Hydromorphological Methodologies to Assess Ecological Status in Mediterranean Rivers: Applied Approach to the Catalan River Basin District

Methodologies currently used to assess hydromorphological features in Mediterranean rivers are reviewed in this chapter. Most relevant methodologies developed across Europe in compliance with WFD (Water Framework Directive) are also analyzed, along with their adaptations to different spatial scales from European, national to regional scales. We also present those hydromorphological protocols that have been developed, used and tested in the Catalan River Basin District, within the framework of monitoring programmes under the requirements of the WFD. The Catalan Water Agency developed a comprehensive protocol to assess hydromorphological conditions in Catalan watersheds, named HIDRI, which assesses and combines hydrological alteration, river continuity and morphological conditions. HIDRI is a compiled protocol based on different metrics and includes large information at river catchment scale.