A reference list of fish species for a heavily modified transitional water as defined by the Water Framework Directive: the Zeeschelde estuary (Belgium)
Breine, J.J.; Stevens, M.; Van den Bergh, E.; Maes, J. (2009). A reference list of fish species for a heavily modified transitional water as defined by the Water Framework Directive: the Zeeschelde estuary (Belgium), in: Breine, J. Fish assemblages as ecological indicator in estuaries: the Zeeschelde (Belgium) = Visgemeenschappen als ecologische indicator voor estuaria: de Zeeschelde (België). Doctoraten van het Instituut voor Natuur- en Bosonderzoek = PhD theses of the Research Institute for Nature and Forest, T.2009.1: pp. 47-62
In: Breine, J. (2009). Fish assemblages as ecological indicator in estuaries: the Zeeschelde (Belgium) = Visgemeenschappen als ecologische indicator voor estuaria: de Zeeschelde (België). Doctoraten van het Instituut voor Natuur- en Bosonderzoek = PhD theses of the Research Institute for Nature and Forest, T.2009.1. PhD Thesis. KU Leuven/INBO: Leuven. ISBN 978-90-403-0299-2. 263 pp., more
A crucial step in the development of a fish-based index for the ecological assessment of water bodies as provided by the European Water Framework Directive is the development of a fish reference. This reference consists of a fish assemblage present in pristine water bodies of the same category. Based on historically reported fish survey data of the Zeeschelde estuary and its tributaries under tidal influence (Belgium), presence/absence reference lists were compiled for different salinity zones. These historical lists were then adjusted using information from recent catches. Inclusion of fish species in the reference lists depended on their natural geographical distribution and ecological demands. Fish species are attributed to guilds (functional groups) and therefore these reference lists contain guild specific information for the different zones within the estuary and its tidal tributaries. The reference corresponds with an ecological status that is referred to as Good or Maximal Ecological Potential (GEP/MEP).
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