Sharing of EDF's experiences on the implementation of the European Water Framework Directive

Abstract

As a user and manager of surface water, EDF contributes fully to achieving the good ecological status defined by the European Water Framework Directive. Research and Development department of EDF (EDF R&D) was therefore involved to provide expertise on the selected bioindicators, particularly for fish. The objective was to assess their responses to stream pressures nearby of electricity production facilities. EDF R&D, in collaboration with the Office Français de la Biodiversité, analysed the IPR results calculated in two fish contexts: (i) multispecies populations of a large river and (ii) salmonids populations dominated by the brown trout. The European Fish Index was also applied in these same contexts. These analyses highlighted the application limits and the robustness of these indicators. They contributed to the IPR user guide published in 2006 by the OFB. The fish indices developed for the assessment of the ecological status provide a synthetic evaluation of the status of fish populations. Only a detailed diagnosis can assess the impact of a given disturbance, such as the presence and operation of electricity production facilities.