1. Johan Kling, johan.kling@havochvatten.se
Proposal for improved coordination of hydromorphology within CIS structure
proposal by SE, NO, EE, IT
Johan Kling,

2. Ecological status Ecological functions and structures
Hydromorphological functions and structures
Physical-chemical functions and structures

3. Background
At the last Water Directors meeting, the Swedish Water Director expressed that the work on hydromorphology has become fragmented and there is a risk of overlap between different work groups and work streams regarding this subject.
Decision that SE together with interested MS (NO, EE, IT) write a proposal to next SCG meeting.
During the last SCG meeting, it was suggested that Ecostat discuss this proposal and to reply on the next SCG meeting.
The proposal was presented at Ecostat 23 October. Suggestion to focus only on present mandate.

4. Present state on hydromorphology within WFD
The most common pressure on inland waters and transitional waters. Especially rivers are affected.
Still many BQE not very sensitive for hydromorphological pressures. (as described in Eflow guidance and by REFORM project)
Hydromorphological status analysis, pressures much less developed in coastal areas and lakes compared to rivers.
The terminology on hydromorphology not harmonised among MS
Not harmonised view on what hydromorphological state is consistent with GES.

5. Some issues related to present structure
Experts on hydromorphology are not always present in discussions where hydromorphology is an issue
No overall coordination of hydromorphology within CIS
Risk of duplicate work in different work groups or streams
Important hydromorpological problems in WFD not discussed
Limited sharing of solutions, data, experience on hydromorphology between MS.

6. The proposal
Strengthen the co-ordination of work related to hydromorphology by extending the existing Ad hoc group for GEP to include also harmonization of hydromorphology consistent with GES within the existing mandate of WG Ecostat.
Rename the existing Ad hoc group for GEP to “Ad hoc expert group on hydromorphology”
Use the Ad hoc expert group on hydromorphology as a focal point for discussion on issued related to hydromorphology within CIS.
Use the expert group as a knowledge resource and as a link between WG Ecostat and other work groups and work streams regarding on hydromorphology.

7. Possible tasks
Knowledge integration and dissemination regarding hydromorphology state, reporting etc
Harmonisation of hydromorphological state consistant with GES
Finish harmonisation of GEP to 2016
Continue the work on hydrological regime (Eflows, droughts/low flows, floods/high flow) in cooperation with other WG.
Contribute to coordinated R&D and promote joint developement among MS, science policy interface.

8. Benefits
Work on hydromorphology is still in development. Possibilities to harmonise at an early stage instead of later stage intercalibration.
Provide a possibility of picking up good examples from MS who have solution for a certain task.
Speed up the work on hydromorphology by increasing the transferability of data, terminology etc.
Create links between WG Ecostat to other CIS WG/work streams such as WG Floods, WG Agriculture, Water accounts, WG Groundwater in respect to hydromorphology.