The document is intended to support a shared understanding of ecological flows (E-flows) and ways to use them in the RBMPs. To that end, it covers a working definition in the context of the WFD and it provides an overview of the steps in the WFD cycle where E-flows play a role. This document draws upon lessons learned from practices that Member States already carry out in this field and provides information on methodologies, monitoring, measures and evaluation concerning E-flows.
F.17 Transfer of existing technologies, know-how, methods and procedures into practice
COBISS.SI-ID: 7164513Ecologically acceptable flow (Qes) is one of the measures for the achievement of good ecological status required by Water Framework Directive (WFD). However, the development of methods used for setting Qes rarely considered the aims of WFD – good ecological status. The objective of our research is to test whether the existing criteria for setting Qes in Slovenia are enough for good ecological status achievement and provide guidelines for the improvement of the Qes definition method in Slovenia. The links between flow characteristics (hydrological characteristics) and ecological characteristics of small rivers in ecoregion Alps will be assessed. The data has been gathered and the appropriateness of »f« factors for Qes definition is being assessed. Besides »f« factor testing, the influence of water abstraction on river hydrological characteristics is being tested and defined which of those characteristics are most important in structuring fish, phytobenthos and benthic invertebrate assemblages. 10 sampling sites on rivers in ecoregion Alps with catchment area 10-100 km2 were selected, where small hydropower plants with reversible water abstraction exist. On selected sampling sites hydrological and physico-chemical parameters were measured, hydromorphological surveys were made and fish, phytobenthos and benthic invertebrates were sampled. The collected data will be used for ecological status assessment and other biological and abiotic characteristics description. Besides newly gathered data also data gathered as a part of ecological status monitoring and assessment system development programs in Slovenia will be used. For new and old data hydromorphological parameters will be calculated. Data will be used for testing the relationship between ecological status parameters and hydrological parameters. Based on understanding the relationship between river flow alterations and ecological response the guidelines for sustainable water use will be provided.
F.18 Transfer of new know-how to direct users (seminars, fora, conferences)
COBISS.SI-ID: 3758671For river basin management ecological status assessment methods should be developed for each of biological quality elements (BQE). Ecological status assessment methods, implemented in Slovenia by Decree on surface water status and Rules on surface water status monitoring, were upgraded and numerous new methods were developed that were still missing. Conclusion of 2. intercalibration phase of ecological status assessment methods based on BQE on european level resulted in gazzete of Commission Decision from 20. September 2013, implementing the upgraded ecological status assessment methods and boundary values between ecological status classes, harmonized in the intercalibration process. In 2015 we harmonized a proposition on upgrading of ecological assessment methods based on Proposition of upgrading the Decree and Rules from 2013, the results of 2. intercalibration phase and upgrading of existing methods, developed and harmonized in Slovenia till the end of 2015.
F.31 Development of standards
COBISS.SI-ID: 3757135