Page 10 - Freshwater-Biology-and-Ecology-Handbook

Foreword

Dr Eric Valentine

Chair
Foundation for Water Research

On behalf of the Foundation for Water Research (FWR) I am FWR worked with the authors – John Murray Bligh,
pleased to introduce the Freshwater Biology and Ecology Martin Griffiths and their colleagues – to produce this book.
Handbook. It is a unique document providing access to We are also pleased to jointly badge and promote this
the policy, regulation, guidance, practical and operational document in partnership with the Freshwater Biological
methods for assessing ecosystem health. Association (FBA). FBA and the Environment Agency have
provided expertise and early scoping and design ideas for
FWR, with its core aim to advance the education of the the book. We regard this as an open document, and we hope
public in the science, engineering and management of water that others will continue to contribute additional material and
resources, is ideally placed to sponsor and promote the add new chapters to the book, to increase its breadth and
knowledge exchange material embodied in this handbook. to keep information current as policy, science and practical
Our independent and charitable status allows us to make this guidance moves forward.
e-handbook available free of charge, and for public good.
This is the second in a series of handbooks, and is a
The Handbook gives access to the considerable body of companion document to the Regulation for Water Quality
work that has been undertaken by the UK and European book sponsored by FWR in 2014. This is also available
Union to bring biological monitoring and assessment via our website. We hope that the combination of the
methods into the mainstream of water quality assessment, information made available in these books will accelerate
classification and reporting. Expensive infrastructure the understanding of the steps necessary to improve and
and water management decisions are being driven by our protect our aquatic ecosystems in the UK, in the EU and
understanding of the biology and ecology of our rivers and worldwide. The principles of water regulation, biological
lakes. This brings the need to have consistent and high assessment and water management are common across the
quality information on the status of our water environment. globe. Sharing good practice through these handbooks will
allow methods to be developed and adapted for all aquatic
The extensive research and development undertaken systems. In this way we can adapt to climate change, improve
to implement the EU Water Framework Directive has biodiversity and protect essential water resources in a
accelerated the development of biological and ecological sustainable way.
methods. This builds on the significant biological
expertise in the UK and Europe, developed over the Finally, FWR is undergoing a number of transformational
past 50 years. Most of this information resides in difficult changes to its structure. The trustees are intent on
to find policy documents, reports, technical guidance maintaining the key aims and mission of FWR within a
and academic papers. The book brings this information new organisational body. This book will be one of the key
together in one place to allow structured access to this documents passed on to the new structure which should
extensive body of work. be operating in its new format from mid 2022.

Dr Eric Valentine – May 2022

10 | Freshwater Biology and Ecology Handbook