Environmental monitoring and evaluation of Swedish coastal waters are based on several programmes using water quality assessment indicators. The objective of this sub-project is to design and conduct a field study in which indicator response is examined along a eutrophication gradient.
Indicators representing various WFD quality elements (i.e., phytoplankton, macrophytes, benthic invertebrates, and fish) will be compared in terms of their sensitivity and functional response to nutrient loading in two coastal areas, one on the east and one on the west coast of Sweden. This simultaneous comparison between fixed areas will let us evaluate the response of various indicators to human pressures.
Dose–response functions for present and new indicators will be compared along pressure gradients, where class boundaries and reference conditions will be evaluated. Simulation studies quantifying the power of various experimental designs for establishing dose–response functions will be evaluated to identify the most cost-effective design.
The gradient study will be carried out in areas where background data are available and, if possible, in cooperation with ongoing monitoring programmes. The results of this study will be used in selecting relevant indicators for the implementation of future monitoring programmes and the improvement of assessment criteria for coastal waters.
