How is ecological potential being addressed?

Water uses like ports, canals, and reservoir mean that a water body's shape and form (ie. morphology) will be physically altered. This may be via bank hardening, a weir, or dredging which could impact on biology. The Directive allows for these water bodies to be designated as HMWB or AWB and need to achieve good ecological potential rather than ecological status. Ecological Potential means that we manage the water body to achieve the biology that can be achieved given its changed conditions. Annex V of the Directive sets outs requirements for ecological potential. Good chemical status must be achieved.

We anticipate that advice will be published on Good Ecological Potential during 2007.