Group report: Methodologies to support implementation of the water framework directive

This chapter outlines the basic features and innovative aspects of the Water Framework Directive (WFD). Particular emphasis is given to problems and issues arising from the technical implementation of the environmental objectives set by the Directive. The difficulties of interpretation of key concepts such as ecological status, indicators and reference conditions are discussed in detail, and recommendations are given in order to avoid erroneous evaluation of these terms, leading to serious misclassification of the aquatic ecosystems. The consequences of the implementation of the WFD are also examined within the more specific context of water quality (bathing water quality, pollution by priority substances) and marine protected areas (MPAs). Tools and analyses to achieve environmental objectives and support the integrated management of water resources promoted by the Directive are discussed. It is suggested that models can be a powerful tool for prediction of reference conditions, the ecological classification of ecosystems and operational monitoring. The paper concludes with the importance of using an integrated approach for the implementation of the WFD, which can be achieved only by promoting communications and closer collaborations between scientists, economists and other stakeholders, particularly during the decision making process.