Abstract

This handbook provides an overview of the biological and ecological methods used to assess the status of the freshwater environment, with a focus on invertebrate methods. Good river health is the key outcome and aim of this work. The handbook describes how biological methods are used in the UK to improve and protect freshwater quality by delivering the Water Framework Directive. The principles underlying that delivery are constants and feed forward into possible reshaped UK approaches in the future.

The views, conclusions, and recommendations contained in the document under no circumstances are to be taken to represent the views of the LMC Water Center. Any and all of the LMC Water Center views, conclusions, and recommendations will be set forth solely in the LMC Water Center reports.