Project develops methods to assess and restore aquatic ecosystems
EU Wiser Project has developed new methods for assessing and restoring aquatic ecosystems and solutions to make rivers and lakes cleaner, safer and more sustainable.
For three years, 25 European research institutions representing 16 countries have addressed the assessment and management of rivers, lakes, transitional and coastal waters in Europe.
The majority of European lakes, rivers and coastal ecosystems are degraded. Eutrophication, organic pollution, intense catchment land use and habitat degradation affect almost all European surface waters. Ecosystem functions have been lost, and many aquatic species have disappeared from entire eco-regions.
Recent European policies target a good ecological status of lakes, rivers and coastal ecosystems. To achieve this, water bodies need to be assessed by comparison with a quality target and, if the quality is below the target, to be restored. For many aquatic ecosystem types ecological assessment systems have been developed; river basin management plans outline the required restoration measures.
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