Meeting ecological restoration targets in European waters: a challenge for animal agriculture

摘要: Abstract The EU Water Framework Directive requires the restoration of water bodies to good ecological status within a prescribed timetable. It applies in all member states, is mandatory, and classifica-tion quality as function extent degradation from reference (unimpacted) conditions. Nutrient enrichment single greatest pollution problem impacting on European waters, diffuse nutrient export agriculture primary source this most intensively farmed regions Europe. Here, scale illustrated with refer-ence specific conditions UK, set wider context. By way example, waters England Wales illustrated, options for reduc-tion loading these are analysed. Key trends identified analysis indicate importance animal contributor total agricultural English Welsh overwhelming need bring sources under control if suitable sustaining ‘Good Ecological Status’ be generated. also highlights likely impact broad regional scenarios rates across Wales. conclusions reached include take some sensitive lands out production, introduce ceilings fertilizer use stocking densities, tight controls agri-cultural practice higher risk areas where intensive inappropriate combined low intrinsic retention capacity landscape.