STAR - Standardisation of River Classifications
Framework method for calibrating different biological survey results against ecological quality classifications to be developed for the Water Framework Directive

After a six-month extension the STAR project has ended by the end of June 2005.

The variety of assessment methods for streams and rivers in Europe provides good opportunities for implementing the Water Framework Directive but their diversity may also result in serious strategic problems.

The number of organism groups that will be used to assess Ecological Status, and the number of methods available for doing so are so diverse that inter-calibration and standardisation of methods is crucial.

Similarly, protocols need to be devised to integrate the information gathered on the different taxonomic groups.

The project aims to derive a detailed picture of which methods are best suited for which circumstances as a basis for standardisation.

We propose to develop a standard for determining class boundaries of Ecological Status and another for inter-calibrating existing methods.

Website: www.eu-star.at