indicative of biomass parameter (Chlorophyll a)

Results:

Ecological quality ratios and parameter values

Parameter values are expressed in μg/l as the 90 %ile value calculated over the defined growing season in a six year period.

Country and TypeEcological Quality RatiosValues (μg/l)
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
NEA 1/26d
Denmark0,660,53,04,0
NEA 5
Germany0,670,445,07,5
NEA 7
Norway0,670,332,55,0
United Kingdom (inshore/North Sea)0,670,3310,015,0
United Kingdom (Atlantic)0,670,335,010,0

<Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macroalgae and Angiosperms</Span> <Span> <Strong>Sub-Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macroalgae</Span>

Intertidal or subtidal macroalgae rocky bottom

Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems

Country and TypeNational classification systemsEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
Type NEA 5
GermanyHPI — Helgoland Phytobenthic Index0,80,6

<Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macroalgae and Angiosperms</Span> <Span> <Strong>Sub-Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macroalgae</Span>

Intertidal blooming macroalgae soft bottom, indicative of abundance

Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems

CountryNational classification systemsEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
NEA 3/4
GermanyOMAI — Opportunistic Macroalgae-cover/acreage on soft sediment intertidal in coastal waters0,80,6

<Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macroalgae and Angiosperms</Span> <Span> <Strong>Sub-Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Angiosperms</Span>

Saltmarshes

Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems

CountryNational classification systemsEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
GermanyEM — Assessment of saltmarsh vegetation in coastal and transitional waters0,80,6
IrelandSMAATIE — Saltmarsh Angiosperm Assessment Tool for Ireland0,80,6
NetherlandsTSM — WFD-metrics for natural watertypes: tidal salt marsh0,80,6
United KingdomSM — UK Saltmarsh Tool0,80,6

<Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macroalgae and Angiosperms</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems

Country and TypeNational classification systemsEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
Type NEA 8b
SwedenMSMDI (macroalgae and angiosperms)0,80,6
DenmarkDepth limit of eelgrass Zostera marina (angiosperm)0,90,74

<Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Benthic Invertebrate fauna</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems

Country and TypeNational classification systemsEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
Type NEA 1/26
PortugalRAT — Rocky Shore Assessment Tool0,80,6
SpainBO2A — Benthic Opportunistic polychaetes/amphipods index0,830,5
Type NEA 5*
GermanyMarBIT — Marine Biotic Index Tool0,80,6

<Span> <Strong>Water category</Strong> </Span> <Span>Coastal waters</Span> <Span> <Strong>Geographical Intercalibration Group</Strong> </Span> <Span>Mediterranean Sea</Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Phytoplankton</Span> Phytoplankton:

parameter indicative of biomass parameter (Chlorophyll a)

Results:

Ecological quality ratios and parameter values

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 values are not national boundaries but threshold values
Country and TypeEcological Quality RatiosValues (μg/l)
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
Type I
France0,670,334,92510,0
Italy0,850,625,614,1
Type II A Tyrrhenian
Italy0,840,621,172,9
Type III W Adriatic
Italy1,7
Type III W Tyrrhenian
Italy1,17

<Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macroalgae and Angiosperms</Span> <Span> <Strong>Sub-Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Angiosperms</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems

CountryNational classification systemsEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
GreeceCymoSkew0,750,5

<Span> <Strong>Water category</Strong> </Span> <Span>Transitional waters</Span> <Span> <Strong>Geographical Intercalibration Group</Strong> </Span> <Span>North East Atlantic</Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Phytoplankton</Span> Phytoplankton:

parameter indicative of biomass parameter (Chlorophyll a)

Results:

Ecological quality ratios and parameter values

Parameter values are expressed in μg/l as the 90 %ile value calculated over the defined growing season

CountryEcological Quality RatiosValues (μg/l)
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
Belgium1,00,6100200

<Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macroalgae and Angiosperms</Span> <Span> <Strong>Sub-Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Angiosperms</Span>

Saltmarshes

Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems

CountryNational classification systemsEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
BelgiumTMQI -Tidal Marsh Quality Index0,850,75
GermanyEM — Assessment of saltmarsh vegetation in coastal and transitional waters0,80,6
IrelandSMAATIE — Saltmarsh Angiosperm Assessment Tool for Ireland0,80,6
NetherlandsTSM — WFD-metrics for natural watertypes: tidal salt marsh0,80,6

<Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Macroalgae and Angiosperms</Span> <Span> <Strong>Sub-Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Angiosperms</Span>

Seagrasses

Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems

CountryNational classification systemsEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
Spain — CantabriaAQI — Angiosperms Quality Index0,850,7

<Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Benthic Invertebrate fauna</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems

Country and TypeNational classification systemsEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
BelgiumBEQI — Benthic Ecosystem Quality Index0,750,5
Sub type D
GermanyAeTV — Aestuar Type Verfahren0,80,6
IrelandIQI — Infaunal Quality Index0,750,64
SpainTasBEM — Taxonomically Sufficient Benthic Multimetric0,790,66
United KingdomIQI — Infaunal Quality Index0,750,64
Sub type E
GermanyAeTV — Aestuar Type Verfahren0,80,6
GermanyM-AMBI -0,850,7
IrelandIQI — Infaunal Quality Index0,750,64
SpainTasBEM — Taxonomically Sufficient Benthic Multimetric0,790,66
United KingdomIQI — Infaunal Quality Index0,750,64
Sub type F
IrelandIQI — Infaunal Quality Index0,750,64
SpainTasBEM — Taxonomically Sufficient Benthic Multimetric0,790,66
United KingdomIQI — Infaunal Quality Index0,750,64

<Span> <Strong>Water category</Strong> </Span> <Span>Transitional waters</Span> <Span> <Strong>Geographical Intercalibration Group</Strong> </Span> <Span>Mediterranean Sea</Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Phytoplankton</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems

Country and TypeNational classification systemsEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
Coastal lagoons oligohaline and mesohaline
Spain (Balearic Islands)FITOHMIB0,930,73
Estuaries
Spain (Southern Coast)TWIf — Phytoplankton index for transitional waters0,50,36
CroatiaMPI — Multimetric Phytoplankton Index0,80,6

<Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Benthic invertebrate fauna</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems

Country and TypeNational classification systemsEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
Coastal lagoons Oligohaline, Mesohaline and Polyhaline
Spain (Balearic Islands)INVHMIB0,930,73
Coastal lagoons Oligohaline
Spain (Northeastern Coast)QAELS0,860,58
Coastal lagoons Mesohaline
Spain (Northeastern Coast)QAELS0,720,62
Estuaries
Spain (without salt wedge — Southern Coast)BO2A0,870,45
Spain (with salt wedge — Southern Coast)BO2A0,870,52

<Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Fish fauna</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems

CountryNational classification systemsEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
ItalyHFBI — Habitat Fish Bio-Indicator0,940,55
CroatiaM-EFI — Modified Estuarine Fish Index0,80,6

<Span> <Strong>Water category</Strong> </Span> <Span>Transitional waters</Span> <Span> <Strong>Geographical Intercalibration Group</Strong> </Span> <Span>Black Sea</Span> <Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Phytoplankton</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems

CountryNational classification systemsEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
RomaniaIBI — Integrated Biological Index0,70,42

<Span> <Strong>Biological Quality Element</Strong> </Span> <Span>Benthic invertebrate fauna</Span> Results:

Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems

CountryNational classification systemsEcological Quality Ratios
High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundary
RomaniaM-AMBI(n) — Multivariate AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index Normalized0,90,68