1 JRC – Ispra, Eutrophication Workshop 14 th -15 th September 2004 A conceptual framework for monitoring and assessment of Eutrophication in different aquatic environments Mark Dowell, Ana Cristina Cardoso and S. Eisenreich Inland and Marine Waters Unit

2 JRC – Ispra, Eutrophication Workshop 14 th -15 th September 2004 Introduction Eutrophication is an issue in various water policies and regional conventions In all these eutrophication is viewed as a process where human induced nutrient enrichment adversely affects the aquatic environment. This is already significant progress compared to the historical view which simply associated eutrophication with a particular trophic state or degree of productivity

3 JRC – Ispra, Eutrophication Workshop 14 th -15 th September 2004 Rationale There remains considerable divergence in the specific definition and requirements as regards eutrophication This leads to a range of approaches to assessing eutrophication and different monitoring and reporting requirements. Existing monitoring systems are not sufficiently systematically tailored to identify eutrophication. There is a need for harmonization of monitoring methods for eutrophication as well as subsequent assessment and reporting.

4 JRC – Ispra, Eutrophication Workshop 14 th -15 th September 2004 Starting Point for a Common Conceptual Framework Require a conceptual framework which has it’s foundations in the Pressure-State-Response (PSR and/or DPSIR) context. Should be “comprehensive” enough to allow for different and multiple pressures and responses Should allow for discrimination between natural and anthropogenic pressures We propose, as a starting point, to adopt the conceptual framework proposed by OSPAR (with the understanding that this will undergo any required revision). First – CHANGE OF NAME

NUTRIENT INPUTS SUPPORTING ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS physical and hydrodynamic aspects, and climatic/weather conditions (e.g. flushing, wind, temperature, light availability), TRANSBOUNDARY TRANSPORT INCREASED (WINTER) DIN & DIP CONCENTRATIONS & NUTRIENT RATIOS TRANSBOUNDARY NUTRIENT FLUXES increase in primary production increase in turbidity nuisance / toxic algal species (cell concentration) increase in phytoplankton biomass (chl-a) organic matter degree of oxygen deficiency (during growing season) shift from long-lived to short-lived nuisance macrophyte species and reduced depth distribution foam macrophytobenthos biomass and primary production decrease in light regime toxins increase bacteria zoobenthos / fish kills & benthic community structure Ecosystem structure (+) (-) (+) II (+) (-) II I I III II IIIIV I (-) Conceptual Framework of the main cause/effect relationships proposed as a component of the OSPAR COMPP

NUTRIENT INPUTS SUPPORTING ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS physical and hydrodynamic aspects, and climatic/weather conditions (e.g. flushing, wind, temperature, light availability), TRANSBOUNDARY TRANSPORT INCREASED (WINTER) DIN & DIP CONCENTRATIONS & NUTRIENT RATIOS TRANSBOUNDARY NUTRIENT FLUXES increase in primary production increase in turbidity nuisance / toxic algal species (cell concentration) increase in phytoplankton biomass (chl-a) organic matter degree of oxygen deficiency shift from long-lived to short-lived nuisance macrophyte species and reduced depth distribution foam macrophytobenthos biomass and primary production decrease in light regime toxins increase bacteria zoobenthos / fish kills & benthic community structure Ecosystem structure (+) (-) (+) II (+) (-) II I I III II IIIIV I (-) N2 fixation Top down Control Release of nutrients from sediments Modified version of Conceptual Framework resulting from JRC, HELCOM, Black Sea Comm. Meeting in Istanbul 21 st -22 nd April Marine “Pan European Conceptual Framework”

Common “Conceptual Framework” for Eutrophication Common Information for guidance/ mitigation on/of Eutrophication Category specific information for guidance/ mitigation on/of Eutrophication Category specific information for guidance/ mitigation on/of Eutrophication Water Category Specific Monitoring Requirements Reference Conditions Classification Monitoring Requirements Reference Conditions Classification Monitoring Requirements Reference Conditions Classification Monitoring Requirements Reference Conditions Classification Consultation Member States and GIGs

8 JRC – Ispra, Eutrophication Workshop 14 th -15 th September 2004 Reference Conditions Classification Monitoring requirements

9 JRC – Ispra, Eutrophication Workshop 14 th -15 th September 2004 Benefits of approach Provides link between the process i.e. Eutrophication and the state, which is of relevance to the monitoring and classification requirements. Provides a sound basis for inter-comparison of eutrophication across different aquatic environments always traceable back to a “common” conceptual framework. Could include mechanisms, through the cause-effect framework, to provide guidance and mitigation approaches to eutrophication. Hierarchical category/typology – with the option of having common typologies across different water categories.

10 JRC – Ispra, Eutrophication Workshop 14 th -15 th September 2004 Example similarities between water categories/ water types 1.Nutrient enrichment; 2.Enhanced primary production/biomass; 3.Algal blooms; 4.Changes to taxa/species composition of algae/ plants; 5.Effects on light climate and hence on other biota; 6.Increased BOD; 7.Decreased oxygen levels, possible anoxia and consequent effects on biota; 8.Reduced diversity of benthic fauna;

11 JRC – Ispra, Eutrophication Workshop 14 th -15 th September 2004 Example differences between water categories/ water types 1.Physical Constraints: Residence time, tidal regime, flow. 2.Nutrient Sources: point source, diffuse, atmospheric, internal loading. 3.Nutrient ratios: sensitivity to and influence of variable stoichiometry. 4.Limitation of Primary Production: Nutrients, Light, Top down effects (grazing) 5.Phytoplankton community diversity 6.Benthic community diversity and importance of Benthic – Pelagic coupling

12 JRC – Ispra, Eutrophication Workshop 14 th -15 th September 2004 Quality Elements CoastalTransitionalLakesRiver Biological Diatom dinaflagellate balance => HABs Cyanobacteria => HABs Catchments imports versus autochthonous PP => heterotrophic Hydromorphological Importance of tides Open boundary conditions Permanent stratification “natural anoxia” Tidal versus fresh water dominated mixing Residence timeRiver continuity Riparian zone variability Variable turbidity Chemical and phsico- chemical Nitrogen limitation (with exceptions and restricted to temperate waters) Stoichiometry influences community composition Top down effects (zooplankton, Actinides). Nitrogen or Phosphorus limitation Dynamic Salinity (precipitation of certain dissolved organic compounds) Tidal turbidity variation Importance of nitrogen fixation. Phosphorus limiting nutrient. Internal Nutrient loading Stoichiometry influences community composition Oxygenation conditions Note: HAB (Harmful Algal Blooms) Examples of differences in critical quality elements for individual water categories

13 JRC – Ispra, Eutrophication Workshop 14 th -15 th September 2004 Conclusions and the way forward Conceptual framework provides an effective means of identifying the critical processes for eutrophication and the similarities in the manifestation of this process across different aquatic environments. Such a framework must be tailored to identify the aspects of eutrophication which are distinct for the different water body categories and types. The conceptual framework provides a template for the future/ challenging tasks of defining monitoring requirements and reference conditions for individual water categories and/or types.