Scientific base and modular concept for comprehensive assessment of streams in Switzerland

摘要: There is a difficult polarity between reality and ecologically desirable goals of stream ecosystem management in Switzerland. Most streams are exposed to variety impacts. Due high intensity anthropogenic activity there pressure on land water use. Essential uses have be guaranteed. On the other hand also strong need preserve or restore (bring back ecological integrity) rehabilitate ‘relative integrity’). Stream assessment should, therefore, produce sound data suitable for characterizing condition supporting their sustainable management. The methods should include system approach as basic unit scientific principles integrity emphasizing habitat connectivities. allow: • rationally described judged, identification different kind impacts stream, verification effects protection measures, future actions context whole system. In order cover various requirements modular concept system-oriented analysis was developed. Altogether nine modules elaborated. Each module deals with specific features (two hydrodynamic ecomorphological modules, five biological two chemical ecotoxicological modules). Single several all them may applied, depending purpose analysis. For each cost-effective survey procedure (rapid method) progressively more rigorous method providing detailed information suggested. Based result analysis, rehabilitation concepts can then elaborated cooperation managers, river engineers biologists.