A zone-specific fish-based biotic index as a management tool for the Zeeschelde estuary (Belgium)

Jan Breine, Paul Quataert, Maarten Stevens, F Ollevier, F. A. M Volckaert, Erika Van den Bergh, J Maes

    Onderzoeksoutput: Bijdrage aan tijdschriftA1: Web of Science-artikelpeer review

    12 Downloads (Pure)

    Uittreksel

    Fish-based indices monitor changes in surface waters and are a valuable aid in communication by summarising complex information about the environment (Harrison and Whitfield, 2004). A zone-specific fish-based multimetric estuarine index of biotic integrity (Z-EBI) was developed based on a 13year time series of fish surveys from the Zeeschelde estuary (Belgium). Sites were pre-classified using indicators of anthropogenic impact. Metrics showing a monotone response with pressure classes were selected for further analysis. Thresholds for the good ecological potential (GEP) were defined from references. A modified trisection was applied for the other thresholds. The Z-EBI is defined by the average of the metric scores calculated over a one year period and translated into an ecological quality ratio (EQR). The indices integrate structural and functional qualities of the estuarine fish communities. The Z-EBI performances were successfully validated for habitat degradation in the various habitat zones. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
    Oorspronkelijke taalEngels
    TijdschriftMarine Pollution Bulletin
    Volume60
    Exemplaarnummer7
    Pagina's (van-tot)1099-1112
    Aantal pagina’s14
    DOI's
    PublicatiestatusGepubliceerd - 2010

    Taxonomische lijst

    • vissen (Pisces)

    Beleidsmatig

    • Kaderrichtlijn Water (KRW)

    Geografische lijst

    • Schelde

    Technologisch

    • statistiek en modellering

    Vingerafdruk

    Bekijk de onderzoeksthema's van 'A zone-specific fish-based biotic index as a management tool for the Zeeschelde estuary (Belgium)'. Samen vormen ze een unieke vingerafdruk.

    Dit citeren