When will classification methods be developed, and when will they be available?

Methods to aid classification are being developed by UK agencies. The elements relevant in assessing ecological status and ecological potential for surface waters are:

• Biological quality elements (covering algae, plants, fish and invertebrates).
• General physico-chemical conditions supporting the biology.
• Environmental Quality Standards (EQSs?) for specific pollutants (i.e. synthetic and non-synthetic pollutants).
• Hydromorphological conditions (i.e. hydrology, water resources and morphology).

In order to classify water bodies, the health of their plants and animals must be monitored and assessed using the new methods of biological assessment.

The classification tools are being developed on a UK wide basis under UKTAG’s research programme.

The methods for monitoring have been identified so that they can be used from the start of the monitoring programmes. The data collected from 2007 onwards will help refine these methods and these (and any new methods) will be phased in during the course of the RBMP cycle, when ready to use.

Many of the national methods are also being validated through the European Intercalibration exercise and helping to define class boundaries for the UK classification schemes under the Directive.

From December 2006, the UKTAG web-site (www.wfduktag.org) will provide information on the biological and monitoring methods. As research reports are finalised during 2006 and 2007, they will be released on the UKTAG website.