Macrophytes (Aquatic Plants)

The macrophyte module is used to assess watercourses based on macrophyte community condition in wadable rivers and streams. Macrophytes are sessile and perennial, and hence integrate environmental and human impacts over longer time-periods. They are closely linked to the hydraulic and structural habitat conditions, they are a particularly well indicators of related human impacts (e.g. modification of river-banks or -beds).

What is assessed:

A survey of the macrophytes of the stream reach is used to assess whether vegetation is close to natural and appropriate to the site, and whether the diversity of plants corresponds to that of only slightly impaired streams. Based on these results, conclusions can be drawn about the condition of the stream. In addition, priority and endangered species are localized.

Recorded parameters:

The evaluation is based on aquatic as well as helophytic species of regularly flooded areas of the adjacent river bank.

Evaluation:

The method is based on a river typology and type specific reference conditions, and integrates both ecological (e.g. diversity, biomass) as well as conservation (e.g. neophytes, priority species) attributes. 

For the analysis of the collected data, an electronic tool is provided.

The evaluation is done in five quality classes.

Remarks on the digital attachments and electronic tool:

• The digital attachments and electronic tool are available on the german and french page
• The electronic tool is still under consultation and may therefore be updated. Please make sure that you have the latest version.
• A data entry form is now available with the tool of the macrophyte module to facilitate data entry.