1. Classification systems
Representing EEA in WG 2.4.

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

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

6. Example of stressor - response relationship

7. 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 -)

8. 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

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

10. Where do we start?

11. 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

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

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

15. 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

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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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