Commission Decision (EU) 2018/229 of 12 February 2018 establishing, pursuant to Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, the values of the Member State monitoring system classifications as a result of the intercalibration exercise and repealing Commission Decision 2013/480/EU (notified under document C(2018) 696)Text with EEA relevance.

Commission Decision (EU) 2018/229 of 12 February 2018 establishing, pursuant to Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, the values of the Member State monitoring system classifications as a result of the intercalibration exercise and repealing Commission Decision 2013/480/EU (notified under document C(2018) 696) (Text with EEA relevance) THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION, Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Having regard to Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1. , and in particular Section 1.4.1(ix) of Annex V thereto, Whereas: (1) Directive 2000/60/EC requires the Member States to protect enhance and restore all bodies of surface waters with the aim of achieving good ecological and chemical status. It furthermore requires Member States to protect and enhance all artificial and heavily modified bodies of water, with the aim of achieving good ecological potential and good chemical status. (2) In order to define one of the main environmental objectives of Directive 2000/60/EC, namely good ecological status, that Directive provides for a process to ensure the comparability between the biological monitoring results of Member States and their monitoring system classifications. Member States’ biological monitoring results and their monitoring system classifications are to be compared through an intercalibration network comprised of monitoring sites in each Member State and in each ecoregion of the Union. Directive 2000/60/EC requires the Member States to collect, as appropriate, the necessary information for the sites included in the intercalibration network, in order to enable the assessment of the consistency of the national monitoring system classifications with the normative definitions of Section 1.2 of Annex V to Directive 2000/60/EC. In order to carry out the intercalibration exercise Member States are organised in Geographical Intercalibration Groups, consisting of Member States sharing particular surface water body types, as defined in Section 2 of the Annex to Commission Decision 2005/646/EC Commission Decision 2005/646/EC of 17 August 2005 on the establishment of a register of sites to form the intercalibration network in accordance with Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 243, 19.9.2005, p. 1). . (3) In accordance with Directive 2000/60/EC the intercalibration exercise is to be carried out at biological element level, comparing the classification results of the national monitoring system for each biological element and for each common surface water body type among Member States and ensuring the consistency of the results with the normative definitions set out in Section 1.2 of Annex V to that Directive. (4) The Commission has facilitated three phases of the intercalibration exercise through the Joint Research Centre. Under the Water Framework Directive Common Implementation Strategy four guidance documents (No 6

Common implementation strategy for the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC), Guidance Document No 6, Towards a Guidance on Establishment of the Intercalibration Network and the Process on the Intercalibration Exercise, European Communities, 2003. ISBN 92-894-5126-2. , 14 (two versions Common implementation strategy for the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC), Guidance document No 14. Guidance document on the Intercalibration Process 2004-2006, ISBN 92-894-9471-9; Common implementation strategy for the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC), Guidance document No 14. Guidance document on the Intercalibration Process 2008-2011, ISBN: 978-92-79-18997-5. ) and 30 Procedure to fit new or updated classification methods to the results of a completed intercalibration exercise, Guidance document No 30. Technical Report 2015-085, ISBN: 978-92-79-38434-9. ) were prepared to facilitate the intercalibration process. They provide an overview of the key principles of the intercalibration process and the options for carrying out the exercise including timescales, and reporting requirements. They also provide a procedure to fit new or revised national classification methods to the harmonised definition of good ecological status. (5) By 2007 the Commission had received intercalibration results for a number of biological quality elements. They were included in Commission Decision 2008/915/EC Commission Decision 2008/915/EC of 30 October 2008 establishing, pursuant to Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, the values of the Member State monitoring system classifications as a result of the intercalibration exercise (OJ L 332, 10.12.2008, p. 20). , which sets out the values of the boundaries between classes that Member States were to use in their national monitoring system classifications. The results of the first phase of the intercalibration exercise were incomplete, in so far as not all biological quality elements were covered. It was necessary however to adopt the available results of the intercalibration exercise to inform the development of the first river basin programme of measures and the first river basin management plans in accordance with Articles 11 and 13 of Directive 2000/60/EC. (6) In order to close the gaps and improve the comparability of the intercalibration results in time for the second river basin management plans due in 2015, the Commission initiated a second phase of the intercalibration exercise. The results of this exercise were included in Commission Decision 2013/480/EU Commission Decision 2013/480/EU of 20 September 2013 establishing, pursuant to Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, the values of the Member State monitoring system classifications as a result of the intercalibration exercise and repealing Decision 2008/915/EC (OJ L 266, 8.10.2013, p. 1). . The results revealed that in some cases intercalibration was only partially achieved. There were also Geographical Intercalibration Groups and biological quality elements for which there were no intercalibration results for inclusion in that Decision.

(7) A third phase of the intercalibration exercise was therefore necessary in order to close these gaps and improve the comparability of the intercalibration results in time for the third river basin management plans due in 2021. The results of this third phase of the intercalibration exercise are included in the Annex to this Decision. (8) The Annex to this Decision sets out the results of the intercalibration exercise. For the results in Part 1 of the Annex all steps of the intercalibration process set out in the guidance documents have been fully completed. Part 2 of the Annex contains the national classification methods and their respective boundary values for which it has not been technically feasible to complete the comparability assessment due to a lack of common types, different pressures addressed or different assessment concepts. Since the results set out in Part 1 and Part 2 of the Annex are consistent with the normative definitions set out in Section 1.2 of Annex V to Directive 2000/60/EC, the respective boundary values should be used in Member States monitoring systems classifications. (9) Where water bodies corresponding to the intercalibrated types are designated as artificial or heavily modified water bodies in accordance with Article 4(3) of Directive 2000/60/EC, Member States should be allowed to use the results presented in the Annex to this Decision to derive their good ecological potential, taking into account their physical modifications and their associated water use in accordance with the normative definitions in point 1.2.5 of Annex V to Directive 2000/60/EC. (10) Member States should apply the results of the intercalibration exercise to their national classification systems in order to set the boundaries between high and good status and between good and moderate status for all their national types. (11) The information that is made available through the establishment of the monitoring programmes provided for in Article 8 of Directive 2000/60/EC and the review and update of the characteristics of river basin districts provided for in Article 5 of that Directive could bring new evidence that may lead to the adaptation to scientific and technical progress of the Member States’ monitoring and classification systems. Member States may also develop new national classification methods covering biological quality elements or sub biological quality elements and respective boundary values for which the consistency with the normative definitions set out in Section 1.2 of Annex V to Directive 2000/60/EC should be assessed. These matters may lead to a review of the results of the intercalibration exercise to close gaps and improve the quality and comparability of the intercalibration results which in turn may warrant an update of the results contained in the Annex to this Decision. (12) Decision 2013/480/EU should therefore be repealed and replaced accordingly. (13) The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee referred to in Article 21(1) of Directive 2000/60/EC,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

1. For the purposes of Section 1.4.1(iii) of Annex V to Directive 2000/60/EC, Member States shall use in their monitoring systems classification the values of the boundaries between classes that are set out in Part 1 of the Annex to this Decision.
2. Where a comparability assessment for a biological quality element has not been completed within a Geographical Intercalibration Group, Member States shall, for the purpose of Section 1.4.1(iii) of Annex V to Directive 2000/60/EC, use in their monitoring systems classification the methods and the values of the boundaries between classes that are set out in Part 2 of the Annex to this Decision.
3. Member States may use the methods and the values of the boundaries between classes set out in the Annex to this Decision to establish the good ecological potential of water bodies designated as artificial or heavily modified water bodies in accordance with Article 4(3) of Directive 2000/60/EC.

Article 2

Decision 2013/480/EU is repealed.

Article 3

This Decision is addressed to the Member States. Done at Brussels, 12 February 2018. For the Commission Karmenu Vella Member of the Commission

Annex

ANNEX Part 1 of this annex includes the results of the intercalibration exercise for which all steps of the intercalibration process have been fully completed, including their respective boundary values. Part 2 includes national methods and their boundary values which are consistent with the normative definition set out in Section 1.2 of Annex V to Directive 2000/60/EC but where it has not been technically feasible to complete the comparability assessment within a Geographical Intercalibration Group due to lack of common types, different pressures addressed or different assessment concepts. -- PART 1 -- Water categoryRiversGeographical Intercalibration GroupAlpine rivers Description of types that have been intercalibrated TypeRiver characterisationCatchment (km2)Altitude (m a.s.l.) and geomorphologyAlkalinityFlow regimeR-A1Pre-Alpine, small to medium, high altitude calcareous10 — 1000800 — 2500 m (catchment), boulders/cobbleHigh (but not extremely high) alkalinityR-A2Small to medium, high altitude, siliceous10 — 1000500 — 1000 m (max altitude of catchment 3000 m, mean 1500 m), bouldersNon-calcareous (granite, metamorphic) medium to low alkalinityNival-glacial flow regime Countries sharing types that have been intercalibrated: Type R-A1: Germany, Austria, France, Italy, Slovenia Type R-A2: Austria, France, Italy, Spain ALPINE RIVERS GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementBenthic invertebrate fauna Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated Country and TypeNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundaryType R-A1AustriaAssessment of the biological quality elements — part benthic invertebrates [Erhebung der biologischen Qualitätselemente — Teil Makrozoobenthos (Detaillierte MZB-Methode)]0,800,60FranceClassification française DCE Indice Biologique Global Normalisé (IBGN). AFNOR NF-T-90-350 and arrêté ministériel du 25 janvier 2010 modifié relatif aux méthodes et critères d’évaluation de l’état écologique {…} des eaux de surface0,930,79

GermanyPERLODES — Bewertungsverfahren von Fließgewässern auf Basis des Makrozoobenthos0,800,60ItalyMacrOper, based on STAR Intercalibration Common Metric Index (STAR_ICMi)0,970,73SloveniaMetodologija vrednotenja ekološkega stanja vodotokov na podlagi bentoških nevretenčarjev0,800,60Type R-A2AustriaAssessment of the biological quality elements — part benthic invertebrates [Erhebung der biologischen Qualitätselemente — Teil Makrozoobenthos (Detaillierte MZB-Methode)]0,800,60France (Alps)Classification française DCE Indice Biologique Global Normalisé (IBGN). AFNOR NF-T-90-350 and arrêté ministériel du 25 janvier 2010 modifié relatif aux méthodes et critères d’évaluation de l’état écologique {…} des eaux de surface0,930,71France (Pyrenees)Classification française DCE Indice Biologique Global Normalisé (IBGN). AFNOR NF-T-90-350 and arrêté ministériel du 25 janvier 2010 modifié relatif aux méthodes et critères d’évaluation de l’état écologique {…} des eaux de surface0,940,81ItalyMacrOper, based on STAR Intercalibration Common Metric Index (STAR_ICMi)0,950,71SpainIberian BMWP (IBMWP)0,830,53 ALPINE RIVERS GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementMacrophytes and PhytobenthosSub-Biological Quality ElementPhytobenthos Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated Type and countryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundaryType R-A1AustriaAssessment of the biological quality elements — part phytobenthos [Leitfaden zur Erhebung der biologischen Qualitätselemente, Teil A3 — Fließgewässer/Phytobenthos]0,880,56 FranceIBD 2007 (Coste et al, Ecol. Ind. 2009). AFNOR NF-T-90-354, December 2007. Arrêté ministériel du 25 janvier 2010 modifié relatif aux méthodes et critères d’évaluation de l’état écologique {…} des eaux de surface0,940,78GermanyVerfahrensanleitung für die ökologische Bewertung von Fließgewässern zur Umsetzung der EG-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie: Makrophyten und Phytobenthos (PHYLIB), Modul Diatomeen0,7350,54ItalyIntercalibration Common Metric Index (ICMi) (Mancini & Sollazzo, 2009)0,870,7SloveniaMetodologija vrednotenja ekološkega stanja vodotokov na podlagi fitobentosa in makrofitov, fitobentos0,800,60Type R-A2AustriaAssessment of the biological quality elements — part phytobenthos [Leitfaden zur Erhebung der biologischen Qualitätselemente, Teil A3 — Fließgewässer/Phytobenthos]0,880,56FranceIBD 2007 (Coste et al, Ecol. Ind. 2009). AFNOR NF-T-90-354, December 2007. Arrêté ministériel du 25 janvier 2010 modifié relatif aux méthodes et critères d’évaluation de l’état écologique {…} des eaux de surface0,940,78SpainIPS (Coste in Cemagref, 1982)0,940,74ItalyIntercalibration Common Metric Index (ICMi) (Mancini & Sollazzo, 2009)0,850,64 Water categoryRiversGeographical Intercalibration GroupCentral-Baltic rivers Description of types that have been intercalibrated TypeRiver characterisationCatchment (km2)Altitude and geomorphologyAlkalinity (meq/l)R-C1Small lowland siliceous sand10 — 100Lowland, dominated by sandy substrate (small particle size), 3 — 8 m width (bankfull size)> 0,4R-C2Small lowland siliceous — rock10 — 100

Lowland, rock material 3 — 8m width (bankfull size) < 0,4 R-C3Small mid-altitude siliceous10 — 100Mid-altitude, rock (granite) — gravel substrate, 2 — 10 m width (bankfull size)< 0,4R-C4Medium lowland mixed100 — 1000Lowland, sandy to gravel substrate, 8 — 25 m width (bankfull size)> 0,4R-C5Large lowland mixed1000 — 10000Lowland, barbel zone, variation in velocity, max. altitude in catchment: 800 m a.s.l., > 25 m width (bankfull size)> 0,4R-C6Small, lowland, calcareous10 — 300Lowland, gravel substrate (limestone), width 3 — 10 m (bankfull size)> 2 Countries sharing types that have been intercalibrated: Type R-C1: Belgium (Flanders), Belgium (Wallonia), Germany, Denmark, France, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, United Kingdom Type R-C2: Spain, France, Ireland, Sweden, United Kingdom Type R-C3: Austria, Belgium (Wallonia), Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, Spain, Sweden, France, Luxembourg, United Kingdom Type R-C4: Belgium (Flanders), Belgium (Wallonia), Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, United Kingdom Type R-C5: Belgium (Wallonia), Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Spain, Ireland. Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, United Kingdom Type R-C6: Belgium (Wallonia), Denmark, Estonia, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Sweden, United Kingdom CENTRAL-BALTIC RIVERS GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementBenthic invertebrate fauna Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundaryAustriaAssessment of the biological quality elements — part benthic invertebrates0,800,60Belgium (Flanders)Multimetric Macroinvertebrate Index Flanders (MMIF)0,900,70 Belgium (Wallonia)Indice Biologique Global Normalisé (IBGN) (Norme AFNOR NF T 90 350, 1992) and Arrêté du Gouvernement wallon du 13 septembre 2012 relatif à l’identification, à la caractérisation et à la fixation des seuils d’état écologique applicables aux masses d’eau de surface et modifiant le Livre II du Code de l’Environnement, contenant le Code de l’Eau. Moniteur belge 12.10.2012 0,94 (type R-C1) 0,97 (types R-C3, R-C5, R-C6) 0,75 (type R-C1) 0,74 (types R-C3, R-C5, R-C6) Czech RepublicCzech system for ecological status assessment of rivers using benthic macroinvertebrates0,800,60DenmarkDanish Stream Fauna Index (DSFI)1,000,71EstoniaEstonian surface water ecological quality assessment — river macroinvertebrates0,900,70GermanyPERLODES — Bewertungsverfahren von Fließgewässern auf Basis des Makrozoobenthos0,800,60FranceClassification française DCE Indice Biologique Global Normalisé (IBGN). AFNOR NF T90-350 et arrêté ministériel du 25 janvier 2010 modifié relatif aux méthodes et critères d’évaluation de l’état écologique {…} des eaux de surface0,940,80IrelandQuality Rating System (Q-value)0,850,75ItalyMacrOper, based on STAR_ICM index calculation0,960,72LatviaLatvian Macroinvertebrate Index (LMI)0,920,72LithuaniaLithuanian River Macroinvertebrate Index (LRMI)0,800,60LuxembourgClassification luxembourgeoise DCE Indice Biologique Global Normalisé (IBGN). AFNOR NF-T-90-350, AFNOR XP T 90-333 and XP T 90-3880,960,72NetherlandsKRW-maatlat0,800,60PolandRIVECOmacro — MMI_PL0,91(type R-C1)0,72 (type R-C1)SpainMETI0,930,70

SwedenDJ-index (Dahl & Johnson 2004)0,800,60United KingdomRiver Invertebrate Classification Tool (RICT)- WHPT0,970,86 CENTRAL-BALTIC RIVERS GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementMacrophytes and PhytobenthosSub-Biological Quality ElementMacrophytes Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated For the United Kingdom these results also apply to the common intercalibration types belonging to the Northern Geographical Intercalibration Group CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedTypeEcological Quality RatiosHigh-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundaryAustriaAIM for Rivers (Austrian Index Macrophytes for rivers)RC-30,8750,625Belgium (Flanders)MAFWAT — Flemish macrophyte assessment systemR-C10,800,60Belgium (Wallonia)IBMR-WL — Biological Macrophyte Index for Rivers (Arrêté du Gouvernement wallon du 13 septembre 2012 relatif à l’identification, à la caractérisation et à la fixation des seuils d’état écologique applicables aux masses d’eau de surface et modifiant le Livre II du Code de l’Environnement, contenant le Code de l’Eau. Moniteur belge 12.10.2012)R-C30,9250,607Czech RepublicAssessment method of surface running water bodies in the Czech Republic using biological quality element macrophytesR-C3 (national type 1)0,830,67R-C3 (national type 4)0,820,64R-C40,860,62DenmarkDSPI — Danish Stream Plant IndexR-C1, R-C40,700,50GermanyVerfahrensanleitung für die ökologische Bewertung von Fließgewässern zur Umsetzung der EG-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie: Makrophyten und Phytobenthos (PHYLIB), Modul MakrophytenR-C10,7450,495R-C30,800,55R-C40,5750,395 GermanyNRW-Verfahren zur Bewertung von Fließgewässern mit MakrophytenR-C1, R-C3, R-C40,9950,695FranceIBMR — Indice Biologique Macrophytique en Rivière French standard NF T90-395 (2003-10-01)R-C30,930,79R-C40,9050,79IrelandMTR — IE — Mean Trophic RankingR-C40,740,62ItalyIBMR — IT — Biological Macrophyte Index for RiversR-C10,900,80R-C40,900,80LithuaniaLithuanian River Macrophyte IndexR-C40,610,41LatviaLatvian assessment method using macrophytesR-C40,750,55LuxembourgIBMR — LU — Biological Macrophyte Index for RiversR-C3, R-C4, R-C5 and R-C60,890,79NetherlandsRevised assessment method for rivers in The Netherlands using macrophytesR-C1 and R-C0,800,60PolandMIR — Macrophyte Index for RiversR-C10,900,65R-C30,9100,684R-C40,900,65United KingdomRiver LEAFPACS 2R-C1, R-C3 and R-C40,800,60 CENTRAL-BALTIC RIVERS GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementMacrophytes and PhytobenthosSub-Biological Quality ElementPhytobenthos Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedTypeEcological Quality RatiosHigh-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundaryAustriaAssessment of the biological quality elements — part Phytobenthos [Leitfaden zur Erhebung der biologischen Qualitätselemente, Teil A3 -Fließgewässer/Phytobenthos]All types, altitude < 500 m0,700,42All types, altitude > 500 m0,710,43Belgium (Flanders)Proportions of Impact-Sensitive and Impact-Associated Diatoms (PISIAD)All types0,800,60Belgium (Wallonia)IPS (Coste, in CEMAGREF, 1982; Lenoir & Coste, 1996 and Arrêté du Gouvernement wallon du 13 septembre 2012 relatif à l’identification, à la caractérisation et à la fixation des seuils d’état écologique applicables aux masses d’eau de surface et modifiant le Livre II du Code de l’Environnement, contenant le Code de l’Eau. Moniteur belge 12.10.2012)All types0,980,73Czech RepublicCzech assessment method for rivers using phytobenthosR-C3, R-C4, R-C50,800,63EstoniaIndice de Polluosensibilité Spécifique (IPS)All types0,850,70FranceIBD 2007 (Coste et al, Ecol. Ind. 2009). AFNOR NF-T-90-354, December 2007. Arrêté ministériel du 25 janvier 2010 modifié relatif aux méthodes et critères d’évaluation de l’état écologique {…} des eaux de surfaceAll types0,940,78GermanyVerfahrensanleitung für die ökologische Bewertung von Fließgewässern zur Umsetzung der EG-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie: Makrophyten und Phytobenthos (PHYLIB), Modul DiatomeenR-C10,670,43R-C30,670,43R-C40,610,43R-C50,730,55

IrelandRevised form of Trophic Diatom Index (TDI)All types0,930,78ItalyIntercalibration Common Metric Index (ICMi) (Mancini & Sollazzo, 2009)All types0,890,70IrelandRevised form of Trophic Diatom Index (TDI)All types0,930,78LithuaniaLithuanian Phytobenthos IndexR-C1, R-C4, R-C5, R-C60,730,55LuxembourgIndice de Polluosensibilité Spécifique (IPS)R-C3, R-C4 (low alkalinity)0,980,78R-C4 (high alkalinity), R-C5 and R-C60,990,78NetherlandsKRW MaatlatAll types0,800,60PolandIndeks Okrzemkowy IO dla rzek (Diatom Index for rivers)All types0,800,58SpainDiatom multimetric (MDIAT)R-C2, R-C3, R-C40,930,70SwedenSwedish assessment methods, Swedish EPA regulations (NFS 2008:1) based on Indice de Polluosensibilité Spécifique (IPS)All types0,890,74United KingdomDiatom Assessment for River Ecological Status (DARLEQ2)All types1,000,75 Water categoryRiversGeographical Intercalibration GroupEastern Continental rivers Description of types that have been intercalibrated TypeRiver characterisationEcoregionCatchment (km2)Altitude (m a.s.l.)GeologySubstrateR-E1aCarpathians: small to medium, mid-altitude1010 — 1000500 — 800Mixed R-E1bCarpathians: small to medium, mid-altitude1010 — 1000200 — 500MixedR-E2Plains: medium-sized, lowland11 and 12100 — 1000< 200MixedSand and siltR-E3Plains: large, lowland11 and 12> 1000< 200MixedSand, silt and gravelR-E4Plains: medium-sized, mid-altitude11 and 12100 — 1000200 — 500MixedSand and gravelR-EX4Large, mid-altitude10, 11 and 12> 1000200 — 500MixedGravel and boulderR-EX5Plains: small lowland11 and 1210 — 100< 200MixedSand and siltR-EX6Plains: small, mid-altitude11 and 1210 — 100200 — 500MixedGravelR-EX7Balkan: small, calcareous, mid-altitude510 — 100200 — 500CalcareousGravelR-EX8Balkan: small to medium-sized, calcareous karst spring510 — 1000CalcareousGravel, sand and silt Countries sharing types that have been intercalibrated: R-E1a: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia R-E1b: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia R-E2: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia R-E3: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia R-E4: Austria, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia R-EX4: Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia R-EX5: Hungary, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia R-EX6: Hungary, Romania, Slovenia R-EX7: Slovenia R-EX8: Slovenia EASTERN CONTINENTAL RIVERS GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementBenthic invertebrate fauna Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedTypeEcological Quality RatiosHigh-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundaryAustriaAssessment of the biological quality elements — part benthic invertebratesR-E40,800,60 BulgariaIBI (BG) (Irish Biotic Index (BG))R-E1a, R-E1b0,860,67R-E2, R-E30,800,60Czech RepublicCzech system for ecological status assessment of rivers using benthic macroinvertebratesR-E1a, R-E1b, R-E2, R-E30,800,60HungaryHungarian Multimetric Macroinvertebrate IndexR-E1b, R-E3, R-E4, R-EX5, R-EX60,800,60RomaniaAssessment method for ecological status of water bodies based on macroinvertebratesR-E1a, R-E1b, R-E3, R-EX40,740,58SloveniaMetodologija vrednotenja ekološkega stanja vodotokov na podlagi bentoških nevretenčarjevR-E4, R-EX5, R-EX60,800,60SlovakiaSlovak assessment of benthic invertebrates in riversR-E1a, R-E1b, R-E2, R-E3, R-E4, R-EX40,800,60

EASTERN CONTINENTAL RIVERS GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementMacrophytes and PhytobenthosSub-Biological Quality ElementMacrophytes Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedTypeEcological Quality RatiosHigh-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundaryAustriaAIM for Rivers (Austrian Index Macrophytes for rivers)R-E40,8750,625BulgariaReference IndexR-E2, R-E30,5700,370R-E40,5100,270 Czech RepublicAssessment method of surface running water bodies in the Czech Republic using biological quality element macrophytesR-E2, R-E30,7500,500Czech RepublicAssessment method of surface running water bodies in the Czech Republic using biological quality element macrophytesR-E40,7700,560HungaryReference IndexR-E2, R-E30,7000,370RomaniaRomanian Macrophyte-based assessment system for rivers (Macrophyte River Index (MARI))R-E2, R-E3, R-E4R-E2 and R-E3: 0,875, R-E4: 0,783all types: 0,625SloveniaMetodologija vrednotenja ekološkega stanja vodotokov na podlagi fitobentosa in makrofitov, makrofitiR-E2, R-E3, R-E40,8000,600SlovakiaMacrophyte Biological Index for Rivers (IBMR-SK)R-E2, R-E3, R-E40,8000,600 EASTERN CONTINENTAL RIVERS GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementMacrophytes and PhytobenthosSub-Biological Quality ElementPhytobenthos Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedTypeEcological Quality RatiosHigh-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundaryAustriaAssessment of the biological quality elements — part phytobenthosR-E40,700,42BulgariaEcological status assessment of rivers in Bulgaria based on IPS diatom indexR-E1a, R-E1b, R-E3 0,87 (national type R2, R4) 0,85 (national type R7, R8) 0,66 (national type R2, R4) 0,64 (national type R7, R8) Czech RepublicAssessment system for rivers using phytobenthosR-E1a, R-E1b, R-E2, R-E3, R-EX40,800,60HungaryEcological status assessment for rivers based on diatomsR-E2, R-E3, R-EX50,800,60RomaniaNational (Romanian) Assessment Method for Rivers Ecological Status based on Phytobenthos (Diatoms) RO-AMRPR-E1a, R-E1b, R-E30,800,60SloveniaMetodologija vrednotenja ekološkega stanja vodotokov na podlagi fitobentosa in makrofitov, fitobentosR-E4, R-EX5, R-EX6, R-EX7, R-EX80,800,60SlovakiaEcological status assessment system for rivers using phytobenthosR-E1a, R-E1b, R-E2, R-E3, R-E4, R-EX40,900,70 Water categoryRiversGeographical Intercalibration GroupMediterranean rivers Description of types that have been intercalibrated TypeRiver characterisationCatchment (km2)GeologyFlow regimeR-M1Small Mediterranean streams< 100Mixed (except silicious)Highly seasonalR-M2Medium Mediterranean streams100 — 1000Mixed (except silicious)Highly seasonalR-M4Mediterranean mountain streamsNon-siliciousHighly seasonalR-M5Temporary streamsTemporary Countries sharing types that have been intercalibrated: R-M1: Bulgaria, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain

R-M2: Bulgaria, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain R-M4: Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Spain R-M5: Cyprus, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain MEDITERRANEAN RIVERS GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementBenthic invertebrate fauna Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated Type and CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundaryR-M1FranceClassification française DCE Indice Biologique Global Normalisé (IBGN). AFNOR NF T90-350 et arrêté ministériel du 25 janvier 2010 modifié relatif aux méthodes et critères d’évaluation de l’état écologique {…} des eaux de surface0,9400,700GreeceHellenic Evaluation System-2 (HESY-2)0,9430,750ItalyMacrOper (based on STAR Intercalibration Common Metric Index ICMi)0,9700,720PortugalRivers Biological Quality Assessment Method-Benthic Invertebrates (IPtIN, IPtIS)0,870 (type 1)0,678 (type 1)0,850 (type 3)0,686 (type 3)SloveniaMetodologija vrednotenja ekološkega stanja vodotokov na podlagi bentoških nevretenčarjev0,8000,600SpainIberian Biological Monitoring Working Party (IBMWP)0,8450,698SpainIberian Mediterranean Multimetric Index—using quantitative data (IMMi-T)0,8110,707R-M2BulgariaIBI (BG) (Irish Biotic Index (BG))0,8000,600FranceClassification française DCE Indice Biologique Global Normalisé (IBGN). AFNOR NF T90-350 et arrêté ministériel du 25 janvier 2010 modifié relatif aux méthodes et critères d’évaluation de l’état écologique {…} des eaux de surface0,9400,700GreeceHellenic Evaluation System-2 (HESY-2)0,9440,708ItalyMacrOper (based on STAR Intercalibration Common Metric Index ICMi)0,9400,700 PortugalRivers Biological Quality Assessment Method-Benthic Invertebrates (IPtIN, IPtIS)0,830 (type 2)0,693 (type 2)0,880 (type 4)0,676 (type 4)SloveniaMetodologija vrednotenja ekološkega stanja vodotokov na podlagi bentoških nevretenčarjev0,8000,600SpainIberian Biological Monitoring Working Party (IBMWP)0,8450,698SpainIberian Mediterranean Multimetric Index—using quantitative data (IMMi-T)0,8110,707R-M4CyprusSTAR Intercalibration Common Metric Index (STAR_ICMi)0,9720,729FranceClassification française DCE Indice Biologique Global Normalisé (IBGN). AFNOR NF T90-350 et arrêté ministériel du 25 janvier 2010 modifié relatif aux méthodes et critères d’évaluation de l’état écologique {…} des eaux de surface0,9400,700GreeceHellenic Evaluation System-2 (HESY-2)0,8500,637ItalyMacrOper (based on STAR Intercalibration Common Metric Index ICMi)0,9400,700SpainIberian Biological Monitoring Working Party (IBMWP)0,8400,700SpainIberian Mediterranean Multimetric Index—using quantitative data (IMMi-T)0,8500,694R-M5CyprusSTAR Intercalibration Common Metric Index (STAR_ICMi)0,9820,737GreeceHellenic Evaluation System-2 (HESY-2)0,9630,673 ItalyMacrOper (based on STAR Intercalibration Common Metric Index ICMi)0,9700,730PortugalRivers Biological Quality Assessment Method-Benthic Invertebrates (IPtIN, IPtIS)0,973 (type 5)0,705 (type 5)0,961 (type 6)0,708 (type 6)SloveniaMetodologija vrednotenja ekološkega stanja vodotokov na podlagi bentoških nevretenčarjev0,8000,600SpainIberian Biological Monitoring Working Party (IBMWP)0,8300,630SpainIberian Mediterranean Multimetric Index—using quantitative data (IMMi-T)0,8300,620

MEDITERRANEAN RIVERS GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementMacrophytes and PhytobenthosSub-Biological Quality ElementMacrophytes Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated Type and CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundaryR-M1, M2, M4Bulgaria (R-M1 and R-M2)RI (BG) (Reference Index (BG))0,6400,350CyprusIBMR — Biological Macrophyte Index for Rivers0,7950,596FranceIBMR — Indice Biologique Macrophytique en Rivière French standard NF T90-395 (2003-10-01)0,9300,745GreeceIBMR — Biological Macrophyte Index for Rivers0,7500,560ItalyIBMR — Biological Macrophyte Index for Rivers0,9000,800 PortugalIBMR — Biological Macrophyte Index for Rivers0,9200,690SloveniaMetodologija vrednotenja ekološkega stanja vodotokov na podlagi fitobentosa in makrofitov, makrofiti0,8000,600SpainIBMR — Biological Macrophyte Index for Rivers0,9500,740 MEDITERRANEAN RIVERS GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementMacrophytes and PhytobenthosSub-Biological Quality ElementPhytobenthos Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated Type and CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundaryR-M1BulgariaIPS (Indice de polluo-sensibilité)0,8200,630FranceIBD 2007 (Coste et al, Ecol. Ind. 2009). AFNOR NF-T-90-354, December 2007. Arrêté ministériel du 25 janvier 2010 modifié relatif aux méthodes et critères d’évaluation de l’état écologique {…} des eaux de surface0,9400,780GreeceIPS (Coste in Cemagref, 1982) Intercalibrated (EQR IPS)0,9560,717ItalyIntercalibration Common Metric Index (ICMi) (Mancini & Sollazzo, 2009)0,8000,610PortugalIPS (Coste in Cemagref, 1982)0,970 (type 1)0,730 (type 1)0,910 (type 3)0,680 (type 3)SloveniaMetodologija vrednotenja ekološkega stanja vodotokov na podlagi fitobentosa in makrofitov, fitobentos0,8000,600SpainIPS (Coste in Cemagref, 1982)0,9370,727 R-M2BulgariaIPDS (Indice de polluo-sensibilité)0,8200,630FranceIBD 2007 (Coste et al, Ecol. Ind. 2009). AFNOR NF-T-90-354, December 2007. Arrêté ministériel du 25 janvier 2010 modifié relatif aux méthodes et critères d’évaluation de l’état écologique {…} des eaux de surface0,9400,780GreeceIPS (Coste in Cemagref, 1982) Intercalibrated (EQR IPS)0,9530,732Italy Intercalibration Common Metric Index (ICMi) (Mancini & Sollazzo, 2009) 0,8000,610PortugalIPS (Coste in Cemagref, 1982))0,910 (type 2)0,680 (type 2)0,970 (type 4)0,730 (type 4)SloveniaMetodologija vrednotenja ekološkega stanja vodotokov na podlagi fitobentosa in makrofitov, fitobentos0,8000,600SpainIPS (Coste in Cemagref, 1982)0,9380,727R-M4CyprusIPS (Coste in Cemagref, 1982)0,9100,683FranceIBD 2007 (Coste et al, Ecol. Ind. 2009). AFNOR NF-T-90-354, December 2007. Arrêté ministériel du 25 janvier 2010 modifié relatif aux méthodes et critères d’évaluation de l’état écologique {…} des eaux de surface0,9400,780GreeceIPS (Coste in Cemagref, 1982) Intercalibrated (EQR IPS)0,9320,716Italy

Intercalibration Common Metric Index (ICMi) (Mancini & Sollazzo, 2009) 0,8000,610SpainIPS (Coste in Cemagref, 1982)0,9350,727R-M5CyprusIPS (Coste in Cemagref, 1982)0,9580,718Italy Intercalibration Common Metric Index (ICMi) (Mancini & Sollazzo, 2009) 0,8800,650 PortugalIPS (Coste in Cemagref, 1982)0,800 (Type 5)0,651 (Type 5)0,940 (Type 6)0,700 (Type 6)SloveniaMetodologija vrednotenja ekološkega stanja vodotokov na podlagi fitobentosa in makrofitov, fitobentos0,8000,600SpainIPS (Coste in Cemagref, 1982)0,9350,700 Water categoryRiversGeographical Intercalibration GroupNorthern rivers Description of types that have been intercalibrated TypeRiver characterisation Catchment area of stretch (km2) Altitude and geomorphology Alkalinity (meq/l) Organic material (mg Pt/l) R-N1Small lowland siliceous moderate alkalinity10 — 100< 200 m a.s.l. or below the highest coastline0,2 — 1 < 30 (< 150 in Ireland) R-N3Small/medium lowland organic low alkalinity10 — 1000< 0,2> 30R-N4Medium lowland siliceous moderate alkalinity100 — 10000,2 — 1< 30R-N5Small mid-altitude siliceous low alkalinity10 — 100Between lowland and highland< 0,2< 30R-N9Small/medium mid-altitude siliceous low alkalinity organic (humic)10 — 1000Between lowland and highland< 0,2> 30 Countries sharing types that have been intercalibrated: R-N1: Finland, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom R-N3: Finland, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom R-N4: Finland, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom R-N5: Finland, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom R-N9: Finland, Norway, Sweden NORTHERN RIVERS GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementBenthic invertebrate fauna (methods sensitive for organic enrichment and general degradation) Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundaryFinlandRevised Finnish river invertebrate fauna assessment method0,800,60IrelandQuality Rating System (Q-value)0,850,75NorwayASPT0,990,87SwedenDJ-index (Dahl & Johnson 2004)0,800,60United KingdomRiver Invertebrate Classification Tool (RICT)- WHPT0,970,86 Biological Quality ElementBenthic invertebrate fauna (methods sensitive for acidification) Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated The following results apply to clear, low alkalinity river types CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundaryNorwayAcidIndex2 (Modified Raddum index2) (river acidification)0,6750,515United Kingdom — ScotlandWFD-AWIC0,9100,830United Kingdom — England and WalesWFD-AWIC0,9800,890 Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated The following results apply to humic, low alkalinity river types CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundarySwedenMISA: Multimetric Invertebrate Stream Acidification index0,5500,400United KingdomWFD-AWIC0,9300,830

NORTHERN RIVERS GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementMacrophytes and PhytobenthosSub-Biological Quality ElementMacrophytes Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated Type and CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundaryR-N3 and R-N9FinlandTrophic index TIc0,8890,610SwedenTrophic index TIc0,8890,610NorwayTrophic index TIc0,8890,610 NORTHERN RIVERS GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementMacrophytes and PhytobenthosSub-Biological Quality ElementPhytobenthos Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundaryFinlandFinnish river phytobenthos method0,800,60SwedenIndice de Polluosensibilité Spécifique (IPS)0,890,74 IrelandRevised form of Trophic Diatom Index (TDI)0,930,78United KingdomDARLEQ 21,000,75NorwayPeriphyton Index of Trophic Status (PIT) 0,99 (Ca ≤ 1 mg/l) 0,83 0,95 (Ca > 1 mg/l) Water categoryRiversGeographical Intercalibration GroupsAllBiological Quality ElementFish fauna Overview of regional groups that have been established for the river fish intercalibration: Lowland-Midland group — Belgium (Flanders), Belgium (Wallonia), France, Germany, Netherlands, Lithuania, Luxembourg, United Kingdom (England and Wales), Poland, Latvia, Estonia, Denmark, Hungary Nordic group — Finland, Ireland, Sweden, United Kingdom (Scotland and Northern Ireland), Norway Alpine-type Mountains group — Austria, France, Germany, Slovenia, Italy Mediterranean South Atlantic group — Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, Bulgaria Danubian group — Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Bulgaria Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated Lowland-Midland group CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundaryBelgium FlandersUpstream and Lowland IBI0,8500,650Belgium WalloniaIBIP (Arrêté du Gouvernement wallon du 13 septembre 2012 relatif à l’identification, à la caractérisation et à la fixation des seuils d’état écologique applicables aux masses d’eau de surface et modifiant le Livre II du Code de l’Environnement, contenant le Code de l’Eau. Moniteur belge 12.10.2012)0,9580,792FranceFBI (Fish-Based Index): Indice Poissons Rivière (IPR). AFNOR NF-T-90-344.1,1310,835 GermanyFIBS — fischbasiertes Bewertungssystem für Fließgewässer zur Umsetzung der EG-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie in Deutschland1,0860,592LatviaLatvian Fish Index0,8800,660LithuaniaLithuanian River Fish Index0,9400,720LuxembourgClassification française DCE Indice Poissons Rivière (IPR). AFNOR NF-T-90-3441,1310,835NetherlandsNLFISR0,8000,600PolandEFI+PL index0,8000,600 Nordic group CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundaryFinlandFinnish Fish Index (FiFi) — type L20,6650,499FinlandFinnish Fish Index (FiFi) — type L30,6580,493FinlandFinnish Fish Index (FiFi) — type M10,7090,532FinlandFinnish Fish Index (FiFi) — type M20,7340,550FinlandFinnish Fish Index (FiFi) — type M30,7230,542IrelandFish Classification Scheme 2 Ireland (FCS2)0,8450,540SwedenSwedish method VIX0,7390,467United Kingdom — Northern IrelandIR_FCS20,8450,540

United Kingdom — ScotlandFCS2 Scotland0,8500,600 Mediterranean group CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundaryGreeceHellenic Fish Index (HeFI)0,8000,600PortugalF-IBIP — Fish-based Index of Biotic Integrity for Portuguese Wadeable Streams0,8500,675SpainIBIMED — type T20,8160,705SpainIBIMED — type T30,9290,733SpainIBIMED — type T40,8640,758SpainIBIMED — type T50,8660,650SpainIBIMED — type T60,9160,764 Alpine group CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundaryAustriaFIA0,8750,625FranceFBI (Fish-Based Index): Indice Poissons Rivière (IPR). AFNOR NF-T90-3441,1310,876GermanyFIBS — fischbasiertes Bewertungssystem für Fließgewässer zur Umsetzung der EG-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie in Deutschland1,0860,592 ItalyNISECI index (New Index of Ecological Status of Fish Communities)0,8000,520SloveniaMetodologija vrednotenja ekološkega stanja vodotokov na podlagi rib0,8000,600 Danubian group CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundaryBulgariaTsBRI (Type Specific Bulgarian Fish Index)0,8600,650Czech RepublicCzech multimetric method CZI0,7800,585RomaniaEFI+ European Fish index (cyprinid wading type)0,9390,700RomaniaEFI+ European Fish index (salmonid type)0,9110,755SlovakiaFish Index of Slovakia FIS0,7100,570 Water CategoryRiversGeographical Intercalibration GroupsAll — Very Large Rivers Description of types that have been intercalibrated TypeRiver characterisationCatchment area of stretch (km2)Alkalinity (meq/l)R-L1Very large low alkalinity rivers> 10000< 0,5R-L2Very large medium to high alkalinity rivers> 10000> 0,5 Countries sharing types that have been intercalibrated: R-L1: Finland, Norway, Sweden R-L2: Austria, Belgium (Flanders), Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden VERY LARGE RIVERS GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUPBiological Quality ElementBenthic invertebrate fauna Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundaryAustriaAssessment of the Biological Quality Elements — part benthic invertebrates (for large alpine rivers)0,800,60AustriaSlovak assessment of benthic invertebrates in large rivers (for large lowland rivers)0,800,60Belgium (Flanders)Multimetric Macroinvertebrate Index Flanders (MMIF)0,900,70BulgariamRBA — Modified Rapid Biological Assessment0,800,60CroatiaEcological status assessment system based on benthic invertebrates in very large rivers0,800,60Czech RepublicCzech system for ecological status assessment of large non-wadeable rivers using benthic macroinvertebrates0,800,60GermanyGermany PTI — Potamon-Typie-Index0,800,60EstoniaEstonian surface water ecological quality assessment _ large river macroinvertebrates0,900,70SpainIBMWP — Iberian Biological Monitoring Working Party0,790,48FinlandRevised Finnish river invertebrate fauna assessment method0,800,60

HungaryHungary HMMI_II — Hungarian Multimetric Macroinvertebrate Index for large and very large rivers0,800,60ItalyISA (Indice per la classificazione sulla base dei Substrati Artificiali) — mediterranean rivers0,940,70ItalyISA (Indice per la classificazione sulla base dei Substrati Artificiali) — non-mediterranean rivers0,960,72LithuaniaLithuanian River Macroinvertebrate Index0,800,60LatviaLRMI — Latvian large River Macroinvertebrate Index0,880,63NetherlandsWFD metrics for natural water types0,800,60NorwayNorway ASPT — Average Score Per Taxon0,990,87PolandRIVECOmacro — MMI_PL0,910,71RomaniaECO-BENT — Assessment method for ecological status of water bodies based on macroinvertebrates0,790,53SwedenAverage Score Per Taxon (ASPT) and DJ-index0,800,60SloveniaMetodologija vrednotenja ekološkega stanja vodotokov na podlagi bentoških nevretenčarjev0,800,60SlovakiaSlovak assessment of benthic invertebrates in large rivers0,800,60 VERY LARGE RIVERS GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUPBiological Quality ElementPhytoplankton Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundaryAustriaGerman PhytoFluss-Index 4.00,800,60Belgium (Flanders)German PhytoFluss-Index 2.00,800,60BulgariaGerman PhytoFluss-Index 4.00,800,60CroatiaHRPI — Hungarian River Phytoplankton Index0,800,60Czech RepublicCZ — Assessment method for ecological status of rivers based on phytoplankton0,800,60GermanyGerman PhytoFluss-Index0,800,60EstoniaEST_PHYPLA_R — Estonian Large River Phytoplankton Index0,850,65HungaryHRPI — Hungarian River Phytoplankton Index0,800,60LithuaniaGerman PhytoFluss-Index for lowland rivers of type 15.20,800,60LatviaLatvian Large River Phytoplankton Index0,800,60PolandIFPL metric — Method for large rivers assessment using phytoplankton1,080,92RomaniaECO-FITO — Assessment Method for Ecological Status of the Water Bodies based on Phytoplankton0,920,76SlovakiaPhytoplankton-SK — Slovak assessment of phytoplankton in large rivers0,800,60 VERY LARGE RIVERS GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUPBiological Quality ElementMacrophytes and PhytobenthosSub-Biological Quality ElementPhytobenthos Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated Country and TypeNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundaryR-L1FinlandFinnish river phytobenthos method0,800,60SwedenBenthic algae in running water — diatom analysis0,890,74R-L2AustriaAssessment of the Biological Quality Elements — part phytobenthos0,850,57BulgariaIPS (Indice de Polluo-Sensibilité)0,760,58Czech RepublicAssessment system for rivers using phytobenthos0,800,60EstoniaEstonian surface water ecological quality assessment — river phytobenthos0,830,64FranceIBD 2007 (Coste et al, Ecol. Ind. 2009). AFNOR NF T90-354, April 2016. Arrêté ministériel du 25 janvier 2010 modifié relatif aux méthodes et critères d’évaluation de l’état écologique {…} des eaux de surface0,920,76SpainIPS (Coste in Cemagref, 1982)0,680,48GermanyVerfahrensanleitung für die ökologische Bewertung von Fließgewässern zur Umsetzung der EG-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie: Makrophyten und Phytobenthos (PHYLIB), Modul Diatomeen0,7250,55CroatiaEcological status assessment system for phytobenthos in rivers based on diatoms0,80,61HungaryEcological status assessment for rivers based on diatoms0,7620,60

ItalyIntercalibration Common Metric Index (ICMi) (Mancini &Sollazzo 2009)0,89 (national type C)0,70 (national type C)0,82 (national type M3)0,62 (national type M3)NetherlandsWFD-metrics for natural water types0,800,60PortugalIPS — Specific Pollution Sensitivity Index0,90 (national type R_GRS/Guadiana river)0,67 (national type R_GRS/Guadiana river)SlovakiaEcological status assessment system for rivers using phytobenthos0,900,70SloveniaMetodologija vrednotenja ekološkega stanja vodotokov na podlagi fitobentosa in makrofitov, fitobentos0,800,60 Water categoryLakesGeographical Intercalibration GroupAlpine lakes Description of types that have been intercalibrated TypeLake characterisationAltitude (m above sea level)Mean depth (m)Alkalinity (meq/l)Lake size (km2)L-AL3Lowland or mid-altitude, deep, moderate to high alkalinity (alpine influence), large50 — 800> 15> 1> 0,5L-AL4Mid-altitude, shallow, moderate to high alkalinity (alpine influence), large200 — 8003 — 15> 1> 0,5 Countries sharing types that have been intercalibrated: Types L-AL3: Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Slovenia Types L-AL4: Austria, France, Germany, Italy ALPINE LAKES GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementPhytoplankton Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryAustriaEvaluation of the biological quality elements, Part B2 — phytoplankton0,800,60FrancePhytoplankton Index for Lakes (IPLAC): Indice Phytoplancton Lacustre0,800,60GermanyPSI (Phyto-Seen-Index) — Bewertungsverfahren für Seen mittels Phytoplankton zur Umsetzung der EG-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie in Deutschland0,800,60ItalyItalian Phytoplankton Assessment Method (IPAM)0,800,60SloveniaMetodologija vrednotenja ekološkega stanja jezer na podlagi fitoplanktona0,800,60 ALPINE LAKES GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementMacrophytes and PhytobenthosSub-Biological Quality ElementMacrophytes Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedIC typeEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryAustriaAIM for Lakes (Austrian Index Macrophytes for lakes) L-AL3+ L-AL4 0,800,60FranceFrench Macrophyte Index for Lakes (IBML): Indice Biologique Macrophytique en Lacs L-AL3+ L-AL4 0,920,72GermanyVerfahrensanleitung für die ökologische Bewertung von Seen zur Umsetzung der EG-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie: Makrophyten und Phytobenthos (PHYLIB), Modul Makrophyten L-AL3+ L-AL4 0,760,51 GermanyVerfahrensanleitung für die ökologische Bewertung von Seen zur Umsetzung der EG-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie: Makrophyten und Phytobenthos (PHYLIB), Modul Makrophyten und PhytobenthosLAL40,740,47ItalyMacroIMMI (Macrophytic index for the evaluation of the ecological quality of the Italian lakes) L-AL3+ L-AL4 0,800,60SloveniaMetodologija vrednotenja ekološkega stanja jezer na podlagi fitobentosa in makrofitov, makrofitiL-AL30,800,60

ALPINE LAKES GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementBenthic invertebrate fauna Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundarySloveniaMetodologija vrednotenja ekološkega stanja jezer na podlagi bentoških nevretenčarjev0,800,60GermanyAESHNA — Bewertungsverfahren für das eulitorale Makrozoobenthos in Seen zur Umsetzung der EG-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie in Deutschland0,800,60 ALPINE LAKES GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementFish fauna Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryAustriaALFI (Austrian lake fish index): A multimetric index to assess the ecological status of alpine lakes based on fish fauna0,800,60 GermanyDeLFI_SITE — Deutsches probennahmestandort-spezifisches Bewertungsverfahren für Fische in Seen zur Umsetzung der EG-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie0,850,69ItalyLake Fish Index (LFI)0,820,64 Water categoryLakesGeographical Intercalibration GroupCentral/Baltic lakes Description of types that have been intercalibrated TypeLake characterisationAltitude (m above sea level)Mean depth (m)Alkalinity (meq/l)Residence time (years)L-CB1Lowland, shallow, calcareous< 2003 — 15> 11 — 10L-CB2Lowland, very shallow, calcareous< 200< 3> 10,1 — 1 Countries sharing types that have been intercalibrated Types L-CB1: Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Ireland, Lithuania, Latvia, Netherlands, Poland, United Kingdom Types L-CB2: Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Ireland, Lithuania, Latvia, Netherlands, Poland, United Kingdom CENTRAL-BALTIC LAKES GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementPhytoplankton Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryBelgium (Flanders)Flemish phytoplankton assessment method for lakes0,800,60DenmarkDanish Lake Phytoplankton Index0,800,60EstoniaEstonian surface water ecological quality assessment — lake phytoplankton0,800,60GermanyPSI (Phyto-Seen-Index) — Bewertungsverfahren für Seen mittels Phytoplankton zur Umsetzung der EG-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie in Deutschland — German Phyto-Lake-Index (Phyto-See-Index)0,800,60 IrelandIE Lake Phytoplankton Index0,800,60LatviaLatvian Lake Phytoplankton Index0,810,61LithuaniaGerman Phytoplankton Index (PSI)0,810,61NetherlandsWFD — metrics for natural water types0,800,60PolandPhytoplankton method for Polish Lakes (PMPL)0,800,60UKPhytoplankton Lake Assessment Tool with Uncertainty Module (PLUTO)0,800,60 CENTRAL-BALTIC LAKES GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementMacrophytes and PhytobenthosSub-Biological Quality ElementMacrophytes

Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated Will be used in England, Wales and Scotland CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedIC typeEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryBelgium (Flanders)Flemish macrophyte assessment systemAll types0,800,60DenmarkDanish Lake Macrophytes IndexAll types0,800,60EstoniaEstonian surface water ecological quality assessment — lake macrophytesLCB10,780,52LCB20,760,50GermanyVerfahrensanleitung für die ökologische Bewertung von Seen zur Umsetzung der EG-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie: Makrophyten und Phytobenthos (PHYLIB), Modul MakrophytenAll types0,800,60 LatviaLatvian macrophyte assessment methodAll types0,800,60LithuaniaLithuanian Lake Macrophyte IndexAll types0,750,50NetherlandsWFD-metrics for natural water typesAll types0,800,60PolandMacrophyte based indication method for lakes — Ecological Status Macrophyte Index ESMI (multimetric)All types0,680,41UKLake LEAFPACS 2All types0,800,66 CENTRAL-BALTIC LAKES GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementBenthic invertebrate fauna Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderateBelgium (Flanders)Multimetric Macroinvertebrate Index Flanders (MMIF)0,900,70EstoniaEstonian surface water ecological quality assessment — lake macroinvertebrates0,860,70GermanyAESHNA — Bewertungsverfahren für das eulitorale Makrozoobenthos in Seen zur Umsetzung der EG-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie in Deutschland0,800,60LatviaLatvian Lake Macroinvertebrate Multimetric Index (LLMMI)0,850,52LithuaniaLithuanian Lake Macroinvertebrate Index0,740,50 NetherlandsWFDi — Metric for Natural Watertypes0,800,60UKChironomid Pupal Exuvial Technique (CPET)0,770,64 CENTRAL-BALTIC LAKES GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementFish fauna Description of common intercalibration types TypeLake characterisationAltitude (m above sea level)Mean depth (m)Alkalinity (meq/l)Residence time (years)L-CB1Lowland, shallow, calcareous< 2003 — 15> 11 — 10L-CB2Lowland, very shallow, calcareous< 200< 3> 10,1 — 1L-CB3Lowland, shallow, small, siliceous (moderate alkalinity)< 2003 — 150,2 — 11 — 10L-CB4Heavily modified water bodies200 — 7003 — 30> 0,20,1 — 5 Countries sharing types that have been intercalibrated Types L-CB1: Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Ireland, Lithuania, Latvia, Netherlands, Poland, United Kingdom Types L-CB2: Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Ireland, Lithuania, Latvia, Netherlands, Poland, United Kingdom Types L-CB3: Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, France, Latvia, Poland Types L-CB4: Czech Republic Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderateCzech RepublicCZ-FBI0,8700,619DenmarkDanish Lake Fish Index0,750,54

EELAFIEE0,800,61GermanyDeLFI_SITE — Deutsches probennahmestandort-spezifisches Bewertungsverfahren für Fische in Seen zur Umsetzung der EG-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie0,950,80FranceELFI (European Lake Fish Index): Indice Ichtyofaune Lacustre (IIL)0,730,49LatviaLatvian Lake Fish Index0,760,57LithuaniaLithuanian Lake Fish Index0,8650,605NetherlandsVISMAATLAT0,800,60PolandLFI+0,8660,595PolandLFI EN0,8040,557 Water categoryLakesGeographical Intercalibration GroupEastern Continental lakes Description of common intercalibration types TypeLake characterisationAltitude (m above sea level)Mean depth (m)Alkalinity (meq/l)Conductivity (μS/cm)L-EC1Lowland very shallow hard-water< 200< 61 — 4300 — 1000 Countries sharing types that have been intercalibrated Types L-EC1: Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania EASTERN CONTINENTAL LAKES GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUPBiological Quality ElementPhytoplankton Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryBulgariaHLPI-Hungarian lake phytoplankton index0,800,60 HungaryHLPI-Hungarian lake phytoplankton index0,800,60RomaniaHLPI-Hungarian lake phytoplankton index0,800,60 EASTERN CONTINENTAL LAKES GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUPBiological Quality ElementMacrophytes and PhytobenthosSub-Biological Quality ElementMacrophytes Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality Ratios High-good boundary Good-moderate boundary BulgariaRI-BG — Adapted Reference Index0,830,58HungaryHU-RI — Adapted Reference Index0,890,67RomaniaMIRO — Macrophyte Index for Romanian Lakes (Adapted Reference Index)0,860,66 EASTERN CONTINENTAL LAKES GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUPBiological Quality ElementBenthic invertebrate fauna Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryBulgariaHMMI_lakes (Hungarian Macrozoobenton Multimetric Index for Lakes0,850,65HungaryHMMI_lakes (Hungarian Macrozoobenton Multimetric Index for Lakes0,850,65 RomaniaECO-NL-BENT Romanian ecological status assessment system for natural lakes using benthic invertebrates0,930,60 EASTERN LAKES GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUPBiological Quality ElementFish fauna INTERCALIBRATION RESULTS NOT COMPLETED Water categoryLakesGeographical Intercalibration GroupMediterranean lakes Description of types that have been intercalibrated TypeLake characterization Altitude (m) Annual mean precipitation (mm) and T ( oC)Mean depth (m)Area (km2)Catchment (km2)Alkalinity (meq/l)L-M5/7Reservoirs, deep, large, siliceous, wet areas< 1000> 800 and/or < 15> 150,5 — 50< 20000< 1L-M8Reservoirs, deep, large, calcareous< 1000—> 150,5 — 50< 20000> 1 Countries sharing types that have been intercalibrated

Types L-M5/7: France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain Types L-M8: Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Spain MEDITERRANEAN LAKES GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementPhytoplankton High-Good boundary is not defined for reservoirs (both LM5/7 and LM8 types are reservoirs) Country and Type National classification methods intercalibrated Ecological Quality Ratios High-good boundary Good-moderate boundary LM 5/7FrancePhytoplankton Index for Lakes (IPLAC): Indice Phytoplancton Lacustren.d.0,60 GreeceNew Mediterranean Assessment System for Reservoirs (NMASRP)n.d.0,60ItalyNew Italian Method (NITMET)n.d.0,60PortugalReservoirs Biological Quality Assessment Method — Phytoplankton (New Mediterranean Assessment System for Reservoirs Phytoplankton: NMASRP).n.d.0,60SpainMediterranean Assessment System for Reservoirs Phytoplankton (MASRP).n.d.0,58L-M8CyprusNew Mediterranean Assessment System for Reservoirs Phytoplankton (NMASRP).n.d.0,60FrancePhytoplankton Index for Lakes (IPLAC): Indice Phytoplancton Lacustren.d.0,60GreeceNew Mediterranean Assessment System for Reservoirs (NMASRP)n.d.0,60ItalyNew Italian Method (NITMET)n.d.0,60SpainMediterranean Assessment System for Reservoirs Phytoplankton (MASRP).n.d.0,60 Water categoryLakesGeographical Intercalibration GroupNorthern lakes NORTHERN LAKES GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementPhytoplankton Description of types that have been intercalibrated TypeLake characterisationAltitude (m above sea level)Mean depth (m)Alkalinity (meq/l) Colour (mg Pt/l) L-N1Lowland, shallow, moderate alkalinity, clear< 2003 — 150,2 — 1< 30 L-N2aLowland, shallow, low alkalinity, clear< 2003 — 15< 0,2< 30L-N2bLowland, deep, low alkalinity, clear< 200> 15< 0,2< 30L-N3aLowland, shallow, low alkalinity, meso-humic< 2003 — 15< 0,230 — 90L-N5Mid-altitude, shallow, low alkalinity, clear200 — 8003 — 15< 0,2< 30L-N6aMid-altitude, shallow, low alkalinity, meso-humic200 — 8003 — 15< 0,230 — 90L-N8aLowland, shallow, moderate alkalinity, meso-humic< 2003 — 150,2 — 130 — 90Types L-N1, L-N2a, L-N3a, LN-8a: Ireland, Finland, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom. Types L-N2b: Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom Types L-N5, L-N6a: Norway, Sweden Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated Country National classification methods intercalibrated Ecological Quality Ratios High-good boundary Good-moderate boundary FinlandFinnish phytoplankton assessment method for lakes0,800,60IrelandIE Lake Phytoplankton Index0,800,60NorwayLake phytoplankton ecological status classification method0,800,60SwedenEcological assessment methods for lakes. quality factor phytoplankton0,800,60UKPhytoplankton Lake Assessment Tool with Uncertainty Module (PLUTO)0,800,60 NORTHERN LAKES GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementMacrophytes and PhytobenthosSub-Biological Quality ElementMacrophytes Description of types that have been intercalibrated TypeLake characterisationAlkalinity (meq/l)Color(mg Pt/l)L-N-M 101Low alkalinity, clear0,05 — 0,2< 30L-N-M 102Low alkalinity, humic0,05 — 0,2> 30L-N-M 201Moderate alkalinity, clear0,2 — 1,0< 30L-N-M 202Moderate alkalinity, humic0,2 — 1,0> 30L-N-M 301aHigh alkalinity, clear, atlantic subtype> 1,0< 30L-N-M 302aHigh alkalinity, humic, atlantic subtype> 1,0> 30Types 101, 102, 201 and 202:

Ireland, Finland, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom. Type 301a: Ireland, United Kingdom. Type 302a: Ireland, United Kingdom Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated Will be used in England, Wales and Scotland Will be used also in the UK (North Ireland) Country National classification methods intercalibrated Ecological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderateFinlandFinnish macrophyte classification system (Finnmac)0,8 (all types)0,6 (all types)IrelandFree Macrophyte Index0,9 (all types)0,68 (all types)NorwayNational macrophyte index (Trophic Index — TIc) Type 101: 0,98 Type 102: 0,96 Type 201: 0,95 Type 202: 0,99 Type 101: 0,87 Type 102: 0,87 Type 201: 0,75 Type 202: 0,77 SwedenTrophic Macrophyte Index (TMI) Type 101: 0,93 Type 102: 0,93 Type 201: 0,89 Type 202: 0,91 Type 101: 0,80 Type 102: 0,83 Type 201: 0,78 Type 202: 0,78 UKLake LEAFPACS 20,8 (all types)0,66 (all types)UKFree Macrophyte Index0,9 (all types)0,68 (all types) NORTHERN LAKES GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementBenthic invertebrates Fauna Description of types that have been intercalibrated TypeLake characterisationEcoregion Altitude (m absl) Alkalinity (meq/l)Colour (mg Pt/l)Lake littoral acidificationL-N-BF1Lowland/mid-altitude, low alkalinity, clearn.d.< 8000,05 — 0,2< 30Lake profundal eutrophicationL-N-BF2Ecoregion 22, low alkalinity, clear and humic22Area > 1 km2, max depth > 6 m< 0,2n.d.Types L-N-BF1: Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom, Ireland, Finland Types L-N-BF2: Finland, Sweden Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated Country National classification methods intercalibrated Ecological Quality RatiosHigh-goodGood-moderateLake littoral acidificationNorwayMultiClear: Multimetric Invertebrate Index for Clear Lakes0,950,74SwedenMILA: Multimetric Invertebrate Lake Acidification index0,850,60 UKLAMM (Lake Acidification Macroinvertebrate Metric)0,860,70Lake profundal eutrophicationFinlandRevised Finnish lake invertebrate fauna assessment method (PICM)0,800,60SwedenBQI (Benthic Quality Index)0,840,67 NORTHERN LAKES GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementFish fauna Description of types that have been intercalibrated TypeLake characterisationLake area km2Alkalinity (meq/l)Colour (mg Pt/l)L-N-F1Dimictic clear water lakes< 40< 0,2< 30L-N-F2Dimictic humic lakes< 5< 0,230 — 90Types L-N-F1:Ireland, Finland, Norway, Sweden, United KingdomTypes L-N-F2:Ireland, Finland, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated Country National classification methods intercalibrated Ecological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryEutrophicationFinlandEQR40,800,60IrelandFIL20,760,53UK (Northern Ireland)FIL20,760,53NorwayEindexW30,750,56SwedenEindexW30,750,56 AcidificationNorwayAindexW50,740,55SwedenAindexW50,740,55 Water categoryLakesGeographical Intercalibration GroupCross-GIG Phytobenthos

Description of types that have been intercalibrated TypeLake characterisationAlkalinity (meq/l)EcoregionsHAHigh alkalinity lakes> 1Alpine, Central-Baltic, Eastern Continental, MediterraneanMAModerate alkalinity lakes0,2 — 1Alpine, Central-Baltic, Eastern Continental, Mediterranean, NorthernLALow alkalinity lakes< 0,2NorthernTypes HA:Belgium, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Sweden, Slovenia, United KingdomTypes MA:Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Romania, Sweden, United KingdomTypes LA:Finland, Ireland, Sweden, United KingdomCountry a and Type National classification methods intercalibrated Ecological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryHA typeBelgium (Flanders)Proportions of Impact-Sensitive and Impact-Associated Diatoms (PISIAD)0,800,60GermanyVerfahrensanleitung für die ökologische Bewertung von Seen zur Umsetzung der EG-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie: Makrophyten und Phytobenthos (PHYLIB), Modul Phytobenthos0,800,55HungaryMIL — Multimetric Index for Lakes0,800,69IrelandLake Trophic Diatom Index (IE)0,900,63 ItalyItalian national method for the evaluation of the ecological quality of lake waterbodies using benthic diatoms (EPI-L)0,750,5LithuaniaLithuanian Lake Phytobenthos Index0,630,47PolandPL IOJ (Multimetryczny Indeks Okrzemkowy dla Jezior = Multimetric Diatom Index for Lakes)0,910,76SwedenIPS0,890,74SloveniaMetodologija vrednotenja ekološkega stanja jezer na podlagi fitobentosa in makrofitov, fitobentos0,800,60UKDARLEQ 20,920,70MA typeBelgium (Flanders)Proportions of Impact-Sensitive and Impact-Associated Diatoms (PISIAD)0,800,60FinlandFinnish lake phytobenthos method0,800,60IrelandLake Trophic Diatom Index (IE)0,900,63ItalyItalian national method for the evaluation of the ecological quality of lake waterbodies using benthic diatoms (EPI-L)0,750,5RomaniaNational (Romanian) Assessment Method for Natural Lakes Ecological Status based on Phytobenthos (Diatoms) RO-AMLP0,800,60SwedenIPS0,890,74UKDARLEQ 20,930,66LA typeIrelandLake Trophic Diatom Index (IE)0,900,66UKDARLEQ 20,920,70 Water categoryCoastal watersGeographical Intercalibration GroupBaltic Sea Description of types that have been intercalibrated TypeSurface salinity (psu) Bottom salinity (psu) ExposureIce daysOther CharacteristicsBC10,5 — 6 Oligohaline1 — 6Exposed90 — 150Sites in the Quark and the Bothnian Sea, extending to the Archipelago Sea (for phytoplankton the latter is excluded and integrated in type BC9). Influence of humic substancesBC26 — 22 Mesohaline2 — 6Very ShelteredLagoonsBC33 — 6 Oligohaline3 — 6Sheltered90 — 150Finnish and Estonian coasts of Gulf of FinlandBC45 — 8 Lower mesohaline5 — 8Sheltered< 90Sites of Estonia and Latvia in the Gulf of RigaBC56 — 8 Lower mesohaline6 — 12Exposed< 90Sites in the southeastern Baltic Sea along the coast of Latvia, Lithuania and PolandBC68 — 12 Mid mesohaline8 — 12Sheltered< 90Sites along the Western Baltic Sea at the southern Swedish coast and the southeastern Danish coastBC76 — 8 Mid mesohaline8 — 11Exposed< 90Western Polish coast and eastern German coastBC813 — 18 Upper mesohaline18 — 23Sheltered< 90Danish and German coasts in the Western Baltic SeaBC93 — 6 Lower mesohaline3 — 6Moderately exposed to exposed90 — 150Sites in the western Gulf of Finland, Archipelago Sea and Asko archipelago (only for phytoplankton)

Countries sharing types that have been intercalibrated: Type BC1:Finland SwedenType BC2:GermanyType BC3:Estonia, FinlandType BC4:Estonia, LatviaType BC5:Latvia, LithuaniaType BC6:Sweden, DenmarkType BC7:Germany, PolandType BC8:Germany, DenmarkType BC9:Finland, Sweden, Estonia (type only relevant for phytoplankton) BALTIC SEA GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementPhytoplankton Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated Country and TypeNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryBC7GermanyGerman coastal phytoplankton method0,80,6PolandPolish coastal phytoplankton method0,80,6BC8DenmarkDanish coastal phytoplankton method0,80,6GermanyGerman coastal phytoplankton method0,80,6 Results for parameter indicative of biomass (Chlorophyll-a) Country and TypeEcological Quality RatiosValues (μg/l)High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryBC1Finland (Quark outer)0,760,591,72,2Finland (Bothnian Sea outer)0,780,601,62,1Sweden (Quark outer)0,750,581,62,1Sweden (Bothnian Sea outer)0,800,601,52,0BC4Estonia0,8300,6702,43,0Latvia0,820,672,22,7 BC5Latvia0,6500,3901,853,1Lithuania0,8800,6002,54,9BC6Denmark0,780,621,361,72Sweden0,790,641,441,78BC9Estonia0,820,672,202,70Finland0,790,651,902,30Sweden0,800,671,501,80 BALTIC SEA GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementMacroalgae and Angiosperms Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated Country and TypeNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryBC3EstoniaEPI — Estonian coastal water phytobenthos Index (macroalgae and angiosperms)0,980,86FinlandFucus depth limit (macroalgae)0,920,79BC4EstoniaEPI — Estonian Phytobenthos Index (macroalgae and angiosperms)0,910,70LatviaPEQI — Phytobenthos Ecological Quality Index0,900,75 BC5LatviaMDFLD — Maximum depth of the red alga Furcellaria lumbricalis distribution (macroalgae)0,900,75LithuaniaMDFLD — Lithuanian maximum depth of the red alga Furcellaria lumbricalis distribution (macroalgae)0,840,68 BALTIC SEA GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementBenthic invertebrate fauna Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated Country and TypeNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryBC1FinlandBBI — Finnish Brackish water Benthic Index0,960,56SwedenBQI — Swedish multimetric biological quality index (soft sediment infauna)0,770,31BC3EstoniaZKI — Estonian coastal water macrozoobenthos community index0,390,24FinlandBBI — Finnish Brackish water Benthic Index0,940,56BC5LatviaBQI — Benthic quality index0,870,61 LithuaniaBQI — Lithuanian benthic quality index0,940,81BC6DenmarkDanish Quality Index version 2 (DKI ver2)0,840,68SwedenBQI — Swedish multimetric biological quality index (soft sediment infauna)0,760,27BC7GermanyMarBIT- Marine Biotic Index Tool—0,60PolandB — Macrozoobenthos BQE assessment by multimetric index—0,58BC8DenmarkDanish Quality Index version 2 (DKI ver2)0,860,72GermanyMarBIT — Marine Biotic Index Tool0,800,60

Water categoryCoastal watersGeographical Intercalibration GroupNorth East Atlantic Description of types that have been intercalibrated TypeCharacterisation Salinity (psu) Tidal range (m) Depth (m) Current Velocity (knots) Exposure Mixing Residence Time Type for opportunistic blooming macroalgae, seagrasses, saltmarshes and benthic invertebrate faunaNEA 1/26Open oceanic or enclosed seas, exposed or sheltered, euhaline, shallow < 30 Mesotidal 1-5 < 30 Medium 1 — 3 Exposed or sheltered Fully mixed Days (to weeks in the Wadden Sea) Subtypes for intertidal macroalgaeNEA 1/26 A2Open oceanic, exposed or sheltered, euhaline, shallow, Temperate waters (mainly, > 13 oC) and high irradiance (mainly, PAR > 29 Mol/m2 day) 30 Mesotidal 1 — 5 < 30 Medium 1 — 3 Exposed or sheltered Fully mixed DaysNEA 1/26 B21Open oceanic or enclosed seas, exposed or sheltered, euhaline, shallow Cool waters (mainly, < 13 oC) and medium irradiance (mainly, PAR < 29 Mol/m2 day)> 30 Mainly mesotidal 1 — 5 < 30Medium 1 — 3 Exposed or shelteredFully mixed DaysSubtypes for phytoplanktonNEA 1/26aOpen oceanic, exposed or sheltered, euhaline, shallow> 30 Mesotidal 1 — 5 < 30Medium 1 -3 Exposed or shelteredFully mixed DaysNEA 1/26bEnclosed seas, exposed or sheltered, euhaline, shallow> 30 Mesotidal 1 — 5 < 30Medium 1 — 3 Exposed or shelteredFully mixed DaysNEA 1/26cEnclosed seas, enclosed or sheltered, partly stratified> 30 Microtidal/Mesotidal < 1 — 5 < 30Medium 1 — 3 Exposed or shelteredPartly stratified Days to weeksNEA 1/26dScandinavian coast, exposed or sheltered, shallow> 30 Microtidal < 1 < 30Low < 1 Exposed or moderately exposedPartly stratified Days to weeksNEA 1/26eAreas of upwelling, exposed or sheltered, euhaline, shallow> 30 Mesotidal < 1 < 30Medium 1 — 3 Exposed or shelteredFully mixed DaysTypes for phytoplankton, macroalgae, seagrasses, saltmarshes, benthic invertebrate faunaNEA 5Helgoland (German Bight), rocky, exposed and partly stratified 30 Mesotidal < 30 Medium 1 — 3 ExposedPartly stratified DaysNEA 3/4Polyhaline, Exposed or moderately exposed (Wadden Sea type)Polyhaline 18 — 30 Mesotidal 1 — 5 < 30Medium 1 — 3 Exposed or moderately exposedFully mixed Days NEA 7Deep fjordic and sea loch systems> 30 Mesotidal 1 -5 > 30Low < 1 ShelteredFully mixed DaysNEA 8aSkagerrak Inner Arc Type, polyhaline, microtidal, moderately exposed, shallowPolyhaline 25 — 30 Microtidal < 1 > 30Low < 1 Moderately exposedFully mixed Days to weeksNEA 8bSkagerrak Inner Arc Type, polyhaline, microtidal, moderately sheltered, shallowPolyhaline 10 — 30 Microtidal < 1 < 30Low < 1 Sheltered to moderately exposedPartly stratified Days to weeksNEA 9Fjord with a shallow sill at the mouth with a very deep maximum depth in the central basin with poor deepwater exchangePolyhaline 25 — 30 Microtidal < 1 > 30Low < 1 ShelteredPartly stratified WeeksNEA 10Skagerrak Outer Arc Type, polyhaline, microtidal, exposed, deepPolyhaline 25 — 30 Microtidal < 1 > 30Low < 1 ExposedPartly stratified Days Countries sharing types that have been intercalibrated:

Type NEA1/26 opportunistic blooming macroalgae, seagrasses, saltmarshes, benthic invertebrate fauna:Belgium, France, Germany, Denmark, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, United KingdomType NEA1/26 A2: intertidal macroalgae:France, Spain, PortugalType NEA1/26 B21: intertidal macroalgae:France, Ireland, Norway, United KingdomType NEA1/26a phytoplankton:Spain, France, Ireland, Norway, United KingdomType NEA1/26b phytoplankton:Belgium, France, Netherlands, United KingdomType NEA1/26c phytoplankton:Germany, DenmarkType NEA1/26d phytoplankton:DenmarkType NEA1/26e phytoplankton:Portugal, SpainType NEA 5:GermanyType NEA3/4:Germany, NetherlandsType NEA7:Norway, United KingdomType NEA8a:Norway, SwedenType NEA8b:Denmark, SwedenType NEA9:Norway, SwedenType NEA10:Norway, Sweden NORTH EAST ATLANTIC GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementPhytoplankton Phytoplankton: parameter indicative of biomass parameter (Chlorophyll a) Results: Ecological quality ratios and parameter values Parameter values are expressed in μg/l as the 90 %ile value calculated over the defined growing season in a six year period. Country and TypeEcological Quality RatiosValues (μg/l)High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryNEA 1/26aFrance0,760,334,4010,00Ireland0,820,609,9015,00Norway0,670,332,505,00Spain (Eastern Cantabrian coast)0,670,331,503,00Spain (Western-Central Cantabrian Coast)0,670,333,006,00Spain (Gulf of Cadiz coast)0,670,335,0010,00United Kingdom0,800,605,0010,00NEA 1/26bBelgium0,800,6712,5015,00France0,670,4410,0015,00Netherlands0,670,4410,0015,00United Kingdom (south)0,820,639,8014,30United Kingdom (north)0,800,6010,0015,00NEA 1/26cGermany0,670,445,07,5Denmark0,670,445,07,5NEA 1/26ePortugal (Iberian strong upwelling-A5)0,6700,4408,00012,000 Portugal (upwelling-A6,A7)0,8800,4904,5008,200Spain (Western Iberian upwelling coast)0,670,446,009,00Spain (Western Iberian upwelling coast — rías)0,670,448,0012,00NEA 3/4Germany (Eems Dollard)0,800,607,0011,00Germany (Wadden Sea)0,800,607,0011,00Netherlands (Eems Dollard)0,800,606,7510,13Netherlands (Wadden Sea)0,800,609,6014,40Netherlands (North Sea)0,800,6011,2516,88NEA 8aNorway0,790,573,955,53Sweden0,750,491,542,35NEA 8b (The Sound)Denmark0,790,591,221,63Sweden0,800,601,181,56NEA 8b (The Kattegat and Great Belt)Denmark0,830,641,221,58Sweden0,840,651,181,52NEA 9Norway0,760,433,926,90Sweden0,730,381,893,60NEA 10Norway0,730,493,535,26Sweden0,710,461,392,14 NORTH EAST ATLANTIC GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementMacroalgae and AngiospermsSub-Biological Quality ElementMacroalgae Intertidal or subtidal macroalgae rocky bottom Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated Country and TypeNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryType NEA1/26 A2 intertidal macroalgaeFranceCCO — Cover, Characteristic species, Opportunistic species on intertidal rocky bottoms0,800,60PortugalPMarMAT — Marine Macroalgae Assessment Tool0,800,61SpainCFR — Quality of Rocky Bottoms0,810,60SpainRICQI — Rocky Intertidal Community Quality Index0,820,60SpainRSL — Reduced Species List0,750,48Type NEA1/26 B21 intertidal macroalgaeIrelandRSL — Rocky Shore Reduced Species List0,800,60NorwayRSLA — Rocky Shore Reduced Species List with Abundance0,800,60United KingdomRSL — Rocky Shore Reduced Species List0,800,60Type NEA 7 intertidal macroalgaeNorwayRSLA — Rocky Shore Reduced Species List with Abundance0,800,60United KingdomRSL — Rocky Shore Reduced Species List0,800,60

Type NEA8a/9/10 subtidal macroalgaeNorwayMSMDI — Multi Species Maximum Depth Index0,800,60SwedenMSMDI — Multi Species Maximum Depth Index0,800,60 NORTH EAST ATLANTIC GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementMacroalgae and AngiospermsSub-Biological Quality ElementMacroalgae Intertidal blooming macroalgae soft bottom, indicative of abundance Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated Country and TypeNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryType NEA 1/26GermanyOMAI — Opportunistic Macroalgae-cover/acreage on soft sediment intertidal in coastal waters0,780,59FranceCWOGA — Macroalgal Bloom Assessment0,8250,617IrelandOGA tool — Opportunistic Green Macroalgal Abundance0,800,60United KingdomOMBT — Opportunistic macroalgal blooming tool0,800,60 NORTH EAST ATLANTIC GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementMacroalgae and AngiospermsSub-Biological Quality ElementAngiosperms Seagrasses Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated Country and TypeNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryType NEA 1/26GermanySG — Assessment tool for intertidal seagrass in coastal and transitional waters0,800,60FranceSBQ — Seagrass beds quality in coastal and transitional water bodies0,800,645IrelandIntertidal Seagrass tool0,800,61NetherlandsSG — Monitoring beds of SG per waterbody using aerial photographs, ground truth and specifying surface & density per species0,800,60PortugalSQI — Seagrass quality index0,800,60United KingdomIntertidal Seagrass tool0,800,61Type NEA 3/4GermanySG — Bewertungssystem für Makroalgen und Seegräser der Küsten- und Übergangsgewässer zur Umsetzung der EG-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie in Deutschland0,800,60NetherlandsMonitoring beds of SG per waterbody using aerial photographs, ground truth and specifying surface and density per species0,800,60 NORTH EAST ATLANTIC GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementBenthic invertebrate fauna Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated Country and TypeNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryType NEA 1/26BelgiumBEQI — Benthic Ecosystem Quality Index0,800,60DenmarkDanish Quality Index (DKI)0,800,60GermanyM-AMBI — Multivariate AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index0,850,70FranceM-AMBI — Multivariate AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index0,770,53IrelandIQI — Infaunal Quality Index0,750,64NetherlandsBEQI2 -Benthic Ecosystem Quality Index 20,800,60NorwayNQI — Norwegian Quality Index0,720,63PortugalBAT — Benthic Assessment Tool0,790,58SpainM-AMBI — Multivariate AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index0,770,63United KingdomIQI — Infaunal Quality Index0,750,64Type NEA 3/4GermanyM-AMBI — Multivariate AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index0,850,70NetherlandsBEQI2 — Benthic Ecosystem Quality Index 20,800,60Type NEA 7NorwayNQI — Norwegian Quality Index0,720,63United KingdomIQI — Infaunal Quality Index0,750,64

Type NEA 8bDenmarkDanish Quality Index (DKI)0,840,68SwedenBQI — Swedish multimetric biological quality index (soft sediment infauna)0,710,54Type NEA 8a/9/10NorwayNQI — Norwegian Quality Index0,820,63SwedenBQI — Swedish multimetric biological quality index (soft sediment infauna)0,710,54 Water categoryCoastal watersGeographical Intercalibration GroupMediterranean Sea Description of types that have been intercalibrated (for phytoplankton only) For benthic invertebrate fauna, macroalgae and seagrasses the intercalibration results apply to the entire Mediterranean Sea covered by the Country TypeDescriptionDensity (kg/m3)Annual mean salinity (psu)Type IHighly influenced by freshwater input< 25< 34,5Type IIA, IIA AdriaticModerately influenced by freshwater input (continent influence)25 — 2734,5 — 37,5Type IIIWContinental coast, not influenced by freshwater input (Western Basin).> 27> 37,5Type IIIENot influenced by freshwater input (Eastern Basin)> 27> 37,5Type Island-WIsland coast (Western Basin)All rangeAll range Countries sharing types that have been intercalibrated: Type I:France, ItalyType IIA:France, Spain, ItalyType IIA Adriatic:Italy, SloveniaType Island-W (no boundaries for this type and no possible the intercalibration due to justified reasons):France, Spain, ItalyType IIIW:France, Spain, ItalyType IIIE:Greece, Cyprus MEDITERRANEAN SEA GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementPhytoplankton Phytoplankton: parameter indicative of biomass parameter (Chlorophyll a) Results: Ecological quality ratios and parameter values Parameter values are expressed in μg/l of Chlorophyll a, for the 90th percentile calculated over the year in at least a five year period. Country and TypeEcological Quality RatiosValues (μg/l)High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryType II AFrance0,670,371,923,50Spain0,670,371,923,50Type II A AdriaticCroatia0,820,611,704,00Italy0,820,611,704,00Slovenia0,820,611,704,00Type IIIWFrance0,670,421,181,89Spain0,670,421,181,89Type IIIECyprus0,660,370,290,53Greece0,660,370,290,53 MEDITERRANEAN SEA GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementMacroalgae and AngiospermsSub-Biological Quality ElementMacroalgae Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated The following results apply to the upper infralittoral zone (3,5-0,2 m depth) in a rocky coasts: CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryCyprusEEI-c — Ecological Evaluation Index0,760,48FranceCARLIT — Cartography of Littoral and upper-sublittoral rocky-shore communities0,750,60GreeceEEI-c — Ecological Evaluation Index0,760,48CroatiaCARLIT — Cartography of Littoral and upper-sublittoral rocky-shore communities0,750,60ItalyCARLIT — Cartography of Littoral and upper-sublittoral rocky-shore communities0,750,60MaltaCARLIT — Cartography of Littoral and upper-sublittoral rocky-shore communities0,750,60SloveniaMetodologija vrednotenja ekološkega stanja obalnega morja na podlagi makroalg0,760,48SpainCARLIT — Cartography of Littoral and upper-sublittoral rocky-shore communities0,750,60

MEDITERRANEAN SEA GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementMacroalgae and AngiospermsSub-Biological Quality ElementAngiosperms Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryCroatiaPOMI — Posidonia oceanica Multivariate Index0,7750,55CyprusPREI — Posidonia oceanica Rapid Easy Index0,7750,55 FrancePREI — Posidonia oceanica Rapid Easy Index0,7750,55ItalyPREI — Posidonia oceanica Rapid Easy Index0,7750,55MaltaPREI — Posidonia oceanica Rapid Easy Index0,7750,55SpainPOMI — Posidonia oceanica Multivariate Index0,7750,55SpainValencian-CS0,7750,55 MEDITERRANEAN SEA GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementBenthic invertebrate faunaBiological Quality Element Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryItalyM-AMBI — Multivariate AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index0,810,61SloveniaMetodologija vrednotenja ekološkega stanja obalnega morja na podlagi bentoških nevretenčarjev0,830,62CyprusBentix0,750,58FranceAMBI0,830,58GreeceBentix0,750,58SpainBOPA0,950,54SpainMEDOCC0,730,47 Water categoryCoastal watersGeographical Intercalibration GroupBlack Sea Description of types that have been intercalibrated TypeDescriptionCW-BL1Mesohaline, microtidal (< 1 m), shallow (< 30 m), moderately exposed to very exposed, mixed substratum (fine sand for zoobenthos) Countries sharing types that have been intercalibrated: Bulgaria and Romania BLACK SEA GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementPhytoplankton Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryBulgariaIBI0,800,63RomaniaIBI0,800,63 BLACK SEA GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementMacroalgae and Angiosperms Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryBulgariaEI-Ecological index0,8370,644RomaniaEI-Ecological index0,8370,644 BLACK SEA GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementBenthic Invertebrate fauna Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryBulgariaM-AMBI(n) — Multivariate AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index Normalized0,900,68RomaniaM-AMBI(n) — Multivariate AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index Normalized0,900,68 Water categoryTransitional watersGeographical Intercalibration GroupBaltic Sea GIG Description of types that have been intercalibrated

TypeSurface salinity psuBottom salinity (psu)ExposureIce daysOther CharacteristicsBT10 — 8 Oligohaline0 — 8Very sheltered—Polish Vistula lagoon and Lithuanian Curonian lagoon Countries sharing types that have been intercalibrated: Lithuania and Poland BALTIC SEA GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality ElementPhytoplankton Results for parameter indicative of biomass (Chrophyll a) The following results refer to summer mean May/June — September CountryEcological Quality RatiosValues (μg/l)High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryLithuania0,830,5731,7046,60Poland0,770,6133,4642,20 Water categoryTransitional watersGeographical Intercalibration GroupNorth East Atlantic Description of types that have been intercalibrated TypeCharacterisation Salinity (psu), Tidal range (m), Depth (m) Current Velocity (knots), Exposure Mixing Residence Time NEA 11Transitional Waters0 — 35 Micro to macrotidal < 30Variable Sheltered or moderately exposedPartly permanently stratified Days to weeks Countries sharing type that have been intercalibrated: Belgium, Germany, France, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom Description of sub common intercalibration types for Biological quality element Benthic Invertebrate Fauna: Sub typeCharacterisationMS sharing sub-typeALagoonsIreland, Spain, United KingdomBFreshwater-oligohaline, medium river flowIreland, Spain, United KingdomCMesotidal estuary with irregular river flowPortugal, SpainDLarge estuariesGermany, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, United KingdomESmall-medium estuary with > 50 % intertidal areaIreland, Germany, Spain, United KingdomFSmall-medium estuary with < 50 % intertidal areaIreland, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom NORTH EAST ATLANTIC GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality Element:Phytoplankton Phytoplankton: parameter indicative of biomass parameter (Chlorophyll a) Results: Ecological quality ratios and parameter values Parameter values are expressed in μg/l measured as the national chlorophyll-a metric calculated in a six year period. National metrics for France, Netherlands, Portugal and Spain typically use a measure of P90 Chl-a with salinity adjusted thresholds, Ireland uses a combination of P90 Chl-a and median values, and United Kingdom uses a metric based on a count of exceedances of certain statistical measures. In the case of UK, P90 values were calculated only for IC purposes. Salinity ranges stablished by the median (P50) salinity as follows: Euhaline [30,1-34,4] PSU; Polyhaline [18,1-30,0] PSU; Mesohaline [5,1-18,0] PSU; Oligohaline [0,5-5,0] PSU CountryEcological Quality RatiosValues (μg/l)High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryFrance0,670,3975,338,88 Ireland0,800,6012,9625,96Netherlands0,800,6012,0018,00Portugal-North0,6670,46710,00014,288Spain — Central Cantabrian and Galician estuaries — Mixing zone0,670,448,0012,00Spain — Central Cantabrian and Galician estuaries — Euhaline0,670,334,008,00Spain — East Cantabrian estuaries — Euhaline0,670,331,953,90Spain — East Cantabrian estuaries — Polyhaline0,670,333,306,60Spain — East Cantabrian estuaries — Mesohaline0,670,335,1010,20Spain — East Cantabrian estuaries — Oligohaline0,670,336,6013,20Spain — Gulf of Cádiz estuaries — Mixing zone0,670,333,757,50Spain — Gulf of Cádiz estuaries — Euhaline0,670,333,006,00United Kingdom0,800,6010,0015,00

NORTH EAST ATLANTIC GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality Element:Macroalgae and AngiospermsSub-Biological Quality ElementMacroalgae Intertidal blooming macroalgae soft bottom, indicative of abundance Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryFranceTWOGA — Macroalgal Bloom Assessment0,800,60 IrelandOGA Tool — Opportunistic Green Macroalgal Abundance0,800,60United KingdomOMBT- Opportunistic macroalgal blooming tool0,800,60 NORTH EAST ATLANTIC GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality Element:Macroalgae and AngiospermsSub-Biological Quality ElementAngiosperms Seagrasses Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryGermanySG-Assessment tool for intertidal seagrass in coastal and transitional waters0,800,60FranceSBQ-Seagrass beds quality in coastal and transitional water bodies0,800,645IrelandIntertidal Seagrass tool0,800,61NetherlandsSG- Monitoring beds of SG per waterbody using aerial photographs, ground truth and specifying surface & density per species0,800,60PortugalSQI-Seagrass quality index0,8000,600United KingdomIntertidal Seagrass tool0,800,61 NORTH EAST ATLANTIC GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality Element:Macroalgae and AngiospermsSub-Biological Quality ElementAngiosperms Saltmarshes Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundarySpain — CantabriaAQI — Angiosperm Quality Index0,880,73PortugalAQuA — Angiosperm Quality Assessment Index0,8000,600United KingdomSM — UK Saltmarsh Tool0,8000,600 NORTH EAST ATLANTIC GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality Element:Benthic invertebrate fauna Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundarySub type DGermanyM-AMBI — Multivariate AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index0,8500,700NetherlandsBEQI2 — Benthic Ecosystem Quality Index 20,8000,600SpainM-AMBI — Multivariate AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index0,7700,530PortugalBAT — Benthic Assessment Tool0,8380,582Sub type ESpainM-AMBI — Multivariate AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index0,7700,530SpainQSB — Quality of Soft Bottoms0,8000,600 Sub type FSpainM-AMBI — Multivariate AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index0,7700,530PortugalBAT- Benthic Assessment Tool0,8060,580 NORTH EAST ATLANTIC GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality Element:Fish fauna Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryBelgiumEBI — Zeeschelde Estuarine Biotic Index0,8500,615FranceELFI — Estuarine and Lagoon Fish Index0,9100,675GermanyFAT — TW — Fischbasiertes Bewertungswerkzeug für Übergangsgewässer der norddeutschen Ästuare0,8400,620IrelandTFCI — Transitional Fish Classification Index0,8100,580IrelandEMFI — Estuarine Multi-metric Fish Index0,9200,650NetherlandsFAT — TW — WFD Fish index for transitional waters, type O20,8000,600PortugalEFAI — Estuarine Fish Assessment Index0,8650,700SpainAFI — AZTI’s Fish Index0,7800,550SpainTFCI — Transitional Fish Classification Index0,9000,650United KingdomTFCI — Transitional Fish Classification Index0,8100,580

United KingdomEMFI — Estuarine Multi-metric Fish Index0,9200,650 Water categoryTransitional watersGeographical Intercalibration GroupMediterranean Sea Description of types that have been intercalibrated Spain and France do not consider distinction between restricted or chocked lagoons. Common IC typeType characteristicsMS sharing IC common typeCL-OligohalineCoastal lagoons (Salinity < 5 psu)Spain, France, ItalyCL-Mesohaline chocked and restrictedCoastal lagoons (Salinity 5 — 18 psu)Spain, France, Italy, GreeceCL-Polyhaline chocked and restrictedCoastal lagoons (Salinity 18 — 40 psu)Spain, France, Italy, GreeceHyperhalines (Salinity > 40 psu).Hyperhalines (Salinity > 40 psu)SpainEstuariesEstuaries (salt wedge type)Spain, Croatia MEDITERRANEAN SEA GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality Element:Phytoplankton Phytoplankton: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated Country and typeNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryCoastal lagoons Polyhaline chockedFrancePhIL — Phytoplankton index for Mediterranean polyhaline lagoons0,7100,390GreeceMPI — Multimetric Phytoplankton Index0,7800,510ItalyMPI — Multimetric Phytoplankton Index0,7800,510 Coastal lagoons Polyhaline restrictedFrancePhIL — Phytoplankton index for Mediterranean polyhaline lagoons0,7100,390GreeceMPI — Multimetric Phytoplankton Index0,8200,540ItalyMPI — Multimetric Phytoplankton Index0,8200,540 MEDITERRANEAN SEA GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality Element:Macroalgae and Angiosperms Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryFranceExclame0,80,6GreeceEEI-c — Ecological Evaluation Index0,70,4ItalyMaQI — Macrophyte Quality Index0,80,6 MEDITERRANEAN SEA GEOGRAPHICAL INTERCALIBRATION GROUP RESULTSBiological Quality Element:Benthic invertebrate fauna Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems intercalibrated Country and TypeNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryCoastal lagoons Polyhaline restrictedFranceM-AMBI — Multivariate AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index0,840,63 ItalyM-AMBI — Multivariate AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index0,960,71GreeceM-AMBI — Multivariate AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index0,830,62CL-Mesohaline chocked and restrictedItalyM-AMBI — Multivariate AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index—0,71GreeceM-AMBI — Multivariate AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index—0,62 -- PART 2 -- Water categoryRiversGeographical Intercalibration GroupCross-GIG River fish fauna Biological Quality ElementFish fauna Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods Mediterranean group CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundaryItalyNISECI index (New Index of Ecological Status of Fish Communities)0,800,60BulgariaTsBRI (Type Specific Bulgarian Fish Index)0,8600,650

Water categoryRiversGeographical Intercalibration GroupCross-GIG Very Large Rivers Biological Quality ElementMacrophytes and PhytobenthosSub-biological Quality ElementPhytobenthos Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods intercalibrated — Type R-L2 CountryNational classification systems intercalibratedEcological Quality RatiosHigh-Good boundaryGood-Moderate boundaryBelgium (Flanders)PISIAD index (Proportions of Impact-Sensitive and Impact-Associated Diatoms)0,800,60 Water categoryLakesGeographical Intercalibration GroupAlpine lakes Biological Quality ElementBenthic invertebrates fauna Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods CountryNational classification systemsEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryItalyBQIES (Benthic Quality Index Expected Species number)0,880,76 Biological Quality ElementFish fauna Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods CountryNational classification systemsEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryFranceELFI (European Lake Fish Index): Indice Ichtyofaune Lacustre (IIL)0,730,49 Water categoryLakesGeographical Intercalibration GroupCentral-Baltic lakes Biological Quality ElementPhytoplankton Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods CountryNational classification methodsEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryFrancePhytoplankton Index for Lakes (IPLAC): Indice Phytoplancton Lacustre0,800,60 Biological Quality ElementMacrophytes and PhytobenthosSub-biological Quality ElementMacrophytes Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods CountryNational classification methodsEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryFranceFrench Macrophyte Index for Lakes (IBML): Indice Biologique Macrophytique en Lacs0,800,60 Biological Quality ElementFish fauna Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods CountryNational classification methodsEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryBelgium (Flanders)Fish-based index for lakes and reservoirs in Flanders (Belgium)0,800,60 Water categoryLakesGeographical Intercalibration GroupMediterranean lakes Biological Quality ElementPhytoplankton Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods CountryNational classification methodsEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryFrancePhytoplankton Index for Lakes (IPLAC): Indice Phytoplancton Lacustre0,800,60GreeceHeLPhy — Hellenic Lake Phytoplankton Assessment Method0,800,60ItalyItalian phytoplankton assessment method (IPAM)0,800,60 Biological Quality ElementMacrophytes and PhytobenthosSub-biological Quality ElementMacrophytes Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods CountryNational classification methodsEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryFranceFrench Macrophyte Index for Lakes (IBML): Indice Biologique Macrophytique en Lacs0,800,60GreeceHeLM — Hellenic Lake Macrophytes Assessment Method0,800,60ItalyVLMMI — Volcanic Lakes Multimetric Macrophyte Index0,700,50

Biological Quality ElementBenthic Invertebrate fauna Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods CountryNational classification methodsEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryGreeceGLBiI — Greek Lake Benthic invertebrate Index0,800,60 ItalyBQIES (Benthic Quality Index Expected Species number)0,880,76 Biological Quality ElementFish fauna Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods CountryNational classification methodsEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryFranceELFI (European Lake Fish Index): Indice Ichtyofaune Lacustre (IIL)0,730,49GreeceGLFI — Greek Lake Fish Index0,800,60ItalyLake Fish Index (LFI)0,820,64 Water categoryLakesGeographical Intercalibration GroupEastern Continental lakes Biological Quality ElementFish fauna Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification methods CountryNational classification methodsEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryBulgariaBulgarian fish based method for ecological classification and monitoring of lakes0,760,52 Water categoryCoastal watersGeographical Intercalibration GroupBaltic Sea Biological Quality ElementPhytoplankton Phytoplankton: parameter indicative of biomass parameter (Chlorophyll a) Results: Ecological quality ratios and parameter values Country and TypeEcological Quality RatiosValues (μg/l)High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryBC2 (including German national types B1, B2a, B2b)Germany (B1)0,910,679,3012,70Germany (B2a)0,890,671,802,40Germany (B2b)0,930,671,401,95 Biological Quality ElementMacroalgae and Angiosperms Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems Country and TypeNational classification systemsEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryBC2GermanyPHYBIBCO — PHYtoBenthic Index for Baltic inner coastal waters0,800,60BC1FinlandFucus depth limit(macroalgae)0,900,74SwedenMSMDI (macroalgae and angiosperms)0,600,40BC6DenmarkDepth limit of eelgrass, Zostera marina (angiosperm)0,900,74SwedenMSMDI(macroalgae and angiosperms)0,600,40BC7GermanyBalcosis — Baltic ALgae COmmunity AnalySIs System(macroalgae and angiosperms)0,800,60 PolandMQAI — Macrophyte Quality Assessment Index0,900,70BC8GermanyBalcosis — Baltic ALgae COmmunity AnalySIs System(macroalgae and angiosperms)0,800,60 Results: Ecological quality ratios and parameters values for parameter indicative of abundance (Depth limit of eelgrass Zostera marina (angiosperm) Country and TypeEcological Quality RatiosParameter values/ranges Depth limit (m) Eelgrass Zoster marinaHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryBC8 Denmark Open coast 0,900,748,57 Biological Quality ElementBenthic Invertebrate fauna Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems Country and TypeNational classification systemsEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryBC2GermanyMarBIT- Marine Biotic Index Tool0,800,60BC4EstoniaZKI — Estonian coastal water macrozoobenthos community index0,390,24LatviaBQI — Benthic quality index0,880,75

Water categoryCoastal watersGeographical Intercalibration GroupNorth East Atlantic Biological Quality ElementPhytoplankton Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems Country and TypeNational classification systemsEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryNEA 7United KingdomPhytoplankton tool0,800,60 Phytoplankton: parameter indicative of biomass parameter (Chlorophyll a) Results: Ecological quality ratios and parameter values Parameter values are expressed in μg/l as the 90 %ile value calculated over the defined growing season in a six year period. Country and TypeEcological Quality RatiosValues (μg/l)High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryNEA 1/26dDenmark0,660,503,004,00NEA 5Germany0,670,445,007,50NEA 7Norway0,670,332,505,00United Kingdom (inshore/North Sea)0,670,3310,0015,00United Kingdom (Atlantic)0,670,335,0010,00 Biological Quality ElementMacroalgae and AngiospermsSub-Biological Quality ElementMacroalgae Intertidal or subtidal macroalgae rocky bottom Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems Country and TypeNational classification systemsEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryType NEA 5GermanyHPI — Helgoland Phytobenthic Index0,800,60 Biological Quality ElementMacroalgae and AngiospermsSub-Biological Quality ElementMacroalgae Intertidal blooming macroalgae soft bottom, indicative of abundance Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems CountryNational classification systemsEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryNEA 3/4GermanyOMAI — Opportunistic Macroalgae-cover/acreage on soft sediment intertidal in coastal waters0,800,60 Biological Quality ElementMacroalgae and AngiospermsSub-Biological Quality ElementAngiosperms Saltmarshes Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems CountryNational classification systemsEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryGermanyEM — Assessment of saltmarsh vegetation in coastal and transitional waters0,800,60 IrelandSMAATIE — Saltmarsh Angiosperm Assessment Tool for Ireland0,800,60NetherlandsTSM — WFD-metrics for natural watertypes: tidal salt marsh0,800,60United KingdomSM — UK Saltmarsh Tool0,800,60 Biological Quality ElementMacroalgae and Angiosperms Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems Country and TypeNational classification systemsEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryType NEA 8bSwedenMSMDI (macroalgae and angiosperms)0,800,60DenmarkDepth limit of eelgrass Zostera marina (angiosperm)0,900,74 Biological Quality ElementBenthic Invertebrate fauna Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems Country and TypeNational classification systemsEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryType NEA 1/26PortugalRAT — Rocky Shore Assessment Tool0,8000,600SpainBO2A — Benthic Opportunistic polychaetes/amphipods index0,830,50

Type NEA 5GermanyMarBIT — Marine Biotic Index Tool0,800,60 Water categoryCoastal watersGeographical Intercalibration GroupMediterranean Sea Biological Quality ElementPhytoplankton Phytoplankton: parameter indicative of biomass parameter (Chlorophyll a) Results: Ecological quality ratios and parameter values Parameter values are expressed in μg/l of Chlorophyll a, for the 90th percentile calculated over the year in at least a five year period. The values are not national boundaries but threshold values Country and TypeEcological Quality RatiosValues (μg/l)High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryType IFrance0,6700,3304,92510,000Italy0,8500,6205,60014,100Type II A TyrrhenianItaly0,840,621,172,90Type III W AdriaticItaly1,7Type III W TyrrhenianItaly1,17 Biological Quality ElementMacroalgae and AngiospermsSub-Biological Quality ElementAngiosperms Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems CountryNational classification systemsEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryGreeceCymoSkew0,750,5 Water categoryTransitional watersGeographical Intercalibration GroupNorth East Atlantic Biological Quality ElementPhytoplankton Phytoplankton: parameter indicative of biomass parameter (Chlorophyll a) Results: Ecological quality ratios and parameter values Parameter values are expressed in μg/l as the 90 %ile value calculated over the defined growing season CountryEcological Quality RatiosValues (μg/l)High-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryBelgium1,000,60100200 Biological Quality ElementMacroalgae and AngiospermsSub-Biological Quality ElementAngiosperms Saltmarshes Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems CountryNational classification systemsEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryBelgiumTMQI -Tidal Marsh Quality Index0,850,75GermanyEM — Assessment of saltmarsh vegetation in coastal and transitional waters0,800,60 IrelandSMAATIE — Saltmarsh Angiosperm Assessment Tool for Ireland0,800,60NetherlandsTSM — WFD-metrics for natural watertypes: tidal salt marsh0,800,60 Biological Quality ElementMacroalgae and AngiospermsSub-Biological Quality ElementAngiosperms Seagrasses Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems CountryNational classification systemsEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundarySpain — CantabriaAQI — Angiosperms Quality Index0,8500,700 Biological Quality ElementBenthic Invertebrate fauna Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems Country and TypeNational classification systemsEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryBelgiumBEQI — Benthic Ecosystem Quality Index0,750,5Sub type DGermanyAeTV — Aestuar Type Verfahren0,800,60IrelandIQI — Infaunal Quality Index0,750,64SpainTasBEM — Taxonomically Sufficient Benthic Multimetric0,790,66United KingdomIQI — Infaunal Quality Index0,750,64 Sub type EGermanyAeTV — Aestuar Type Verfahren0,800,60GermanyM-AMBI -0,850,70IrelandIQI — Infaunal Quality Index0,750,64SpainTasBEM — Taxonomically Sufficient Benthic Multimetric0,790,66United KingdomIQI — Infaunal Quality Index0,750,64Sub type FIrelandIQI — Infaunal Quality Index0,750,64SpainTasBEM — Taxonomically Sufficient Benthic Multimetric0,790,66United KingdomIQI — Infaunal Quality Index0,750,64

Water categoryTransitional watersGeographical Intercalibration GroupMediterranean Sea Biological Quality ElementPhytoplankton Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems Country and TypeNational classification systemsEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryCoastal lagoons oligohaline and mesohalineSpain (Balearic Islands)FITOHMIB0,930,73EstuariesSpain (Southern Coast)TWIf — Phytoplankton index for transitional waters0,500,36 CroatiaMPI — Multimetric Phytoplankton Index0,800,60 Biological Quality ElementBenthic invertebrate fauna Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems Country and TypeNational classification systemsEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryCoastal lagoons Oligohaline, Mesohaline and PolyhalineSpain (Balearic Islands)INVHMIB0,930,73Coastal lagoons OligohalineSpain (Northeastern Coast)QAELS0,860,58Coastal lagoons MesohalineSpain (Northeastern Coast)QAELS0,720,62EstuariesSpain (without salt wedge — Southern Coast)BO2A0,870,45Spain (with salt wedge — Southern Coast)BO2A0,870,52 Biological Quality ElementFish fauna Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems CountryNational classification systemsEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryItalyHFBI — Habitat Fish Bio-Indicator0,940,55CroatiaM-EFI — Modified Estuarine Fish Index0,800,60 Water categoryTransitional watersGeographical Intercalibration GroupBlack Sea Biological Quality ElementPhytoplankton Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems CountryNational classification systemsEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryRomaniaIBI — Integrated Biological Index0,700,42 Biological Quality ElementBenthic invertebrate fauna Results: Ecological quality ratios of national classification systems CountryNational classification systemsEcological Quality RatiosHigh-good boundaryGood-moderate boundaryRomaniaM-AMBI(n) — Multivariate AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index Normalized0,900,68