Application of the Water Framework Directive to Macaronesian Freshwater Systems

Abstract

The EU Water Framework Directive (2000/60/CE) legislates for catchment level sustainable water management, including the protection of the aquatic environment, with the specific aim of attaining 'good ecological status' ? as defined in Annex V of the directive?for all surface waters by 2015. Ecological status is assessed by monitoring elements of the aquatic biota, together with physicochemical and morphological parameters. The deviance of these factors from undisturbed reference conditions is used to determine ecological quality based on five classes. Member states must develop and implement ecological monitoring systems to enforce the Water Framework Directive by 2006. The typology and ecoregion-specific methodologies in the Directive are used to characterise surface water bodies in order to establish type-specific reference conditions and develop effective monitoring systems. However, the present ecoregion concept is widely regarded as too broad. This is particularly true of the Iberic?Macaronesian ecoregion. Macaronesian freshwater systems are unique due to their volcanic origin, oceanic situation, catchment morphology and the presence of distinct freshwater communities. Issues concerning Macaronesian freshwater ecosystems under current WFD criteria include the character of Macaronesian freshwater ecosystems, their biodiversity value and the development of reliable ecological monitoring methods. These findings suggest that Macaronesia should be considered as a separate ecoregion.