Classification systems kari.nygaard@niva.no Representing EEA in WG 2.4.

WFD - the normative classification can be summarized as: high ≈ no or only minor deviations; good ≈ low levels of disturbance, but deviate only slightly; moderate ≈ moderate deviations and significant effects; poor ≈ major biological alterations and substantial deviation; bad ≈ severe biological alterations and large deviation.

Two branches - Ecological status and Chemical status Ecological status - 5 classes (previous slide) including quality elements Phytoplankton Phytobenthos Zoobenthos + Fish fauna (transitional waters) Supporting Chemical and physical elements (including nutrients and oxygen) Chemical status - 2 classes: Good and Failing to Achieve Good status. Quality elements: HS according to list of priority substances

WFD - stipulates 3 types of monitoring Surveillance - status & long-term changes Operational - systems at risk & ameliorative effects Investigative - ascertain causes of systems failing to meet environmental objectives

Errors associated with classification - sample collection & processing sampling variability (e.g. natural spatial heterogeneity) sample processing (sort & identification) natural temporal variability asymmetrical pollution effects

Example of stressor - response relationship

Choice of upper anchor 95% CI may result in higher frequency of type 1 errors (false +) 10th percentile may result in higher frequency of type 2 errors (false -)

Choice of lower anchor zero value may result in higher frequency of type 2 errors minimum value may result in higher frequency of type 1 errors

Probability of misbanding (PM)† misclassification error increases markedly with band-width error! †Taken from Clarke 2000

Where do we start?

Extrapolating lab results to field relationships between test species and some stressors are known BUT... data not applicable to entire communities unsuitable for systems disturbed by other stressors

Do different approaches differ? What is the expected variability among methods commonly used to establish reference?

What is the reference value of element X? x+n x+1

Paleore Expert Regional Site-specific Monitoring construction opinion model a r c t i / l n e o h b m d s u Site-specific Monitoring model

The WFD is only the first footprint, we still need to find the path!

To find the path we need: Reference conditions to start Agree on the “equipment and tools” monitoring data expert knowledge - general and site spesific statistics what about introduced species? Can we “go shopping” in existing nationals systems? Intercalibration - to agree on the borders between good and moderate, good and Failing to Achieve Good status

When the classification system is in place, how do we use it? Phytoplankton: Good Zoobenthos: Good Nutrients: Good Oxygen: Good Chemical status: Failing to Achieve Good status => Ecological Status = Good => Chemical Status = Red light

When the classification system is in place, how do we use it? Phytoplankton: Good Zoobenthos: Moderate Nutrients: Good/Moderate Oxygen: Good/Moderate Chemical status: Good => Ecological Status = Moderate => Chemical Status = Good