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Gezondheidsindicatoren voor het Schelde-estuarium; een inventarisatie en evaluatie van biologische graadmeters voorgesteld in nationale en internationale kaders, toegepast op het Nederlandse deel van het Schelde-estuarium
Craeymeersch, J.A.; De Mesel, I.; Goudswaard, P.C.; Heessen, H.J.L.; Henkens, R.; Jongbloed, R.H.; Kaag, N.H.B.M. (2008). Gezondheidsindicatoren voor het Schelde-estuarium; een inventarisatie en evaluatie van biologische graadmeters voorgesteld in nationale en internationale kaders, toegepast op het Nederlandse deel van het Schelde-estuarium. IMARES Wageningen Report, C020/08. Wageningen UR. IMARES: Yerseke. 65 pp.
Part of: IMARES Wageningen Report. Wageningen UR. IMARES: IJmuiden
Available in  Authors 
  • Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee: Open Marine Archive 135257 [ download pdf ]
  • Waterbouwkundig Laboratorium: Rapporten W101 [154181]
Keywords
    Health
    Indicators
    Marine/Coastal; Brackish water
Authors  Top 
  • Craeymeersch, J.A.
  • De Mesel, I.
  • Goudswaard, P.C.
  • Heessen, H.J.L.
  • Henkens, R.
  • Jongbloed, R.H.
  • Kaag, N.H.B.M.
Abstract
    The Dutch government adopted - together with the Flemish government - a plan for the conservation andimprovement of a healthy Scheldt estuary. The diagnosis of the health state will be based upon biologicalindicators, among others. In this report we review and evaluate biological parameters and metrics proposedwithin the framework of European directives (Water Framework Directive, Natura 2000) and Dutch nature policy(Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency - MNP, National Ecological Network - EHS). We conclude thatmost of the these parameters are useful indicators of the Scheldt’s ecosystem health.

    We prioritized the indicators based upon their mutual dependence. Highest priority is given to physico-chemical and hydro-morphological (ecotopes) elements that support the biological quality elements. Then biological elements were prioritized based upon food web structure and the possible impact of external factors. It should be noted, however, that the ecological status cannot be determined only based upon the highest priority indicators.
    Finally, we provide information on the present status based on available data and knowledge. Data on particular subareas (e.g. the ebb-tidal delta) and elements (e.g. fishes) are lacking. The other elements indicate that desired ecological quality has not been achieved yet.

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