Page 32 - Freshwater-Biology-and-Ecology-Handbook

CHAPTER 1 1.3 1.3 WFD timetable

The EU WFD set a clear timetable for action
across Europe (see Table 1.2). Key elements
relating to characterisation and ecological
and biological monitoring are highlighted in
blue and were undertaken between 2004
and 2007, as scheduled by the timetable.

However, it should be noted that this built
on a significant body of ecological and
biological data and previous development
of biological scores and indexes in different
Member States. Characterisation was
not undertaken from a zero information
base, although the amount of data, and its
relevance, varied considerably in each river
basin and Member State.

It is this element of the WFD that forms the
focus of this handbook.

32 | Freshwater Biology and Ecology Handbook
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