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Project Code [2013-W-MS-15]
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Project title
Biological Quality Element validation for Tidal Freshwater Transitional Waters in Ireland
Primary Funding Agency
Environmental Protection Agency
Co-Funding Organisation(s)
n/a
Lead Organisation
University of Dublin, Trinity College (TCD)
Lead Applicant
James Wilson
Project Abstract
The absence of appropriate biological assessment methods for tidal freshwater zones is one of the main gaps in satisfying the requirements of the EU WFD and for sustainable development of TFTWs. The ecological assessment methods for rivers and brackish transitional waters have not been fully tested in TFTWs. The aim of this project is to validate the biological quality elements for TWs (WFD Annex V, namely phytoplankton, macroalgae, angiosperms, benthic invertebrates and fish) and to test other possible candidate BQEs (e.g. invasive species) for assessment of TFTWs. The project will review biological assessment methods used in the ecological assessment of TFTWs and test the current BQEs across a range of TFTWs in Ireland. From these, recommendations will be made as to their consistency with the normative definitions (Annex V) and as to which should be incorporated into a suite of biological assessment methods to assess the ecological status of TFTWs. The project will run for 28 months and will draw on a range of expertise from within TCD and external consultants. Stakeholders will be informed of the progress and outcomes through the website, a range of reports and a final briefing workshop. The major output will be a suite of BQEs for ecological assessment of TFTWs. These will be set out in detail in a Final Report, (including literature review, methodologies etc) as well as a shorter non-technical Summary Report from which a 2-page outline will be taken for wider distribution (e.g. stakeholders and others). The findings will be presented at an international scientific conference and submitted in a series of papers for publication. All will also be available on the project website, which will be set up at the start, regularly updated, and handed over at the end of the project.
Grant Approved
�199,885.99
Research Hub
Natural Environment
Research Theme
Improve our Knowledge on the State of our Water Resources and Pressures
Initial Projected Completion Date
17/07/2016