Title: A field guide to the British seaweeds : as required for assistance in the classification of water bodies under the Water Framework Directive
Author: Environment Agency
Document Type: Monograph
Abstract:
The EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) requires water bodies to be classified by their chemical and ecological status. Macroalgae are one of the biological quality elements to be used in defining the ecological status of a transitional or coastal water body. However, the identification of intertidal seaweed species requires high levels of taxonomic expertise. Therefore, a tool is being developed that may be used by less experienced persons to assist with the classification of water bodies. This tool utilises an alternative means of recording qualitative species data, which is to implement the use of a reduced species list (RSL) whereby the number of species from the RSL will be in proportion to total species richness thereby acting as a surrogate. The list is composed of species (approximately 70) that are most frequently present on a variety of rocky shores within a set geographical area. Additional measurements have been incorporated using the RSL including the proportion of green, red and opportunist species and an Ecological Status Group ratio. The tool also utilises basic shore descriptions to allow for natural variations to be considered. The tool aims to fulfil the requirements of the WFD by enabling less experience algal taxonomist to classify areas of coastline. This guide aims to assist with such a process by providing detailed descriptions on shore sampling methodologies, examples of key characteristic from which to identify, a comprehensive yet straight forward algal key and detailed images on each species within the RSL.
Publisher: Environment Agency
Publication Date: [after 1996]
Publication Place: Bristol
Subject Keywords: Coastal waters; Seaweed; Identification; Water Framework Directive; Directives (European Union); Taxonomy; Macrophytes
Extent: n.p. [141]
Permalink: http://www.environmentdata.org/archive/ealit:1997
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